Looking for a decent generator.. 5000 watts

[tractchores]

I currently use a Honda, believe its 5k with a surge to 6k or something similar (don't have the model handy). It was much more expensive than the cheap brands, but works MUCH better. I run computers, TV's and other electronics on it with no issues and its fine for the startup loads of pumps and tools. The reason I went with the honda was that I had a slightly smaller honda that was 36 years old and still ran perfectly and started on the first pull! It's also very fuel efficient and you can have a conversation nearby when its running.

Some features I'd recommend looking at: Auto Throttle (will rev up and down based on load, really good if you're using tools etc where there's a lot of time between loads. It saves a ton on gas). If you go with electric start make sure it charges the battery (some don't believe it or not). A lifting eye (available as an add on usually) so you can move it around with your FEL or an excavator easily if needed. Fuel shutoff so you can run the carb bowl dry for longer storage (I also like a screw in the bottom of the bowl to drain it).

 

[dragoneggs]

I currently use a Honda, believe its 5k with a surge to 6k or something similar (don't have the model handy). It was much more expensive than the cheap brands, but works MUCH better. I run computers, TV's and other electronics on it with no issues and its fine for the startup loads of pumps and tools. The reason I went with the honda was that I had a slightly smaller honda that was 36 years old and still ran perfectly and started on the first pull! It's also very fuel efficient and you can have a conversation nearby when its running.

Some features I'd recommend looking at: Auto Throttle (will rev up and down based on load, really good if you're using tools etc where there's a lot of time between loads. It saves a ton on gas). If you go with electric start make sure it charges the battery (some don't believe it or not). A lifting eye (available as an add on usually) so you can move it around with your FEL or an excavator easily if needed. Fuel shutoff so you can run the carb bowl dry for longer storage (I also like a screw in the bottom of the bowl to drain it).

And if you are like me... use a battery tender if infrequently used so the key start always works.

 

[DK35vince]

I have a Briggs and Stratton 5500 watt Elite series generator that works fine for me.
Believe I paid around $750 for it in 2008.
Runs everything including my computer and microwave Etc. with no issues.
Always starts 1rst or second pull.

 

[reb]

And if you are like me... use a battery tender if infrequently used so the key start always works.

Or solar panel with a regulator (mine is home brewed) to maintain the charge. HF has a panel for about $15, as I recall, that works great.

 

[wrooster]

Honda EU2000i and PTO-driven 10KW generator, both covered in one thread
Sandy -- 12 days without power: what worked, what didn't ... - AR15.COM

Champion 3500W generator review/details thread
Champion generator model 46598 3.5KW running / 4.0KW surge / observations, details, & photos - AR15.COM

wrooster

 

[dragoneggs]

Or solar panel with a regulator (mine is home brewed) to maintain the charge. HF has a panel for about $15, as I recall, that works great.

Interested in your home brew. I have small portable solar panel but no regulator. Used to use it periodically to charge a marine battery for a little electric boat motor but went Honda 2hp gas for my 12ft aluminum to put crab pots out! Please post your setup if you don't mind.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Do you remember if they tested the Costco version of Champion?

No I don't... I was mostly interested in Honda and Yamaha, as I have the Honda 2000 and was thinking on a Yamaha genset too......

I like Yamaha "stuff" and to tell the truth, I was surprised it came in second, but like was posted, that doesn't mean it was a bad gen set.

BUT, Honda stood out above the number 3 on down, when it came to a "clean" sine wav...

SR

 

[liberty2701]

Take a look at Northern tool own brand of generators( northstar). They produce clean power which is required for electronics. Most generators reccomended here do not produce clean power. Northern uses McAlte(italian) generator heads and Honda Gx engines. You cannot beat the Quality for the money. I compare them to Honda for half the price. A 5000 watt will run about 1100. The same Honda would be over 2k. They even came out with a brand called Powerhorse. Same specs as their Northstar brand just made in China. Comes with a 3 year warranty plus half the price if the Northstar. I own both and they are great.

 

[reb]

Interested in your home brew. I have small portable solar panel but no regulator. Used to use it periodically to charge a marine battery for a little electric boat motor but went Honda 2hp gas for my 12ft aluminum to put crab pots out! Please post your setup if you don't mind.

I found the schematic, but I did not document the assembly. I can provide a schematic diagram, parts list and some info to anyone interested.

My circuit is probably more expensive to build than to buy, but I don't know of any commercially available regulator that will work. Besides, as a retired circuit designer, I found my approach more fun.

 

[5030]

One thing I notice thats missing on about every portable genny I've looked at (and my Yamaha Inverter too and that's an inline fuel filter. Generators lead a hard life for the most part, usually fed from a portable gas can and the gas is usually what is laying around plus the gas sits in the tank for extended periods making Marine Stabil a necessity.

Most of the Inverter units and the better quality non-inverter units have carb bowl drains, but I added an inline filter between the fuel shutoff (which has a screen in it) on my 2800 I and the carb as added insurance. I had an issue with the carb a while back, some dirt got into the bowl and into the main jet (the jets are tiny in the carbs, heck, the carbs are small) and I had to take it off and clean it in Berryman Carb dunk. I figure as added insurance a 98 cent filter in the fuel line is a good investment, the carb was a PITA to get off.... Just an FYI

 

[kenmac]

I have a Generac 5500 with a B&S engine I bought about 10-12 yrs ago.... Not a Chinese generator.....It will run my TV's computers,freezer,etc, without any issues.. I use nothing but pure gasoline in the generator. It will start on the 2nd pull every time

 

[liberty2701]

I have a Generac 5500 with a B&S engine I bought about 10-12 yrs ago.... Not a Chinese generator.....It will run my TV's computers,freezer,etc, without any issues.. I use nothing but pure gasoline in the generator. It will start on the 2nd pull every time

Today, most Generacs are made in China. I know it runs all of those things. Total harmonic distortion(thd) is a concern nobody is aware of. This is what ruins sensitive electronics. You want less than 5%. Overtime the gen will shorten the life or abruptly kill the electronics. I use to use a a similar type gen being unaware of Thd.

 

[kenmac]

My genset isn't made in china..My electronics will die of natural causes long B-4 my genset kills them

 

[Garandman]

According to what I've read (may be false, not sure but) from what I've read the Yamaha 2800I commercial unit I have (not the fully enclosed genny but the one in the cradle) is quieter than a comparable Honda. I have to say, it's extremely quiet. I can have it running outside the RV and I cannot hear it inside.

That is rated by the manufacturer at 68dB at rated load. The EF2000 is rated at 61.

The EU300iS is rated at 58 dB at rated load. The EU2000i is rated at 59. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference but those are the manufacturer claims.

EF2800i - Consumer Products | YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

 

[5030]

That is rated by the manufacturer at 68dB at rated load. The EF2000 is rated at 61.

The EU300iS is rated at 58 dB at rated load. The EU2000i is rated at 59. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference but those are the manufacturer claims.

EF2800i - Consumer Products | YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

The difference between fully enclosed and open cradle. My 2800I is an open cradle design. I prefer it as everything is accessable instead of covered up. If I wanted it to be even quieter, I'd just add a length of flex exhaust tubing over the muffler outlet, probably wouldn't hear it at all then....

 

[PILOON]

I had occasion to do a teardown on a 7000 watt Champion as sold by Cosco that had over 800 hrs on the clock.
The innards were like new and all it needed was a valve adjustment. With fresh gas it started 2nd pull, the battery was even good.
Cosco must exercise a good quality control on the production.

800 hours is big time for that sort of small engine!

I run all my electronics on a similar one as well. Items that use a separate power source (adapter) enjoy additional protection due to voltage conversion via a transformer. Even most flat screen TV's basically run on 12 volts with some sort of converter circuit or cube style power source.

When I have an outage I fire up the genset, sit back enjoy TV and go on line.
Unfortunately this happens all to often but it is the price to pay to live in paradise. (remote lakeside 1 hour from Montreal)

 

[liberty2701]

My genset isn't made in china..My electronics will die of natural causes long B-4 my genset kills them

That maybe true but the science behind electricity tells a whole diff story. If the grid was fed with dirty power ( ie high Thd) everything would fry overtime. Use your gen daily and see what happens.

 

[TomSeller]

That maybe true but the science behind electricity tells a whole diff story. If the grid was fed with dirty power ( ie high Thd) everything would fry overtime. Use your gen daily and see what happens.

Do you know of a listing by manufacturer and model of THD? That would be good to know.

 

[Gunny]

Just throwing my two cents in, but I've read on three or four pellet stove forums where a generator fried the main board because of a square or modified sine wave. An expensive fix, plus no telling how long it would take to get a new one in. Not exactly a position I'd want to be in during a winter power outage.
We've also just replaced our refrigerator and one freezer, both are Energy Star rated and I just didn't want to take a chance of burning up anything on those expensive items.

On a good note, I ordered the Champion from Costco on the 8th, they stated it would take from 2-3 weeks for delivery, then got an email later on that day. It's supposed to land at my doorstep sometime Monday.

I've had one of the older Champions for several years now, it has been a beauty, easy to start, not all that loud and I haven't had the first problem with it.

 

[liberty2701]

Just throwing my two cents in, but I've read on three or four pellet stove forums where a generator fried the main board because of a square or modified sine wave. An expensive fix, plus no telling how long it would take to get a new one in. Not exactly a position I'd want to be in during a winter power outage.
We've also just replaced our refrigerator and one freezer, both are Energy Star rated and I just didn't want to take a chance of burning up anything on those expensive items.

On a good note, I ordered the Champion from Costco on the 8th, they stated it would take from 2-3 weeks for delivery, then got an email later on that day. It's supposed to land at my doorstep sometime Monday.

I've had one of the older Champions for several years now, it has been a beauty, easy to start, not all that loud and I haven't had the first problem with it.

Is the Champion made for sensitive electronics? Call and see what the THD is. In addition, thd will be listed in the specs of the generator. The Northern tool northstar i mentioed up above use the McAlte Italian gen heads and have a Thd of less than 5%