Time for a new portable generator

[kenmbz]

I have a Champion 9000 Starting Watts-gas- about 15 years old.
Use it 2-5 times per year with ethanol High test and Stabil
Runs for days on end, not fuel efficient, but works.
I use the electric start and run carb dry after each use.
Change oil and it keeps going.

 

[nyone]

If your going to spend honda money and own a diesel tractor I would seriously look at what kubota, cummins and yanmar offer for a 1800rpm diesel generator.

 

[rekees4300]

So it is time for a new portable generator.

Thanks for the input as always.

These are recommended by Consumer Reports

 

[Root Cause]

When I see you make a post, it always reminds me of the Guardians of the Galaxy!
sorry, off topic again...

Sorry to spoil the imagery but I don't look nearly that good.

 

[TheMan419]

Ok so new question.... is the need for a inverter type hype as some have posited in this thread? I want to run the router for internet and the tv. Since we live in an area prone to tornados keeping up on those issues is important. I do have a place I can keep the generator out of the weather and still running and hooked up to the house.

 

[fried1765]

Ok so new question.... is the need for a inverter type hype as some have posited in this thread? I want to run the router for internet and the tv. Since we live in an area prone to tornados keeping up on those issues is important. I do have a place I can keep the generator out of the weather and still running and hooked up to the house.

If you plan to run electronic devices, and are going to buy a NEW generator, you definitely should buy an inverter style generator.

 

[TheMan419]

If you plan to run electronic devices, and are going to buy a NEW generator, you definitely should buy an inverter style generator.

that is what I was thinking, but several in this thread have poo pooed that need.

The plan is to buy NEW (not new to me but new new). Mainly want to run the well, pumps on the boiler and the fridge/freezer. But since you are running a generator you might as well have some creature comforts. Especially since I need a generator big enough to run the well in the first place.

The Champion I posted about in the first post ticks all my desires.
Inverter
Size
Electric Start

The only thing it does not have is a dual fuel option. Although the generator I do have is gasoline only. We have had it for about 8 years. The only time it did not start was when I forgot to plug the battery minder in. It started on the third pull, but man the recoil start on that thing is a bear with a bad back.

 

[Root Cause]

I too would like some information on the need for an inverter. My simplistic understanding is that you want 60 hertz at all times or it could damage sensitive equipment.
So far, my 2 generators seem to be doing just that. There may be more I don't understand or maybe my sample size it way too small.

I just bought a 12500-watt dual fuel for $999 to run the house.
We just went through a gas shortage that affected the entire southwest. It lasted a couple of weeks without a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. For that reason, dual fuel was my #1 priority.
If I really do need an inverter genny, then I will go buy a small one and isolate the tv and laptops to one room.

 

[fried1765]

that is what I was thinking, but several in this thread have poo pooed that need.

The plan is to buy NEW (not new to me but new new). Mainly want to run the well, pumps on the boiler and the fridge/freezer. But since you are running a generator you might as well have some creature comforts. Especially since I need a generator big enough to run the well in the first place.

The Champion I posted about in the first post ticks all my desires.
Inverter
Size
Electric Start

The only thing it does not have is a dual fuel option. Although the generator I do have is gasoline only. We have had it for about 8 years. The only time it did not start was when I forgot to plug the battery minder in. It started on the third pull, but man the recoil start on that thing is a bear with a bad back.

You could also buy a very small (1,000W) inverter generator for the equipment that needs precise voltage/frequency, and a larger non inverter generator for everything else.
That is what I have done.

 

[grsthegreat]

OMG. Ive been running generators to power my house for 25 years, and none were inverter. One was even a chepo unit purchased used from rental yard at auction.

just use the standard surge suppressor that i normally use for electronics, and computers are fed thru UPS sources. I have never burnt out an electronic device except for an oven that went during a lightning strike on my ground mount transformer. Since that strike, i installed a whole house surge suppressor and no further issues.