Generator help...

[grub32]

First of all, I am brand new here...I love this place. I will be spending a lot of time here i'm sure. I have a 30 x 40 ft pole building for my wood shop and toy storage(wil post pics later)

I am looking at getting a backup generator for my home and garage. I don't have Honda money to spend at this time so I am looking at generac and the rustic brand from home depot. Anyone have experience the ridgid brand? Any advise? How about generac?

I really want to get one with an electric starter for around a grand.

Thanks in advance,

Grub in NE Ohio

 

[airbatica]

You might be better served by purchasing a used Onan off of Craigslist or eBay. Generac is notoriously difficult to get service (and parts) from. No experience with Ridgid. For a point of comparison, I can still get most parts for my 1974 Onan MDJE (marine diesel genset).

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not enough info.

Are you looking for a permanent installation or portable ?

You absolutely need to figure out what you max power load requirements are, both starting and running.

I have a Craftsman 5000/8500 with a 10 hp Briggs&Stratton engine. Looks like new, even though I bought it used for $400. WAY more power than I will ever need and LOUD !

They are always for sale on Craig's List.

Stick with a known name brand. Stick with either a B&S or Honda engine. Mine does not have an electric start, but it starts first or second pull even at below 20F !

I would love to have a 2.5-3.0 kw inverter generator but those cost over $1000 even for the Chinese ones ! BIL has a Honda 2000i. Never uses his 5kw one any more.

 

[cglasgow]

For very light loads, I've found the little HF 800W 2-stroke generator to be surprisingly well-made. It's also remarkably quiet. Retails for $149, but with the right coupon can be had for $90.

Keep in mind that you'll get better fuel efficiency running a smaller genset harder than a larger one lightly -- especially so if you go Diesel! On the other hand, you'll definitely need to figure out your needed capacity, both running and surge. Deep well pumps take a lot of juice to start up.

 

[grub32]

I appreciate the info...I have already done math of watts needed. I am asking out the quality of two brands that I have mentioned....I would love a Honda gen but I can't afford to have one of those for a backup. I am looking to have something that my wife can start quickly so elec start is a must. I also prefer to buy new. I want a warranty! People are dishonest when selling used equipment and I cannot afford for this to to not be as advertised.

Anyone have the ridgid? Just curious. As a short term, cheap solution, I could get the HF version just to run the sump and maybe lights. I will need something over 5000 watts for everything else I want to do.

Thanks again,

Grub

 

[jammer1001]

My 2 cents, I have a B&S HP 5000W Coleman pull start bought new. I run it has a back-up for the house when the power goes out. It will run all the lites 2 freezers TV and furnace along with two room fans with no problem. I start it a few times a year to make sure all is in order. I keep it full of fuel using sea-foam as a stabilizer and have had no problems. Regrets, wish it was electric start!! Word of caution, after installed run the unit and at a wall socket do a voltage test under load, have the essentials you plan on running turned on, the voltage is adjusted by the RPM of the generator, to or to high can hurt your appliances. I also run mobil one.