Backup Generator

[downsizingnow48]

Will check out Hardy and Aurora and Norwall, thanks for the info!

 

[newbury]

For years I have got by at the Mendocino place with a old 3500w Craftsman construction generator. It feeds into an interlocking manual switch that selects either PG&E or generator power. The switch has two breakers, 100 amp goes to the house and 60 amp goes to the shop. The setup works fine but requires a lot of swapping of loads to get along during an extended outage. The power goes out for 4hrs - 2 days at a time, up to a week sometimes. And this happens probably 10-12 times a year. In the past, we often just bail out and go back to Sacramento rather than deal with the outage and the small generator.

I want to upgrade the backup power so we can stay there during outages with less generator management. I've been looking at generators in the 9-12kw range. Here is the question, looking at the table below, does anyone have direct experience with any of these machines? I am favoring either the Honda gas or the Kubota diesel at this point, because I have current and direct personal experience with both manufacturer's motors and it is all good. I should add the old Craftsman (20-30 years) has a Generac motor that is 100% reliable and easy to start, but I cannot assume current Generac motors are equally good.

You don't mention a price range your looking for. Also how portable does it need to be?

There are many on here who have bought the Duromax XP10000EH on ebay from Factory Authorized outlet and sometimes for as little as $500.
The price jumps up and down, lately I've seen several times this year it's gone for $500. As of this writing they want $990 for it and say it's the lowest price of the year, but it's not. DuroMax 1 Watt Hybrid Dual Fuel Portable Gas Propane Generator - RV Standby | eBay

I've got one that's been run for about a week or two run-time, mostly on propane, but tested on gas.

Couple of threads:
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/336996-smokin-deal-10-000watt-generator-9.html
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...duromax-model-xp10000eh-generator-review.html

I thought a back up generator would be a good idea so in 2002 I bought a new Honda generator.
It's been sitting in my garage ever since, never used, never had gas in it.
Not one of my better ideas.:confused3:

Should have gotten a Duromax, you could have hooked it up to a 20lb propane tank for $40 and not worried about fuel going bad

Thanks for all comments. I sent a note to the Maine generator place to see about shipping. It is about as far from the Mendocino coast as you can get without jumping into the Atlantic Ocean so probably too costly.

Duromax is free shipping from ebay.

Looking at your spreadsheet you could buy 5 to 10 Duromax's on sale for the the cost of the more expensive ones.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I have been following the Duromax threads. I used the Champion as a example of low price gasoline generators like Duromax. On portability, none required. This goes into a generator shed I am building beside the shop and that is it. At this point I am mostly thinking of the diesel possibilities, so for budget that is 6-8k.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

If I were you...

Kubota 9,875 Watt Diesel Generator

I think IF I was looking for a stationary gen set, THAT one would be my choice too...

That's a really nice, well thought out unit, and it looks to be built from quality parts!

SR

 

[Hunter29]

I have been following the Duromax threads. I used the Champion as a example of low price gasoline generators like Duromax. On portability, none required. This goes into a generator shed I am building beside the shop and that is it. At this point I am mostly thinking of the diesel possibilities, so for budget that is 6-8k.

Be aware of what your buying, you want at least 1.5 HP Per KW, if it is less you won't get the rated output in most cases.. That Kubota is very nice but its not 10kw....so be sure to look at HP at 1800 rpm..

 

[Hunter29]

And if it were me I would only buy a Mecc Alte alternator, at Maine both the Kubota and Perkins have them, they are considered the best..


Mecc Alte | The World's Largest Independent Producer of Alternators 1 - 5,kVA

 

[Hunter29]

Here is a strong 10kw,, bigger engine , cost more..

1 kw Diesel Generator Kubota | eBay

 

[TheMan419]

If I lost power that often (and I am assuming you have no access to piped in natural gas) I would look diesel. You can store the fuel a lot longer than gasoline. Easier to resupply in a storm. You can get out and get the fuel rather than being at the mercy of the propane truck.

I'd likely also keep my hands on the gasoline unit you already own as a back up back up. Also an alternate fuel source if you can find gas but not diesel at any point in time.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Yep that old Craftsman generator is a keeper, excellent backup for the backup.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Just visited the local Kubota dealer. The general manager said they will meet the online price I showed them for the GL11000. That was $6926 from Generators Direct. The Kubota catalog price was about $800 more.

I like the 1800rpm Kubota engined generator from Maine a lot. With top grade alternator. But I also like getting something like this from a local dealer. Have to see what the Maine place quotes for shipping.