Diesel Generator

[GIJOE]

I am in the market for a diesel generator. I'm looking for one that will supply about 10,000 watts continuous and as portable and compact as possible. I have found several on-line, but was wondering if anyone has any experience with any particular brand (good or bad). I'm not brand loyal, but don't want to buy one that doesn't last beyond the warranty or one that parts are hard to get.

Joe

 

[tornadowatchranch]

I got my home generator from Norwall power systems and was very happy with both price and knowledge on the phone. I don't know if they have what you want but it may be worth a gander.

 

[Soundguy]

they mke genny welders inthe 10k range.

also..I've seen 10k deisel sets at box stores like HD / lowes.

as for portable? the gen head itself is going to be close to a hundred pounds... the engine and frame rails? I'd have to think you are going to be lookint at something inthe 300-400# range.. easy..

soundguy

 

[Skyco]

At least that heavy...my two chinese 6k diesel gensets weigh about 350 lbs each...even two guys aren't throwing that in the back of the truck

 

[Soundguy]

I heard that!

soundguy

 

[GIJOE]

Thanks Guys,
When I said compact and portable as possible, I wasn't talking about a small 5500W gen from a box store. Here are a few links of what I'm actually looking at. I just wanted to get some opinions of different brands and models before before I posted any links, so the focus wouldn't be on just these listed. I have also noticed that some of the diesel gens turn at 1800RPM and some at 3600RPM. Are there any advantages or disadvantages between the two, besides fuel consumption?
Kubota Diesel Generator | Kubota 11kw | Lowboy Generator
Portable Generator, GeneratorJoe, LR130EL, VMPR-013D003, Patriot
Isuzu 10 kW Diesel Generator

Joe

 

[Soundguy]

rpm is not a big factor in fuel consumption.. load is a major factor in fuel consumption on a modern diesel engine.

RPM controls frequency.. more genny poles.. less rpm...

soundguy

 

[RavensRoost]

OP, you will be a lot happier with a genny that is running 1800 RPM vs. one at 3600. Difference in noise level and life are two issues that immediately come to mind, and I also believe 2x RPM has to be less fuel efficient (sorry Soundguy, opinion on fuel efficiency is mine).

In my case I have an 8KW Lister-Petter genset that is driven by their 2-cylinder LPW2 engine (Made in Olathe, KS), runs at 1800, uses about 0.5 gph, had for about 5 yrs now, no issues, but is only standby power at off-grid solar-powered weekend place with auto start dictated by inverter, not "prime" power source.

Lister-Petter is an old British company and the line of gensets like mine are trade named "Hawk Power".

There are also air-cooled diesel gensets out there, and while I have never heard one, I bet they are noisy (mechanically).

 

[RWolf]

Definetly agree with RavensRoost 1800 is so much more quiet. I've ran both (1800/3600) and the noise level is very noticeable. Recently I ran a 60KW and even with the sound doors open the generator wasn't that noisy but my 3600rpm onan (3kw) would make more noise than that.

Are you looking for something to run as a standby power source or portable as in RV'ing? If for standby you might also look at LPG. Those are clean, very quiet and you don't have to worry about fuel going bad. Just and idea.

Good luck.

 

[GIJOE]

Thanks for the info guys,

RavensRoost,
Do you have a web site for the Lister-Petter gen sets?

RWolf,
Yes, It will mainly be used for a standby power source, but I would also like to load it up and use it else ware if needed. I have checked into the LPG gens. My gas meter is out by the road, and my house sits about 500' away. I would not have enough volume of gas for the gen that far away, and what it would cost me for the gas company to move the meter next to the house, and run a new high pressure line to feed the meter, I could buy three generators (or a lot of diesel).

Joe