Generator experiences?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Texas Gulf Coast
Generator experiences?
Hey all,
Its Hurricane season here in a couple of days, and I'm looking at getting a Generator (I can use it for my camping and hunting needs also) So here's my question:
Are Generac Commercial generators any good ? I'm looking at a 3500 watt, electric start that has a lot of nice features at Home Depot, but I don't know if they are a good brand.
I have a friend that has had 2 Honda's throw rods out of the engine leaving a gaping hole, so I'm a little leary of them even though I have a compact 1000 watt Honda that has been perfect.
Any suggestions on brands etc will be appreciated
Thanks
Its Hurricane season here in a couple of days, and I'm looking at getting a Generator (I can use it for my camping and hunting needs also) So here's my question:
Are Generac Commercial generators any good ? I'm looking at a 3500 watt, electric start that has a lot of nice features at Home Depot, but I don't know if they are a good brand.
I have a friend that has had 2 Honda's throw rods out of the engine leaving a gaping hole, so I'm a little leary of them even though I have a compact 1000 watt Honda that has been perfect.
Any suggestions on brands etc will be appreciated
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,628
Likes: 0
From: Baileyton, TN
Generator experiences?
I have a couple of generators, both Coleman,Both with Briggs Stratton engines. One is a 3500 and works fine. The other is a 5500 extended run machine that sits outside most of the time, and works fine too. Any small generator is dependant upon good user practices - if you don't look after it, it will fail.
My dream Generator can be found:-
http://www.chinadiesel.com/gen/23kw.html
I used on of these in Australia that has worked flawlessly for 15 years, with no major repairs needed. I will buy one when I have a place to use it.
My dream Generator can be found:-
http://www.chinadiesel.com/gen/23kw.html
I used on of these in Australia that has worked flawlessly for 15 years, with no major repairs needed. I will buy one when I have a place to use it.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Texas Gulf Coast
Generator experiences?
The 3500 (or 4000, I forget now) Commercial Generac lists in its specs that it is a "Generac" motor, whereas the larger(5000 or 7000) Generac is a Honda Motor.
The smaller Generac "non commercial" I believe has a briggs and Stratton Intek. I have heard if you get a Briggs, the best is the Vanguard.
I like that the Generac has spin on oil filters, float charger, pneumatic tires, and 12 v charging cables.
The smaller Generac "non commercial" I believe has a briggs and Stratton Intek. I have heard if you get a Briggs, the best is the Vanguard.
I like that the Generac has spin on oil filters, float charger, pneumatic tires, and 12 v charging cables.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Generator experiences?
I've got a sears RGB 5000 generator,5kw two 220 ,and two 120
outlets briggs and stratton 10hp motor , brushless generator
have had great luck with it......i agree maint is the key....good
luck with whatever you get................Dave.
outlets briggs and stratton 10hp motor , brushless generator
have had great luck with it......i agree maint is the key....good
luck with whatever you get................Dave.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Generator experiences?
I have some experience that applies and some that is marginal.
I have a Yamaha 1000 generator that uses a Kawasaki motor. It has worked very well for me over the past 10 years. The key to keeping it happy is to drain the tank and run it til the gas is gone, before storing it. Occasionally it helps if you clean the carb and float bowl. For a small, but noisy generator it does a good job.
As far as Generac, I have to stretch a little. I hav a generac pressure washer with the Generac made 8(?)hp motor. It has run flawlessly. I have used Generac customer service to get some parts that were missing, and they are excellent. I would recommend Generac just because they have such good service, and so far their product is also excellent.
I have been told the Hondas are very quiet especially for the smaller engines. I don't know much more than that.
Just my opinion.
Jim Henderson
I have a Yamaha 1000 generator that uses a Kawasaki motor. It has worked very well for me over the past 10 years. The key to keeping it happy is to drain the tank and run it til the gas is gone, before storing it. Occasionally it helps if you clean the carb and float bowl. For a small, but noisy generator it does a good job.
As far as Generac, I have to stretch a little. I hav a generac pressure washer with the Generac made 8(?)hp motor. It has run flawlessly. I have used Generac customer service to get some parts that were missing, and they are excellent. I would recommend Generac just because they have such good service, and so far their product is also excellent.
I have been told the Hondas are very quiet especially for the smaller engines. I don't know much more than that.
Just my opinion.
Jim Henderson
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
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Likes: 3
Generator experiences?
For the past 3 years, we've been helping a buddy build a log home in the mountains . He has a compact Honda of around 1000 watts and that thing runs hours and hours on end without problem, powering tools during the day and the TV and lights at night. Amazing little performer.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 198
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From: Texas Gulf Coast
Generator experiences?
Thanks for the replies....
I love my small 1000 Honda, but after seeing first hand my buddies 2 larger Hondas Spit rods, I'm scared of them. Also they are NOT cheap.
There is not a lot to choose from brand-wise in my area, and I'd like to get one that can be serviced locally instead of ordering one online and having to ship it out for warranty work.
So I'm pretty Much limited to Honda, Coleman(B&S), Generac and I cant remember lowe's hous brand.
Thanks again, I might go ahead and try the generac.
I love my small 1000 Honda, but after seeing first hand my buddies 2 larger Hondas Spit rods, I'm scared of them. Also they are NOT cheap.
There is not a lot to choose from brand-wise in my area, and I'd like to get one that can be serviced locally instead of ordering one online and having to ship it out for warranty work.
So I'm pretty Much limited to Honda, Coleman(B&S), Generac and I cant remember lowe's hous brand.
Thanks again, I might go ahead and try the generac.
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