Standalone generator purchase

[Fueler]

The other gen thread got me back on a subject.
I currently do the portable generator thing. Kind of dislike having to go out and pour more gas in it every few hours but it beats nothing.

I have been contemplating a standalone genset. I would like to hear from others what brand they use as well as problems with the sellers, installers, etc.

Generac is pushed around here but I just dunno about them.
I will be running off of propane.

PS, not concerned about size just yet. Figure that out later.
Thanks

 

[LXCam]

Generac makes a solid product below a 250kW unit. I've installed many of their units thru the years without issue (not residential). Sure you can do better, but price point does matter to most people.

 

[mike93lx]

If you want to keep the portability, you can typically add a kit that will allow your generator to also run on propane.

I have one on mine and it is great.

 

[Ruthless53]

The other gen thread got me back on a subject.
I currently do the portable generator thing. Kind of dislike having to go out and pour more gas in it every few hours but it beats nothing.

I have been contemplating a standalone genset. I would like to hear from others what brand they use as well as problems with the sellers, installers, etc.

Generac is pushed around here but I just dunno about them.
I will be running off of propane.

PS, not concerned about size just yet. Figure that out later.
Thanks

My dad's buddy has the verizon contract for replacing generators on cell phone towers. He lives on the the Okie line north of Dallas, TX. He buys the ones that have less than 300 hours and refurbs and resells them. Can get anywhere from 20 kw on up. I believe he sells the 20 to 55 kw gen sets for $6500 without a switch or $7500 with an auto transfer.

They are mostly generac series 2000 sets which are the commercial set ups not the guardian set ups. I added car audio sound deadening to the inside of mine and its not too bad on noise. Usually has all fuel types too but sometimes he will go a month or two without a certain type. He sells a ton of gensets every year and will guarantee them. May be worth the day drive south and a day drive back north to save a some money. I know i priced the same model I got and new with a switch it was over $15,000 before install.

Im not affiliated nor do i profit in anyway from these gen sets. Just a friend of my dads.

Just read the portability response. One of the guys I know that bought one mounted it onto a trailer and wired his house, office, and an animal barn with a plug that he could pull the trailer up to, plug it in and flip the switch and roll. He got manual switches for the office and barn and the auto switch for his house and he leaves it plugged in at his house. I know very little about electricity and wiring ect so its something you would have to research.

 

[Jduke]

My dad's buddy has the verizon contract for replacing generators on cell phone towers. He lives on the the Okie line north of Dallas, TX. He buys the ones that have less than 300 hours and refurbs and resells them. Can get anywhere from 20 kw on up. I believe he sells the 20 to 55 kw gen sets for $6500 without a switch or $7500 with an auto transfer.

They are mostly generac series 2000 sets which are the commercial set ups not the guardian set ups. I added car audio sound deadening to the inside of mine and its not too bad on noise. Usually has all fuel types too but sometimes he will go a month or two without a certain type. He sells a ton of gensets every year and will guarantee them. May be worth the day drive south and a day drive back north to save a some money. I know i priced the same model I got and new with a switch it was over $15,000 before install.

Im not affiliated nor do i profit in anyway from these gen sets. Just a friend of my dads.

Just read the portability response. One of the guys I know that bought one mounted it onto a trailer and wired his house, office, and an animal barn with a plug that he could pull the trailer up to, plug it in and flip the switch and roll. He got manual switches for the office and barn and the auto switch for his house and he leaves it plugged in at his house. I know very little about electricity and wiring ect so its something you would have to research.

Could you PM me his contact info, I'm in the Tyler area and may be in the market for one.

Duke

 

[Falcon67]

Also check Ritchie Bros. for generator auctions. Friend missed a deal on a Honda EU6500 that went for $850. That's nuts.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The other gen thread got me back on a subject.
I currently do the portable generator thing. Kind of dislike having to go out and pour more gas in it every few hours but it beats nothing.

If everything else is adequate, check out the Motor Snorkel Kit.

Never refill again.

 

[CNGsaves]

If you want to keep the portability, you can typically add a kit that will allow your generator to also run on propane.

I have one on mine and it is great.

^ ^ This. Add the tri-fuel kit to your generator if available. Then you can run all three fuels . . . . gasoline, natural gas, or propane.

 

[Showkey]

Just be aware on fuel change.................

Output is derated 20% for natural gas, similar for propane, Run time on small units LPG (Propane) up to 20 hrs at 50-percent load per 20 pound fuel tank, so larger propane supply is need or multiple tanks or your Still facing fuel issues for long outage situations.

 

[donpauli2]

Generac portable units or permanently attached standbys are good. Tri fuel kit will run on NG. LPG and gasoline connect to house supply


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[thammel]

Check out Winco. They sell tri-fuels. I have a Winco 9kw unit that runs off propane. it keeps my 3000 ft^2 house in great shape. I put in ASCO automatic switch and a subpanel after that. It works great!
Tom

 

[penright]

If you want to keep the portability, you can typically add a kit that will allow your generator to also run on propane.

I have one on mine and it is great.

Will it do natural gas? What brand? Any links?

 

[mm08822]

Just be aware on fuel change.................

Output is derated 20% for natural gas, similar for propane, Run time on small units LPG (Propane) up to 20 hrs at 50-percent load per 20 pound fuel tank, so larger propane supply is need or multiple tanks or your Still facing fuel issues for long outage situations.

This^^^. All generac guardian series units use the LPG kW output when advertising size. Using NG fuel is usually 1-2 kW lower.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I had a 20kW whole house Generac installed two years ago. Propane tank dedicated to generator.

It has only come on a few times (other than weekly tests) but the piece of mind is priceless. I work nights frequently and am far out of town. No longer the worries I had for the wife and kids.

BTW, these threads can diverge into discussions about self installs and surplus diesel military generators. While I respect those ideas, for me, and I suspect most GJers that are not licensed electricians, paying for a turnkey, reliable generator with a reliable fuel source is very important. It is not cheap but neither is the life insurance policy to protect my kids when a bad thing might happen. Soapbox down.

 

[east_tn_emc]

Check Milsurp generators....MEP generators are big and will run circles around most other brands. I have a MEP003 1800 rpm 4cyl diesel.

 

[mm08822]

The other gen thread got me back on a subject.
I currently do the portable generator thing. Kind of dislike having to go out and pour more gas in it every few hours but it beats nothing.

I have been contemplating a standalone genset. I would like to hear from others what brand they use as well as problems with the sellers, installers, etc.

Generac is pushed around here but I just dunno about them.
I will be running off of propane.

PS, not concerned about size just yet. Figure that out later.
Thanks

I have installed generac home standy and whole house systems for several years. If have seen improvements in software and functionalty during that time.

From an installers point of view, very could do several things differently to make it easier to install, but no different for an auto mechanic working on aftermarket repairs in the shop. Access to parts is everything.

I do the annual pm for all of my installed units and happy to say they have all been only the simple planned maintenance. Batteries are still good on 6 year old units. All my transfer switches are located inside out of the weather. All units are on poured 6" concrete pads. Most other installers don't go the extra mile on those points, but i have never regretted it b/c they look as good as the day installed.

I think kohler units have a plastic housing ( or partial) and one OP on this forum smashed it during install.

I would install another brand in a heartbeat if that is what the customer insisted on (as their choice).

Whole house systems are the most expensive, but with all of the automation built in to it, it is the most user friendly. What wife wants to set up a portable generator while hubby is gone? Frequency of power outages and loss/inconvenience should be your deciding factors as to do it or not.

I am not "approved" by generac for service/warranty work, but that is my choice after hearing other contractors b*tch about how generac treats them.

I have a portable that i use, even though the wife wants the "hands free" do nothing version.

I hope this f/b helps you.

 

[Firebrand]

I also have a military surplus genset, a MEP-803A, which is an enclosed 10kW unit powered by an Onan 4cyl diesel turning 1800rpm. Quiet, efficient, and capable of running full rated load, and then some, as long as the fuel holds out. Worth every penny and then some!

 

[Radix2]

The other gen thread got me back on a subject.
I currently do the portable generator thing. Kind of dislike having to go out and pour more gas in it every few hours but it beats nothing.

I have been contemplating a standalone genset. I would like to hear from others what brand they use as well as problems with the sellers, installers, etc.

Generac is pushed around here but I just dunno about them.
I will be running off of propane.

PS, not concerned about size just yet. Figure that out later.
Thanks

With a properly installed power inlet, panel interlock and a propane conversion kit, you might get to your sweet spot.

I had a whole house generac at one time. Looking back, I have never had power out for more than a single day in over 50 years, so the value of "whole house power" is really pretty low and I will not do one again.

I put at least $500 in the thing (natty gas version) every few years and never got any value of having AC or other extravagant loads powered.

Here where usage is not frequent, I am installing a convienient inlet box, interlock and getting a midsize portable with electric start that can stay on trickle charge so that anyone (wife) can start it. I would love to find a inverter that has that and enough juice to power the Gas boiler a couple lights and the frig.

The generator then has other uses and us not just another thing to maintain that will pretty much never be used to its full spec.

And I will find other uses for the thousands saved.

 

[theoldwizard1]

With a properly installed power inlet, panel interlock and a propane conversion kit, you might get to your sweet spot.

I had a whole house generac at one time. Looking back, I have never had power out for more than a single day in over 50 years, so the value of "whole house power" is really pretty low and I will not do one again.

CONCUR !

Unless you have a person in the home dependent upon some kind of machine, or you get frequent many hour outages, they are just not worth the cost. A freezer will keep things frozen for 24 hours, IF YOU DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR !

With an interlock kit, a 2500-3000 watt generator is more than the average person needs. You are not going to run an electric frying pan, toaster and coffee make all at the same time, but you could easily do them 1 at a time !

 

[Firebrand]

This is my military surplus MEP-803A unit. It's an Onan 4 cylinder diesel engine (1800rpm) hooked to an Onan 10kW rated generator unit. The military rates them at 10 but in reality they put out continuous 12.5kW all day and night. Based on information from Steel Soldiers, these typically run over 10,000 hours before needing major repairs or rebuilds. I wasn't specifically looking for the trailer, but that is how they are setup, and hey, wheels under it is starting to sound pretty cool. Found this unit on GovPlanet which has military surplus sales every Wednesday on line.

[

While I do acknowledge that 10kW is tons of power, I do have a machine shop in my basement running on 240 and more power tools around the farm, I'd be foolish not to get a unit capable of handling these machines and my snowmaking equipment. It's currently not portable, but was just thinking...Hmmmmm...

 

[mm08822]

With a properly installed power inlet, panel interlock and a propane conversion kit, you might get to your sweet spot.

I had a whole house generac at one time. Looking back, I have never had power out for more than a single day in over 50 years, so the value of "whole house power" is really pretty low and I will not do one again.

I put at least $500 in the thing (natty gas version) every few years and never got any value of having AC or other extravagant loads powered.

Here where usage is not frequent, I am installing a convienient inlet box, interlock and getting a midsize portable with electric start that can stay on trickle charge so that anyone (wife) can start it. I would love to find a inverter that has that and enough juice to power the Gas boiler a couple lights and the frig.

The generator then has other uses and us not just another thing to maintain that will pretty much never be used to its full spec.

And I will find other uses for the thousands saved.

If you don't have the need, then it can be a useless purchase. Similar to insurance - but you never know.
Most of the people i have sold to have a history of many outages and some lasting several days. They just had enough of spoiled food, no water, flooded basements, no heat.

There are some who just want the latest toy. I try to explain their options including whether a real need. In the end its their choice.

 

[CJ7VFR]

If you don't have the need, then it can be a useless purchase. Similar to insurance - but you never know.
Most of the people i have sold to have a history of many outages and some lasting several days. They just had enough of spoiled food, no water, flooded basements, no heat.

There are some who just want the latest toy. I try to explain their options including whether a real need. In the end its their choice.

I agree. That is why I bought the portable generator and transfer switch setup I have. I didn't really have the need to power my whole house, just enough to be able to still live here, comfortably, when the power is out.

We normally don't loose power for very long during storms, but during Hurricane Sandy, we lost power for 11 days! My portable setup cost me just under $1000 for everything (generator, transfer switch, power inlet box and 20 feet of 10/3 wire) and it worked out great for us during Sandy.

If I could afford an entire home, automatic generator set up, I might think about buying one so that if we were away from home we would not have to worry about the house going dark. But right now we don't travel that far (no more than a day by car) so the portable generator power solution was right for us, right now.

Jim

 

[Radix2]

If you don't have the need, then it can be a useless purchase. Similar to insurance - but you never know.
Most of the people i have sold to have a history of many outages and some lasting several days. They just had enough of spoiled food, no water, flooded basements, no heat.

There are some who just want the latest toy. I try to explain their options including whether a real need. In the end its their choice.

I certainly agree with you, just throwing out my experience so that people really think about their needs and probabilities.

One other thing comes to mind having lived with a whole house standby unit - the weekly test... mine was installed where if I listened I could hear it cycle every week.

However, it is easy to forget to listen or be out, etc. - as it turned out even though my needs were infreqeunt and not serious, on two occasions it did not start as expected...it needed repair and I had not noticed that it missed the weekly tests.

This was a few years ago before connected devices, so my question is- do new units have connectivity so that you are informed immediately if a weekly test fails (or if that test strategy is still used)? I think this would be a big improvement.

 

[mm08822]

I certainly agree with you, just throwing out my experience so that people really think about their needs and probabilities.

One other thing comes to mind having lived with a whole house standby unit - the weekly test... mine was installed where if I listened I could hear it cycle every week.

However, it is easy to forget to listen or be out, etc. - as it turned out even though my needs were infreqeunt and not serious, on two occasions it did not start as expected...it needed repair and I had not noticed that it missed the weekly tests.

This was a few years ago before connected devices, so my question is- do new units have connectivity so that you are informed immediately if a weekly test fails (or if that test strategy is still used)? I think this would be a big improvement.

New units can be set for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly exercise frequency.
I set the test time for when the homeowner is around so they hear the generator cycle. Sometimes I have to convince them that they want to hear it. I suggest they take a moment to listen to it run and just make sure all sounds the same - no new noises, etc. Maybe even walk over to it.

Units now have a wireless indicator that can be located in the house to signal, all ok, warning, or fault. There is a wireless unit that can connect to your wi-fi and you can get status on your cell phone - at $8/month!

There should be an app for local connectivity so anything connected to the wi-fi could locally display without a monthly fee.

 

[turbowoodworker]

The wireless indicator tells me if system is functional and reminds if maintanance or service is needed.
Simple system, red yellow green idiot lights.