Small Generator Recommendation

[Will_C]

I am looking for brand recommendations for a small (2k-3k) generator.

The immediate use for the generator would be power in a 30x50 pole barn I just built. It is on a piece of property that I plan to build a house on, either in 2011 or 2012. I won't have electricity on the property until the house is underway. The barn is wired, and the electrician made provisions for me to be able to connect a generator to the panel.

I will be using the generator to power overhead lights, maybe one tool at a time (drill, small air compressor, saw, etc.), cordless tool charger,etc. I have calculated the wattage requirements and think that 2-3 k will be adequate power. I have a 5k generator I can borrow if I need more power, and also a 8.5 unit if I really have electrical demands.

I also want the generator to be portable enough to use for camping, small construction projects where electricity is not available, and other recreational uses.

Given this info, anyone have experience with specific brands?

Thanks,

Will

 

[KubotainNH]

I really like my FIL's Honda EU2000. Very quiet, light, inverter style that only runs fast enough to power what you are running. The thing sips fuel. I powerd a fridge, freezer, furnace and some lights with it and it would only rev up when one of the compressors started then it would idle back down. I only filled the small fuel tank once in a couple days of no power but did not run it at night. I have a Generac 4k that is kinda loud and only idles down when absolutely nothing is attached. I keep watching for an EU3000 so I can power more of the house but they cost $$$$.

 

[Samandothers]

I bought an inexpensive Champion Generator that is 3.5 kw from Tractor Supply. Actually it is the second unit I have purchased. I use with my camper and it does a good job. I believe I paid $299 for it on sale. I have let it run all night to run my camper furnace fan and some tv. I had one and after 3 years it died. I figure it was about $100 a year and we ran it a bunch. I can't pay the monthly base power fee for that. I'd love to have one of the Honda 3kw units but for $2200 or $2000 a pop I can't justify.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I've been very happy with the Yamaha generator we bought several years ago.

 

[Angelus]

I have the Honda EU3000is. Great generator. Bought it in 2006. Sad to say I haven't really maintained it very well. Only changed the oil once. Just sits out on my back porch. But every time I have tried to start it, it works like the day I got it, except for the electric start. I think the battery is dead. Now I just pull the cord, and it always starts with a single easy pull.

Picked it up because we have frequent hurricanes where I live. I knew I would be running it right outside my bedroom window, so I wanted a quiet machine. It is very quiet. All of my neighbors had the non-Honda generators. Ear-splitters, I call 'em.

The EU3000 weighs quite a bit (134 lbs). Too much for one person to move around. But two men could load it into the back of a pickup with some effort. The EU2000 is much lighter (46 lbs) and easy to handle.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Honda. To me it was worth the extra cost.

 

[brain55]

The Honda EU3000 generators are awesome. I had one that I easily put 4000 hours on, that was my low estimate. Yes, they are expensive, but they are quiet. It would run 4, four foot, two bulb florescent fixtures and my solvent tank at an idle. Not that portable, a wheel kit would be a must, and if you are putting them in a bed of a truck it is a two man job, unless you enjoy hernias. It is likely that you won't get 4000+ hours out of a $300 generator. I ran mine 8-10 hours a day, 5 and 6 days a week for approx. 2 years. It probably would have lasted longer if I had changed the engine oil more than a couple of times in its life. I should have put an hourmeter on it.

I have an EU6500is now that I have put 1800 hours on, in the last year and a half. I change the oil in this one a little more regularly. It has an hourmeter on it from the factory. It is nearly as quiet as the EU3000.

Brian

 

[KubotainNH]

The EU3000 weighs quite a bit (134 lbs).

Another 3k model came out last year, it's called the EU3000i Handi and is under 80 lbs with built in wheels. No electric start to save weight but Hondas are an easy pull anyways.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

For your purposes, build your own. Hook a 3 to 5 hp engine to a GM truck alternator (internal voltage regulation) and use it to charge one or two deep cycle batteries. Use the 12 volt power to run a 2500 watt inverter. You will have convenience power 24/7, but will only have to run the motor when the battery gets discharged or you need a heavy power draw.

 

[Armed in Utah]

I've been very happy with the Yamaha generator we bought several years ago.

Yept.........

me too.........Yamaha EF2800 w/inverter

easy to start.....70# w/fuel....very quiet too

Sensitive electronics are fine too....

paid $1250 shipped 5 yrs ago....price up some now...

http://www.wisesales.com/?gclid=CNmL7J-QhqUCFQoEbAodZm4DPg

 

[Cat_Driver]

There's been a lot of talk on the RV site that YAMAHA is a better unit than the Honda. Don't get me wrong I owned the Honda and loved it, but they say the Yamaha is quieter

COMPACT GENERATOR SHOOT-OUT


BOTTOM LINE

The generator that is best for you depends upon your electrical requirements, the space you have available, your budget, and your desire to limit weight. If size and weight are most important, and your electrical loads are modest, either the smaller Yamaha or Honda will do a great job.

However, if you like to run a lot of electrical stuff, you need to consider one of the larger units. Between the two mid-sized units, because of the greater power output in a package that is virtually the same size, weight and price, we lean toward the Honda EU2000i over the Robin Subaru. But if the size and weight penalty is no big deal, and more power is needed, there is no question that the quietly powerful Yamaha EF2400iS gets our vote.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6tksq2kZws