Lincoln Ranger 8 Generator $ & Best Solution

[Carl_NH]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the informative replies on this post and this helps me make a informed decision. I have been busy between snow removal and work of late..

J_J That sounds like a nice unit and price, but shipping to NH from FL might eat up cost savings vs getting one locally. But I will keep that price point in mind when looking locally.

Mark, thanks for your insight on Onan - I know Onan units in Cub Cadet Garden tractors in the 80's were considered good engines - is there a specific range, HP or year(s) on the Onan engine that are more troublesome than others? Then what hour range would these issue arise? I know most 4 cycle engines 18-25HP have somewhere around 1500-2400 hrs typical before rebuild unless they were poorly maintained..

RPW, Thats good info on the new unit price, and also the age/hours on this one at 142 are low. The one statement about idle down/voltage drop concerns me a bit, but I presume any load, say 1000 watts of lights/fridge etc would keep the generator running to maintain 120 V and not allow "idle down" ?

On the negotiation aspects I concur and will consider all your feedback / advise going forward.

Thanks again.

Carl

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

There are small problems that do occur with the ONAN units from time to time such as fuel pump and carb issues. And any problem that occurs cost major money. There are precious few service centers compared to Kohler and Briggs, where there is one in every town.

You cannot buy a lincoln or miller with an onan any longer. You can either get a kohler command or a Subaru.

 

[RPW]

Ok. yes parts can be a problem but I've found that cummins/onan though onanparts.com does have most parts anybody needs and the prices seem reasonable. As far as service centers yes I agree. Main reason you don't see onan on US products anymore is EPA. They didn't want or couldn't meet the newer standards. Still I wouldn't necessarily walk away from onan motors. So far I've had good luck with them. Using the data from the Miller bobcat 225nt out of my manual the differences between the Kohler and Onan. Kohler 18HP, Onan 16HP. Run times pretty much the same and other things were comparable.

Carl, you're right that a load on the unit will keep it running at operating speed it's just that if you do manage to reduce the load and the unit idles down there is a noticable delay in regaining full speed which could damage equipment. There is a switch that will keep it running at operating speed.

 

[tglass]

All the talk about the Ranger 8 with Onan engine I don't understand. Had one we bought new at work quite a few years ago and have never had a problem with the engine. Have always done the normal servicing etc. and believe me it's put thru the test. The price I saw was a lot more than I would pay, but I sure wouldn't be afraid of an Onan engine.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Tglass,
I am not saying they are bad engines, but they have an expensive reputation. And I can point to a several welders I have seen sitting with broken ONANS, either with a thrown rod, bad carb or some other engine issue that easily exceeds the value of the welder. I haven't found any Kohlers that weren't running, not to say there aren't any.

I will tell you this, if you put the old 18 Kohler command that was contemporary to the Onan, beside the ONAN, you will be able to tell which one is the ONAN at 100 ft, and they are quite thirsty. I have run them. My Kohler sips fuel in comparison. I have also been on a job site where the same welders were there with different powerplants, ONAN and Kohler. Every body tried to show up early to get their choice of the Kohlers. The late guys were stuck with the ONANS.