Small diesel generators

[dex3361]

I have been running the 18 year old Generac (bottom of the line 4000w gas generator) generator. I wonder if any of my fellow TBNers have any experience with the Aurora Diesel generators. I have been using the 4KW thats running since it was new for backup power. We had the heavy wet snow that hit the East Coast. I live out in the sticks and we will be out of power for 4 or 5 days with this storm. I dont want to spend a lot of money because I will not use it very often. I take good care of my equipment and it usually takes care of me. I am lookin at the 6500 watt Aurora Diesel generator and I dont want the totaly enclosed unit unless someone can sell me on the idea. Thanks guys I just wanted your opinions before I buy.

 

[jas67]

I have been running the 18 year old Generac (bottom of the line 4000w gas generator) generator. I wonder if any of my fellow TBNers have any experience with the Aurora Diesel generators. I have been using the 4KW thats running since it was new for backup power. We had the heavy wet snow that hit the East Coast. I live out in the sticks and we will be out of power for 4 or 5 days with this storm. I dont want to spend a lot of money because I will not use it very often. I take good care of my equipment and it usually takes care of me. I am lookin at the 6500 watt Aurora Diesel generator and I dont want the totaly enclosed unit unless someone can sell me on the idea. Thanks guys I just wanted your opinions before I buy.

If its that ones I've seen on eBay, the engine is a Chinese-made Yanmar clone. The quality on these clones varies. I have an ETQ (Eastern Tool & Eqiuipment) 4200W generator with a 7HP Chinese-clone of a Yanmar L70A. I bought it used this past summer for $200 with over 2000 hours on it. It starts with the first hit of the key and runs great. This unit obviously is one of the better built clones, and may have been well maintained too.

So, where I'm heading with this, is you might want to consider an ETQ.

Regarding the enclosed models; they might be quieter. My open framed unit is loud, but probably no louder than a briggs-powered gas unit.

 

[dex3361]

Thanks for the info. Is the ETQ unit a diesel? If so how long will it run on a gallon of fuel? I looked at the ETQ as well. I have not seen them up close and in person. I was aware that they were Chinese clones of the yanmar motors. Even some Hondas are made in China now from what I here, but I dont know this for a fact.

 

[Big Bri]

Randell,
I don't know anything about that generator, but i do own a gas honda generator. Mine is 8500 surge and 6500 cont. I bought it 8 or 9 years ago when i had my fence company to use on large jobs to power tools and a compressor. Now the only time i use it is when we get a huricane. Starts on the first pull, and i think i get 10hrs to a tank (5 gal). I run my fridge, lights, tv and a large window unit with it. The only thing i don't run is the central heat and air (i have a 5 ton unit and i know it won't run it)
My BIL bought a smaller honda think its 2000 watts and he hets 8 hrs on 1.5 to 2 gal of gas and you can bearly hear it run. He use it to power a small window unit and his tv or a couple of lights. if he runs his fridge he has to unplug the window unit.
hope that helps some. and i hope you get your power back quickly.
stay warm.
Brian

 

[jas67]

Thanks for the info. Is the ETQ unit a diesel? If so how long will it run on a gallon of fuel? I looked at the ETQ as well. I have not seen them up close and in person. I was aware that they were Chinese clones of the yanmar motors. Even some Hondas are made in China now from what I here, but I dont know this for a fact.

Yes, this one is a diesel, although they do sell gas-powered units too. This one will run about 4 hours on 1 gallon at less than 1/2 load, and is rated for 2 hours/gal at full load. The 6500W model is rated for 3 hours/gal at 1/2 load, and 1.5 hours/gal at full load.

As for the comment about Honda engines being made in China, from what I understand that is true, but they are built to Honda's specs, and subject to their inspection. The clones are not. The Chinese are master copiers. Most of the small gas powered engines coming from China are Honda knock offs, and most of the small single-cyl. air-cooled diesel coming from China are Yanmar knock offs. They see a good design and copy it.

Depending on your loads, you might want to look into the Honda or Yamaha inverter generators. Because they use an inverter, the engine doesn't have to run full speed regardless of load, so they use a lot less fuel at partial loads. They are a lot more money though.

 

[dex3361]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback it will help in the decision. I would like to go with a diesel because the fuel is less volitile and when I need it I feel at risk for a fire. The unit I am now running runs between 2-2.5 hours on a 1.25 gallon tank of gasoline. That sorta gives away the age of the generator. I hope the next one I get is as reliable as this one has been.

 

[jas67]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback it will help in the decision. I would like to go with a diesel because the fuel is less volitile and when I need it I feel at risk for a fire. The unit I am now running runs between 2-2.5 hours on a 1.25 gallon tank of gasoline. That sorta gives away the age of the generator. I hope the next one I get is as reliable as this one has been.

That is the same reason I got a diesel generator. Plus, you don't have to worry about the gas going bad in it, and the carb getting all gummed up. In a nutshell, it is more likely to start when you need it too (esp. if it sits most of the time, which most generators do).

 

[DGS]

That is the same reason I got a diesel generator. Plus, you don't have to worry about the gas going bad in it, and the carb getting all gummed up. In a nutshell, it is more likely to start when you need it too (esp. if it sits most of the time, which most generators do).

Hey guys another option would be a natural gas or propane unit, there would be no problem with fuel storage or it fuel going bad either.
This is the option that I'm looking at as my current generator is a Kubota 5500 gas job and it doesn't get used often enough what with this garbage gas we have to deal with nowdays
I have had it "stored" for the last 4yrs and will use as a trade in when it's time to buy and it will a bigger unit (10 t0 12,000kw
Regards
DGS

 

[gerard]

Why not a PTO unit?? I originally got a gas 6500/8500 watt unit and do my whole house but next time around I'm going to get a PTO unit. Even the smallest ones are over 10kw. My only concern would be having to swap back and forth to plow in the winter but considering I have a 275 gal fuel oil tank at the house, I wouldn't be running to the gas station all the time to get gas.

 

[gerard]

Randell,
I don't know anything about that generator, but i do own a gas honda generator. Mine is 8500 surge and 6500 cont. I bought it 8 or 9 years ago when i had my fence company to use on large jobs to power tools and a compressor. Now the only time i use it is when we get a huricane. Starts on the first pull, and i think i get 10hrs to a tank (5 gal). I run my fridge, lights, tv and a large window unit with it. The only thing i don't run is the central heat and air (i have a 5 ton unit and i know it won't run it)
My BIL bought a smaller honda think its 2000 watts and he hets 8 hrs on 1.5 to 2 gal of gas and you can bearly hear it run. He use it to power a small window unit and his tv or a couple of lights. if he runs his fridge he has to unplug the window unit.
hope that helps some. and i hope you get your power back quickly.
stay warm.
Brian

You should have no problem running central heat (unless it's electric?). All you're powering is a fan that runs on 110V. I have the same size generator as you and I run a well (220v), all lighting, a refrigerator, a freezer, and everything else in the house and barn except my electric dryer, electric oven, and central air. Furnace is no problem at all. (I did switch from electric hot water to propane because I wouldn't have been able to heat hot water on a generator).

 

[dex3361]

Why not a PTO unit?? I originally got a gas 6500/8500 watt unit and do my whole house but next time around I'm going to get a PTO unit. Even the smallest ones are over 10kw.

I thought about a PTO gen set but I am a little apprehensive about leaving my tractor unattended while running. Most of the gen sets sold today have high temp and low oil shut down. Just like this time I need my tractor the same I need my generator. I always change the oil and ad stabil to the fuel when I take it out of service.

 

[newbury]

Hey guys another option would be a natural gas or propane unit, there would be no problem with fuel storage or it fuel going bad either.
This is the option that I'm looking at as my current generator is a Kubota 5500 gas job and it doesn't get used often enough what with this garbage gas we have to deal with nowdays
I have had it "stored" for the last 4yrs and will use as a trade in when it's time to buy and it will a bigger unit (10 t0 12,000kw
Regards
DGS

Why not convert?
Generator Conversion Kits to Propane and Natural Gas.

 

[RPW]

I've also investigated the propane conversions and have talked to the people mentioned (very nice). Will most likely convert a 4kw to a dual fuel. I've got a couple of onan rv generators one is 3kw and another is 4kw. The 3kw is a 3600rpm unit and I'm setting that one up as a portable (on wheels) and the 4kw is an 1800rpm which will eventually go in my horse trailer. If you are also in the need of a decent welder you might look at a welder/generator combo. I've got a Miller bobcat 225 and will use it dual duty on my property as either a welder or if needed a generator for the whole house. Will run pretty much all day on a tank (10gal.) of fuel.

Good luck on your search.

 

[brin]

Why not a PTO unit?? I originally got a gas 6500/8500 watt unit and do my whole house but next time around I'm going to get a PTO unit. Even the smallest ones are over 10kw. My only concern would be having to swap back and forth to plow in the winter but considering I have a 275 gal fuel oil tank at the house, I wouldn't be running to the gas station all the time to get gas.

I have a 20KW PTO generator with a 40KW surge and use it with my NH - TC-29 for back up power...runs the whole house . If you are worried about not being able to plow with your tractor tied up...not to worry..just get the house nice a warm and unplug for long enough to do your plowing and come back and plug back it...That's how easy it is ..it is just a plug. With the PTO gen set you are not buying another engine to maintain and the tractor is just fine sitting there turning the PTO at 540 RPM ...not a problem.

 

[dex3361]

Well here is an update on the generator. I ordered the Aurora 6800DE diesel generator, to replace the aging 4000 watt Coleman powermate that is approaching 19 years old. I had to run the Coleman 4kw for 6 days with this last snow storm. I used 35 gallons of gasoline and ithad to be filled every 2 hours(1 gallon tank). I received the Aurora 6.5KW unit on CHRISTmas eve and when I got back from the trucking terminal the local power utility was repairing the downed lines. I started the break in procedure for the 6.5KW which is to run it at varying loads for 20 hours and then changing the oil and it recommends synthetic 5-40 or 15-40 non-synthetic. The unit started up and runs well though it is a bit noisy its about as loud as my old generator. I hooked up a frequency meter to it and also checked the rpms with a strobe tachometer. the RPMs were a little high unloaded (3660 RPM) and I adjusted it down to 3630RPM unloaded and applied various loads to the unit. The voltage was very stable and the frequency would vary dependent on load between 59.6HZ (loaded) and 60.6HZ (unloaded). I am going to hook up a power quality meter and see how much harmonic distortion is on the power from the generator. Thanks for all of the input and info I appreciate all of the feedback as usual the brain-trust here on TBN has pertinent information.

 

[KeithT]

Randall,

I am interested to hear how this generator works out for you. I like the idea of less volatile fuel, and more stable fuel for storage. Right now I am keeping a generator in my basement so I can easily wheel it out to my transfer switch plug. I have a troy-bilt generator I bought in 2004. I put an hour meter on it when it was new and I now have 270 hours on it. About 160 of those were from this summer while building my shop before I had power out there. Its a good reliable generator but I want to upgrade.

Is the aurora you got the "quiet" enclosed model? I think i want to go with something quieter than what I have. What made you decide on the aurora? I was a little surprised reading about them that they projectct a lifespan of 1500-3000. 1500 seems a little low.... Where did you buy from?

Thanks, -Keith

 

[dex3361]

Randall,

I am interested to hear how this generator works out for you. I like the idea of less volatile fuel, and more stable fuel for storage. Right now I am keeping a generator in my basement so I can easily wheel it out to my transfer switch plug. I have a troy-bilt generator I bought in 2004. I put an hour meter on it when it was new and I now have 270 hours on it. About 160 of those were from this summer while building my shop before I had power out there. Its a good reliable generator but I want to upgrade.

Is the aurora you got the "quiet" enclosed model? I think i want to go with something quieter than what I have. What made you decide on the aurora? I was a little surprised reading about them that they projectct a lifespan of 1500-3000. 1500 seems a little low.... Where did you buy from?

Thanks, -Keith

I bought from Aurora direct order site. The reason I bought from Aurora was because they had good reviews and very little bad feedback. The design is a Yanmar design that has been used for years and has been proven. If the copy is as good I would expect it to last for years. The life of the generator will be how well it is maintained. I also went with the Chinese built because of the cost. I find from looking closely that the build quality is good the only thing I could see that was substandard was the paint on the cage was bubbled up in a few places. I chose the open frame because it is easier to service. I will say it is not quiet, it is as loud as my old coleman powermate. I do not require a quiet machine because mine is run in my detached garage about 80 feet from the house with the garage doors open. I have a 100a panel in the garage that is fed from the house 300a panel. I had the valve cover off when I adjusted the valves and it looked like it had a good on the components and the valves were not out of tolerance. The open framed units also have the brush type generator. The enclosed units have the brush less generators and require less maintenance (brushes should last for 600 hours or more). I was not impressed with the remote start feature because I would not start my generator unattended and you should always start a generator without a load, so it seems pointless to have a remote start so you can stand back and start it as opposed to turning a key. The more complex a machine is the less reliable it is. The remote worked at first but failed within the first 20 hours. I contacted Aurora and they referred me to the importer which is OPTIGENERATORS in Atlanta GA. They agreed to swap out the remote under warranty( I see the remote start as a weak link in the reliability). The generator is very modular in design and easy to service.
If you need any more info let me know.

 

[bdog]

I have been looking at buying the exact generator you purchased. I use generators to power my mobile office trailer at work. The generators run 12 hours a day 7 days a week. I have been using box store gas units and with regular maintence I get about 2000 hrs before they crap out. I like the idea of diesel as I have a diesel tank and pump in my truck for our other equipment. Just curious how you think the unit would hold up to this kind of service. The generators look nice but seem really cheap price wise compared to other diesel units so I was a bit leary.

 

[dex3361]

I have been looking at buying the exact generator you purchased. I use generators to power my mobile office trailer at work. The generators run 12 hours a day 7 days a week. I have been using box store gas units and with regular maintenance I get about 2000 hrs before they crap out. I like the idea of diesel as I have a diesel tank and pump in my truck for our other equipment. Just curious how you think the unit would hold up to this kind of service. The generators look nice but seem really cheap price wise compared to other diesel units so I was a bit leary.

I thought the same thing but really I was impressed with the quality of the motor and I think parts will be available because this design is about the most copied small generator around. Do a search on Aurora Generator reliability. I run the generator for 20 hours under varying loads to break it in and changed the oil. It has a pressure lubrication system with a screen type cartridge filter I expected to a lot of shavings on the screen but there was very little though the screen had a small tear and the Importer (Optigenerator) is going to make it right. The open frame has a brush type generator and the frequency and voltage was very stable under varying loads up to 5.6KW and I even surged it up to 6.6KW and it was still stable. I really cant say for sure how long they will last but from what I read they should be good for 4000 hours if they are any where near as good as the Yanmar which will go lot farther than that. The fuel usage is about half of what a gasoline generator gets. Let me know if you get one and I will send you some file I have gathered on the units and the similar Yanmar if you are interested.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have an Onan commercial quiet diesel genset 5500 w that I have had for 5 years. Very quiet and burns about .6 gph at full load. This has a Kubota engine and has operated flawlessly so far. This is mounted on one of my service trucks with a 40 gallon tank so it seems to run forever on a tank.

The Miller welders can provide lots of power but mine is too loud to use other than daytime.

The most quiet ones I have are the Honda 3000i and 200i inverter sets but their gas units and I agree it is safer to store diesel. The 2000i though at 47 #'s is by far the most convienient unit. If anyone is interested Honda has recently introduced a new 3000 w unit built like the 2000 and weighs in about 75 #'s, that would be a very handy genset to have. At 58 db these things are super quiet.