Portable Generators

[DieselBound]

Rob, I was wondering that as well.

Generators are supposed to be run at at least 1/2 power output (some say higher). If you have a big generator then you're going to have to apply a larger load. Larger load equals more fuel use.

I'm fortunate in that my electrical needs are low. And, when there's a power outage I figure I'm going to be more frugal with energy use: my grid power is very cheap (compared to most), no way that any generator can be run as cheaply. I'm not going to be doing any welding during an electrical outage: I don't make my living welding, so no urgency there. I've got a 7.5kW [diesel] generator.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I had thought about getting a listeroid.

One, I really don't need such a project, but two, I read bad reports about them getting gunked up in the combustion chamber if they are not run hot, meaning at good load. OR run on waste oil and such fluids.

 

[buickanddeere]

Listeroid Engines

Microcogen.info/***/SOMRAD Forums - Index

 

[newbury]

Since this seems to be the "hot" generator thread at the moment.


Costco has the Champion 2800wt Running / 3100wt Peak Digital Inverter Gas Generator w/ Parallel Capability on sale for $699 add in the "parallel kit" for $70, a second generator and for $1500 you've got a package which can produce almost 3kW in 2 locations or 5.5kW when run together. And that's about the price of ONE Honda EU3000.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Since this seems to be the "hot" generator thread at the moment.


Costco has the Champion 2800wt Running / 3100wt Peak Digital Inverter Gas Generator w/ Parallel Capability on sale for $699 add in the "parallel kit" for $70, a second generator and for $1500 you've got a package which can produce almost 3kW in 2 locations or 5.5kW when run together. And that's about the price of ONE Honda EU3000.

AND the Honda will still be running and on the job, when the two china generators are dead in the shed. lol

SR

 

[buickanddeere]

Actually I would put my money on the Champions. They are one of the few companies that make a point of exceeding the quality of the name brand that they are copying.
Neighbour has used a pair of Champion 1600's at his trailer for several years for many hundreds of hours. All they need is fuel and oil.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A neighbor that just bought a new house with a Honda Portable (Not really a back-up) drove in during the big ice storm (years ago) because the (brand new) Honda had failed. He was rather irritated! I say again. A lawn mower does not a back up generator make!

 

[Pettrix]

It really comes down to HOW the generator is made rather than WHO made the generator.

Champion and other brands that sell for low prices are typically made of aluminum heads and even worse, aluminum windings. This will lead to running hot, dirty power (poor Sine Waves), and eventual failure of the generator.

Copper windings and copper heads (like those made by Honda) are the best way to go. These will last forever.

As far as the motors go. Honda makes good motors while some other brands make cheap (Chinese made) motors that run hot, burn oil, or misfire constantly. Honda motors start on the first pull and they tend to not burn oil or misfire.

Once again, more than brand names, it's WHAT'S inside that matter. Generators should be copper heads and windings. Aluminum is cheaper but will run hotter and put out dirty power. You get what you pay for.

 

[ultrarunner]

I've got two champions in the garage that refuse to start... have not had time to look at them.

My brother's father-in-law bought them new... was going to toss them and that is how I got them... look like new... the small unit was used twice and the bigger one never except to check operation.

 

[buickanddeere]

I've got two champions in the garage that refuse to start... have not had time to look at them.

My brother's father-in-law bought them new... was going to toss them and that is how I got them... look like new... the small unit was used twice and the bigger one never except to check operation.

Any neglected carb will bung up with old contaminated ethanol fuel. i would not blame the machine.