Standby Generator - best brand?

[rackeu]

We are going to get a 20 -22KW standby generator installed. Lots of options and dealers. Could purchase one direct and have a local contractor put it in, or could use a dealer to purchase and install.

But first things first; what is the best brand for reliability and service? Are there any significant differences among the top brands that I should be aware of?

 

[mike93lx]

We are going to get a 20 -22KW standby generator installed. Lots of options and dealers. Could purchase one direct and have a local contractor put it in, or could use a dealer to purchase and install.

But first things first; what is the best brand for reliability and service? Are there any significant differences among the top brands that I should be aware of?

The best brand is the one that you can get fixed quickly in an outage. Find out who sells and services which brands around you then pick one.

The best in the world could be one that you can't get parts for 4-5 days. How useful is that in an ice storm?

 

[FJ 432]

The company I work for sells Onan/Cummins. That said Generac is hard to beat in this size of generator.

 

[48RON54]

If money were not a concern, I would purchase a used diesel MQ power generator.

 

[jeff lary]

I am looking too,
I have a Generac dealer about 15 miles away. We currently get by with a portable Coleman 5000 watt but the 10 hp engine is hard on my shoulder to pull on especially in sub zero weather. I have learned to save my shoulder pull the spark plug then 8-10 drops of gas in the cylinder re-install the plug and will start on the first pull.
So 5k is plenty for us I run everything I want so I am thinking a 7000 or 10,000 max for us. We have a 500 gallon … I think lay down propane tank so whatever we buy it will run on propane. I will be interested to read the responses to the thread

 

[Stuart in MN]

Cummins and Generac are good brands in that size, among others. As said, look at availability and quality of service for whatever brand you are considering in your area first

 

[theoldwizard1]

We currently get by with a portable Coleman 5000 watt but the 10 hp engine is hard on my shoulder to pull on especially in sub zero weather.

First, I am assuming before you shut down the generator you run the carburetor dry.

Try this.

• Fuel on
• Choke on
• Ignition off
• Slowly pull the cord out as far as normal. Maybe twice, if it very cold.
• Ignition on
• Pull

Mine starts this way on 1/2 of a pull !

 

[Git]

I would buy something Costco Sells

https://www.costco.com/generators.html

 

[jeff lary]

ok I will give it a try next time ...I am sure it will not be long before I need it again.

 

[mike93lx]

I would buy something Costco Sells

https://www.costco.com/generators.html

Why? Do they also service them?

 

[Bretny]

Cummins onan makes good stuff. Generac, briggs and some kohler just use lawn mower engines in a fancy box.

Do you want cheap or do you want good? You cant have both.

 

[79firebird]

Generac is what my uncle uses at his cabin we also run a 16kw one at my grandparents it runs the infloor heating fridges well pumps all fine.

 

[CJ7VFR]

...Try this.

• Fuel on
• Choke on
• Ignition off
• Slowly pull the cord out as far as normal. Maybe twice, if it very cold.
• Ignition on
• Pull

Mine starts this way on 1/2 of a pull !

This is exactly how I start every motor that requires me to pull start it! My dad said to always do this way, and it works.

Jim

 

[rackeu]

I am in Savannah so ice is not a problem. I am hearing that most of the brands are comparable and like the idea of going with the best service network. Thank you.

Cummins service is everywhere but that is because of trucks and only one generator specific dealer 30 miles away. Not sure what that means for the service network on generators. Onan I believe is Cummins as well. There are plenty of Gererac dealers in town but see only two parts places. Briggs and Stratton has 4 dealers with service in town.

I have narrowed it down to a Generac 22kw model 7043 or a Briggs 20kw fortress. Warranties are comparable and looks like a tossup.

 

[Falcon67]

I am looking too,
I have a Generac dealer about 15 miles away. We currently get by with a portable Coleman 5000 watt but the 10 hp engine is hard on my shoulder to pull on especially in sub zero weather. I have learned to save my shoulder pull the spark plug then 8-10 drops of gas in the cylinder re-install the plug and will start on the first pull.

Get a Honda 7000eu. Turn key, push button. No, they are not cheap - but they work. "10 HP engine" - in a 5K generator? I think not. I started our 6500 Champion last night - hasn't run in about 3 months. Took 5 pulls to start. Normally when we were using it on regular race weekends, starts on 2nd pull. That motor is a 389cc. Per Champion specs, the engine produces 8.8HP.

Pretty sure Cummins will service the Costco gennys. Most of the standby stuff around here is big and it's Cat.

 

[Git]

Why? Do they also service them?

Because Costco stands behind their products.

 

[mike93lx]

Because Costco stands behind their products.

What does that mean? You are going to return it if it doesn't work? Or they will send a tech in an outage?

 

[yeldogt]

I bought the Cummins 20k propane w/ the transfer switch and all the options (2x load shedding/remote control/pad) It a very nice unit -- high quality .... nice design. I'm on Propane so i want one that was efficient and had a practical test cycle. The cummins will use the starter to exercise the alternator w/o starting the ICE every time

 

[Stuart in MN]

Because Costco stands behind their products.

I doubt Costco actually does any service on generators, but they may contract that work out to a third party.

 

[TractorJeff]

I bought the Cummins 20k propane w/ the transfer switch and all the options (2x load shedding/remote control/pad) It a very nice unit -- high quality .... nice design. I'm on Propane so i want one that was efficient and had a practical test cycle. The cummins will use the starter to exercise the alternator w/o starting the ICE every time

I wonder how long the Starter will last cycling them monthly like this?
Its not a "Bad" idea, just maybe not a "Great" idea!

 

[Git]

What does that mean? You are going to return it if it doesn't work? Or they will send a tech in an outage?

I believe that if you were to buy one of their generators and a couple years down the road (when it was clearly out of warranty) if it started developing 'problems', Costco would let you return it for a full refund

 

[MDM]

Some things to consider....
Air cooled or liquid cooled? How long do you want it to be able to run continuisly?
Also, look and see how much fuel each one burns per hour. They usually calculate it at a certain load rate. Try and compare this between brands, and also size. Figure how long each generator will run with the specific capacity of your tank. Remember, if its a propane tank, they are usually only filled to approximately 80% of capacity.

 

[yeldogt]

I wonder how long the Starter will last cycling them monthly like this?
Its not a "Bad" idea, just maybe not a "Great" idea!

one would hope they thought of that -- it's not spinning all that long. Evidently - the reason the systems need to run as long as they do is for the ICE. While the alternators need to be spun regularly .. for reasons I'm not exactly sure. The ICE needs to fully heat up once it starts .. so the ICE is coming on just to spin the alternator a little ... and then running for 25min to dry out.

Speaking with technical the best I could get was that the alternator does not like to sit in the same spot for extended periods -- spinning it a few times keeps it clean.

Why does an engine need to run every week ?

 

[4 FN 27]

I have a 40KW Cummins NG in the backyard. It has been on auto pilot for 9 years now. Not 1 issue. Fires up within 8 seconds every time.

Lucky for me service is only 10 minutes away if needed...assuming I can get on their schedule during a storm. I am sure the local Hospitals and Lift Stations have priority.

Service is a very big consideration.

 

[mike93lx]

I believe that if you were to buy one of their generators and a couple years down the road (when it was clearly out of warranty) if it started developing 'problems', Costco would let you return it for a full refund

Think about that for a moment... This isn't a portable generator or a blender. It is a heavy, installed product that isn't easily removed.

Again, if it fails in a storm, are you going to uninstall it and bring it to costco? That is completely absurd.

Their return policy doesn't matter on this

 

[Git]

Think about that for a moment... This isn't a portable generator or a blender. It is a heavy, installed product that isn't easily removed.

Again, if it fails in a storm, are you going to uninstall it and bring it to costco? That is completely absurd.

Their return policy doesn't matter on this

First of all - I believe that Costco sells 'quality' products. So the fact that Costco sells it in the first place is a plus.

Secondly, if I did have a 'problem' I would, of course, try to work with someone locally to try to get the problem fixed whether it was in warranty or not. Let's face it, sh*t happens and things break, but if I ever felt that I purchased a lemon or the generator was just a piece of sh*t that I wasted my money on, I feel better knowing that I can just return the generator for a full refund. All I would need to do is package it up the best I could - (throw it on a pallet) and then give Costco a call. They would arrange for someone to come to my house, pick up the generator and send it back. I don't find that absurd at all, is your local 'mom and pop' generator store going to do that for you? Costco - 100% satisfaction

Lastly - Am I not allowed to have my own opinion, or do I have to think the same way as someone from Massachusetts? Whatever happened to just disagree on something without slinging insults, etc. The fact of the matter is, here in So Cal, our power rarely goes out so I never felt the need to buy a generator. But if I did, I would start by looking at the ones Costco sells and go from there

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

Lastly - Am I not allowed to have my own opinion, or do I have to think the same way as someone from Massachusetts? Whatever happened to just disagree on something without slinging insults, etc. The fact of the matter is, here in So Cal, our power rarely goes out so I never felt the need to buy a generator. But if I did, I would start by looking at the ones Costco sells and go from there

Not trying to start a **** storm, but the fact of the matter is that if you don't agree with the opinion of someone else you're wrong. It's a shame, but that's how bad society ***** today.

 

[reader2580]

Does anyone really think that Costco is going to send someone out on their dime to pick up a standby generator that is four or five years old? They would most likely refund your money if you returned the unit to them.

It seems silly to return a standby generator to Costco just because it needed repair after four or five years. Now, if it was DOA or needed repairs constantly that is a different story.

 

[Git]

Does anyone really think that Costco is going to send someone out on their dime to pick up a standby generator that is four or five years old? They would most likely refund your money if you returned the unit to them.

It seems silly to return a standby generator to Costco just because it needed repair after four or five years. Now, if it was DOA or needed repairs constantly that is a different story.

Costco doesn't eat the costs - the vendor does. That is the price of doing business with Costco.

You want to return a large object - contact Costco and they contact the vendor and they make it happen. Example, early this year we ordered a '3 person Sauna' from Costco. There was a number of quality control/shipping damage issues and the company actually changed a couple of design features (lesser quality) and never told anyone. I contacted Costco and they had the company schedule a pickup at our house and deliver a replacement (these things weigh over 800 lbs)

Have you read what is going on with Movie Pass? I bought a couple of 1-year subscriptions for Christmas gifts. It looks like the service is going under at this point and they have already placed a number of restrictions on its use. I contacted Costco, full refund over live chat and they said that MoviePass eats the cost, not them

 

[ard]

Ive been toying with the idea of a Generator for years. 5,6 days was the worst- average seems to be 6-8 hrs. Annoying, but not life altering.

But I just received a note from PG&E telling me that they may turn off the power in this areas during high fire risk situations .... are you f-ing kidding me?!?

I'm on a well, no power, no protection. 40k gallon pool, no way to pump it out....and I am in a VH FHSZ (very high fire hazard safety zone)

I mow, trim trees, cut fire breaks- but without a way to put out spot fires, embers, it really reduces my safety

This changes the equation....

 

[Bigbandguy]

I have a Generac 17KW . Six years and no issues. My next plan is to also get a small Honda to maintain the minor parts of civilization if Natural gas went out. One of those would run "occasionally " for a long time. Beyond that about a KW of solar panels would at least light a few lights, and charge phones and laptop for quite a while, even if it all went out.

Unlikely but better than trying to read in the dark.

 

[yeldogt]

I spent quite a while looking at/into all the different units. Generac/Kohler/ Cummins all make a decent unit and I really don't think one is "better" vs the other. The warranties are about the same. When looking at the units they present quality wise in the order I listed.

If on NG and can use the Generic bundled wire for hookup (some codes say no) it makes for a very easy installation.

The largest units available before you jump up to the water cooled are the 20/22 -- the price difference between the 20/22's and the 14k that I originally thought would be my size is so small that going with the 20/22 was a no brainer.

Even with the larger unit my house technically has a higher load .. code says I have to manage that some how. I did so with load management vs having a dedicated panel. Using a whole house transfer with load shedding was what I wanted.

It's when you get into the details that one unit may fit better vs another -- The cummins was redesigned last year and has some options that I liked ... especially the fuel savings on Propane. The hook-up is not as straightforward as the Generac using the bundle.

 

[reader2580]

Ive been toying with the idea of a Generator for years. 5,6 days was the worst- average seems to be 6-8 hrs. Annoying, but not life altering.

But I just received a note from PG&E telling me that they may turn off the power in this areas during high fire risk situations .... are you f-ing kidding me?!?

I suspect this has to do with liability for PG&E. They are on the hook for up to $12 billion from wildfires last year and this year. PG&E may file bankruptcy if they have to pay the $12 billion.

If PG&E turns off power during high risk times then they can't be blamed for any fires. The current issue is trees have fallen on power lines igniting fires. The state is claiming PG&E has not cleared trees far enough from lines and is assigning liability to PG&E.

 

[ard]

I suspect this has to do with liability for PG&E. They are on the hook for up to $12 billion from wildfires last year and this year. PG&E may file bankruptcy if they have to pay the $12 billion.

If PG&E turns off power during high risk times then they can't be blamed for any fires. The current issue is trees have fallen on power lines igniting fires. The state is claiming PG&E has not cleared trees far enough from lines and is assigning liability to PG&E.

I dont disagree.

Problem is that 'high risk times' are from June to October!

Or the 40 days a year it is over 100F, say from 11AM-7pm.

My point is 'high risk times' is a nonsensical construct.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Part of your decision needs to be , what are you powering?


Some alternators can provide some very clean power, and some are very “dirty”. If you’re powering a bunch of sensitive electronics, that can really influence your needs and price.


I suggest talking to a generator rep, not some goof with a name tag on their shirt at a box store.

Cummins and Kohler are the two I prefer to deal with. I do commercial and industrial, so the smallest I’ve bought in the last few years is a 500kw.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[My Old Tools]

Cummins onan makes good stuff. Generac, briggs and some kohler just use lawn mower engines in a fancy box.

Do you want cheap or do you want good? You cant have both.

Generac does not use lawnmower engines on their larger fixed site generators. My Generac is 30 Kw, propane with a dedicated 750 gal tank. It runs a self test for 10 minutes every Friday. It just works and has for years.

 

[Git]

Supposedly the 'Honeywell' generators that Costco sells are rebranded Generac that are a little cheaper and comes with a 3-year warranty versus 5 from Generac. (Using a Costco Visa card would get you an extra year on the warranty)

interesting thread:

http://www.zillerstore.com/forums/f...generators/3787-my-17kw-honeywell-has-arrived

 

[pbon]

Consumer Reports just rated a Champion standby very highly. I think it was 10k on NG and about $2500. For ease of wiring I think that whatever standby I buy will be big enough to have a whole house transfer switch.

 

[Bretny]

Ive been toying with the idea of a Generator for years. 5,6 days was the worst- average seems to be 6-8 hrs. Annoying, but not life altering.

But I just received a note from PG&E telling me that they may turn off the power in this areas during high fire risk situations .... are you f-ing kidding me?!?

I'm on a well, no power, no protection. 40k gallon pool, no way to pump it out....and I am in a VH FHSZ (very high fire hazard safety zone)

I mow, trim trees, cut fire breaks- but without a way to put out spot fires, embers, it really reduces my safety

This changes the equation....

Gas powered water pumps are prety cheap and portable.

 

[Bretny]

Generac does not use lawnmower engines on their larger fixed site generators. My Generac is 30 Kw, propane with a dedicated 750 gal tank. It runs a self test for 10 minutes every Friday. It just works and has for years.

Sure they do. What other major use whould an air cooled engine have? It starting every 7days has nothing to do with the engine, its the control box that does that.