Did I buy the wrong generator?

[yooper1]

Yes

every season we would test as i stated and the opinion I stated above is based on our testing.

But we also tested Honda next to many others and as in another reply....if I had the money, I would go with the a Honda

 

[IslandTractor]

This is a strong endorsement that I would have bet against. TBN is a great source of info.
I have a Honda 6500 water cooled with more than 2500 trouble free hours and suspect many more to go. I change the oil every 50 hours as it only takes a quart and worth the small cost.

I just picked up a used Honda EX5500 for $900. Probably 10-15 years old but barely used. I'd never looked at a liquid cooled generator before. Amazing how quiet it is. Sounds like a Honda Accord idling. Weighs 400 lbs though so despite wheels it is barely portable. I got it instead of paying much more to have a 220v line put in our detached garage for welding.

Regarding the OP's concern of B&S vs Subaru Robin, it seems that all of these engines are way more reliable these days. I own three B&S and three Honda powered devices. No problems with any of them. That said, the Subaru small engines have a great rep too. I think they use them in the PowerTracs now. As I recall in the 1980's Honda really was the only very reliable motor but I think the other good manufacturers have caught up.

 

[RobertBrown]

I have a 5000 watt with a briggs ohv 9.5 hp. It has 100's? of hours, maybe more. It has never failed to start and run.
I have owned it for 12 years? maybe more.
I replaced the carb once because I couldn't get it to run perfectly smooth as I like a generator to run, but that has more to do with gas and maintenance than anything else

Since generators have a tendency to sit much more than they run. It's more important to keep it properly maintained and get one that you can get filters and fuel system parts for. So I think Briggs is the choice over Subaru Robin. But that has to do with where you live too.

 

[Gizmo2]

I expect in using as most people do, you'll never know the difference. If it is to be heavily used, I would want something besides either one of the 2 choices.

X2

I have a similar sized generator with a 10 hp B&S engine and it has been essentially trouble-free for almost 10 years.

For home use, again X2

 

[Gizmo2]

Come to think of it, if I had to replace our 5200 watt, 10 hp BS generator and had the money for one with a Honda engine, I'd by the BS again and use the rest of the money for something else. Just sayin!

 

[TimberXX]

Yes

every season we would test as i stated and the opinion I stated above is based on our testing.

But we also tested Honda next to many others and as in another reply....if I had the money, I would go with the a Honda

What company tests units like this?

 

[WilliamBos]

I would go Subaru. Have not had a BS that was worth a hoot. If Honda is out of the scenario for you, go Subaru..

 

[General Lee]

I have a Troy built 5500 watt w/8250 starting watts - Briggs and Stratton motor. I've had it for 3 years. One year I ran it pretty much 2 days straight and this year 5 days straight. So far not a hick up. Runs everything I need at once.... 3 fridges, 1 freezer, lights, TV w/ satellite, oil furnace. With staggered use... hot water tank and well pump.

 

[dstig1]

Engine on my SuperSplitter is a Subaru Robin ~4.5-5 hp. Starts from cold on first or second pull and runs great. Had it 2 years now. Probably has 50-100 hrs on it by now.

 

[JB4310]

Not that I have much of a choice, Generators are slim pickings hereabouts...


But Home Depot has TWO different Husky 5000w generators. One has a Subaru motor, one has a Brigs & Stratton.

Same price.


I drove 65 miles round trip to get the only one anywhere near me.

I got the Brigs and Stratton, I thought I was going to get the Subaru one (My FIL has one and loves it).

Be well,
David

Is there a difference in price between the 2?

There are plenty of B&S small engines in service out there. At one time they were pretty much what powered everything.
But B&S is not what I look for now in power equipment, especially for commercial use. I have an industrial multiquip generator, only 3600 watts but has a subaru motor that is as good or better than any Honda, over 30 years old too. I also have a billygoat leaf blower with 9 hp subaru motor, it's supposed to be a little longer life than the B&S powered model. geared to contractors.

That said, I think the B&S would serve your needs for occasional back up power supply. Just swap the fuel out a couple times a year, keep stabil in the fuel and run it minimum twice a year.

JB