give me some generator ideas...

[mech-tech]

Well fellas, I been putting this off for long enough. I am a bit of a tool-aholic (aren't we all) and I bough a small licoln 200 amp welding machine thats runs on 240 volts. I have been meaning to set my self up wit a portable generator, but just never got around to it.

My question is, I am looking for at least a 3500 watt generator. Now I do have a 6 hp vertival shaft briggs and a 11 hp vertical shaft briggs just sitting around. Is there any decent generator head made for vertical operation? I would like a good quality generator head, but all I ever find is the cheap chinese ones at harbor freight or northern tool. Which brings up my next question. On the generac portable generators, are the power heads any different than the cheap chinese generators found online? Would I be better off cost wise just buying a portable generator or is it worth my wild to build my own? I considered building an inverter generator like found online, but with the cost of a power inverter that is large enough, I would spend more than if I just bough a generac.

Thanks for the ideas guys. Can't wait to here what ya'll come up with!!!!!!!

 

[RECox286]

Look at Grainger, and McMaster. They both have online catalogs.

Generac is a very good name too. Try googling.

If I had some more experience with gensets, I might try building my own. But, why

fool around trying to make a bunch of parts work, when you can purchase one

ready to rock and roll for less than the parts cost ?

Uncle Bob

 

[sr71]

Are you saying you plan to run the welder from the generator? If so you will need to buy or build a decent generator - arc welders are hard on generators - typically need lots of power / high duty cycle. Guessing that at minimum you will need an 8kW generator.

 

[BD1]

Did you consider buying a gas drive welding machine / generator ?
I bought a Trailblazer and it is good for 10,000 watts. Could almost run your house and is one heck of a welder.

 

[MoparTrucks]

Generacs are good generators but the smaller ones like you are looking at have Chinese power heads (GP series). The smaller portable generators of around 7500 and below all seem to be made with outsourced power heads and are hit or miss. I have a Honeywell 5500 with over 60 hours thats been flawless but a friend has the same one and its given him fits.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

The GP engine and alternator end are made overseas.

 

[mech-tech]

Are there any certain small generators to stay away from? Like mentioned, they all seem to be made over seas and look similar. At his time, i CANT JUSTIFY MORE THAT $400 OR $500, so looking for the best bang for the buck. U sed generators just dont exsist where I live, unless ya wanna pay full prise for one.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Are there any certain small generators to stay away from? Like mentioned, they all seem to be made over seas and look similar.

Stick with a generator that uses a Briggs & Stratton or Honda engine. No knock on Subaru or Kawaski, but there are thousands of small engine shops that can service those engine.

At his time, i CANT JUSTIFY MORE THAT $400 OR $500, so looking for the best bang for the buck. U sed generators just dont exsist where I live, unless ya wanna pay full prise for one.

Then shop the next big town over !

I bought a "like new" Craftsman 8600/5600 watt generator (10 HP B&S engine) for $300 a couple of years ago. Still starts first or second pull even when well below freezing.

The funny thing is the generator is almost identical to the one sold by Troy Bilt, Coleman and a bunch of others. I will bet they all came out of the same factory.

 

[ed_v]

Stick with a generator that uses a Briggs & Stratton or Honda engine. No knock on Subaru or Kawaski, but there are thousands of small engine shops that can service those engine.



Then shop the next big town over !

I bought a "like new" Craftsman 8600/5600 watt generator (10 HP B&S engine) for $300 a couple of years ago. Still starts first or second pull even when well below freezing.

The funny thing is the generator is almost identical to the one sold by Troy Bilt, Coleman and a bunch of others. I will bet they all came out of the same factory.

This is good advice. I just got a killer deal on a 11hp 7500W Honda from my neighbor for $300. Starts on the first pull. Now I need to fix up a power cord to backfeed through the 220V dryer plug if the power goes out. Hopefully I'll never need it, but it's nice to know it's there.

Ed

 

[nehog]

Even that 11 HP engine will be straining to produce 3500 real watts.

I'd start looking for sales and/or Craig's list for better solutions instead of trying to make my own.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Even that 11 HP engine will be straining to produce 3500 real watts.

I call BS !

My 10hp runs my "real" 2hp 240V/20A air compressor with no issues. I'm certain it would handle a 240V/30A load.

 

[ed_v]

I call BS !

My 10hp runs my "real" 2hp 240V/20A air compressor with no issues. I'm certain it would handle a 240V/30A load.

Agreed....

I hooked up my compressor to try it and my neighbor said it powered his well, refrigerator, lights, tv, and electric stove during a power outage. Basically everything you would need.

Ed

 

[aandpdan]

This is good advice. I just got a killer deal on a 11hp 7500W Honda from my neighbor for $300. Starts on the first pull. Now I need to fix up a power cord to backfeed through the 220V dryer plug if the power goes out. Hopefully I'll never need it, but it's nice to know it's there.

Ed

Bad advice on backfeeding through the dryer. It's an accident waiting to happen and against Code.

Put in a proper "inlet" and use an interlock breaker on the panel. It's not that expensive.

 

[fflintstone]

After my 5K generator burned in fire #1 I was looking at used with no luck and new 5500W gens were around $600. My buddy tells me of an online only sale at home depot. I got a 5500W Generac for $349 + tax and shipping it was around $410 total.

 

[iron_worker]

Agreed....

I hooked up my compressor to try it and my neighbor said it powered his well, refrigerator, lights, tv, and electric stove during a power outage. Basically everything you would need.

Ed

1hp = 746Watts

11HP = 8206W

Even with a hefty over-rating I would imagine that an 11HP motor should be able to easily produce 3500W. Generator heads are generally up in the 90% efficient range which puts you to 3888W consumed.

IW

 

[dnelson60]

1hp = 746Watts

11HP = 8206W

Even with a hefty over-rating I would imagine that an 11HP motor should be able to easily produce 3500W. Generator heads are generally up in the 90% efficient range which puts you to 3888W consumed.

IW

After Hurricane Ike, my 10HP B & S 5500 watt generator ran 3 ice boxes all at the same time and could even run my 2HP 240V pool pump at the same time as 1 of the ice boxes. No doubt in my mind that an 11HP can handle 3500 "real" watts.

David

 

[theoldwizard1]

Example from CL

5300/6000 watt 11 hp Brigs & Stratton Generator $250

 

[green.bubbly]

After Hurricane Ike, my 10HP B & S 5500 watt generator ran 3 ice boxes all at the same time and could even run my 2HP 240V pool pump at the same time as 1 of the ice boxes. No doubt in my mind that an 11HP can handle 3500 "real" watts.

David

Yesterday during Isaac, my 5500 watt, 10 hp powered up a new 10,000 btu window air conditioner, 24cf fridge, 21cf deep freezer, small chest freezer and three lamps with no hesitation.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

1hp = 746Watts

11HP = 8206W

Even with a hefty over-rating I would imagine that an 11HP motor should be able to easily produce 3500W. Generator heads are generally up in the 90% efficient range which puts you to 3888W consumed.

IW

The normal rule of thumb for generators is 1hp = 500 watts.
11HP = 5500 watts.

 

[kald]

The normal rule of thumb for generators is 1hp = 500 watts.
11HP = 5500 watts.

That is what my Miller Bobcat is rated at, 16hp/8kw or 33.33 amps @ 240 vac.

 

[jordan369]

I have a 7000/9000 portable Champion generator. Runs the whole house when needed.

Mike

 

[crabjoe]

My recommendation is to bit the bullet and over do it with a Generator. You might have to power you whole house.

I picked up a Generac GP15000E. 15,000 watts and just using the 50amp 240v plug, using an interlock, I can run everything in my home at once, except the electric dryer.

BTW, I have a GE panel with a GE Interlock. I think the interlock kit cost me $40 at Home Depot. You'll still need to spend come coin on wire, breaker and the outlet.

 

[mech-tech]

Appreciate all the advice! Just one question, if ever the generator head goes out, what do most people use for replacements? The only good ones I have found online were more than the cost of a new generator!!!!!!!!

 

[frankush]

After taking a 3 day Generac air cooled generator class, I would pass on their products. Look for an old Onan that runs at a nice slow RPM.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

if ever the generator head goes out, what do most people use for replacements?

Usually that means it's time to throw it away and get a new generator.

 

[theoldwizard1]

After taking a 3 day Generac air cooled generator class, I would pass on their products. Look for an old Onan that runs at a nice slow RPM.

If you can find one !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Appreciate all the advice! Just one question, if ever the generator head goes out, what do most people use for replacements? The only good ones I have found online were more than the cost of a new generator!!!!!!!!

Likely true !


I don't know how common this is, but look for one that use permanent magnets in the rotor. No slip rings or brushes, which are the 2 most common wear items.

 

[805gregg]

Go government surplus, you can get a 10,000 watt,low hr, diesel for about $1000

 

[PatJ800]

After taking a 3 day Generac air cooled generator class, I would pass on their products. Look for an old Onan that runs at a nice slow RPM.

Best advice in this thread.

I have a "good" briggs and stratton gen that I have just for my well in a power outage, nothing else (240v.) It does the trick for the well, but that B&S engine is made in China and is just as Chinese as the engines with the obviously Chinese names. Parts are not as common and interchangeable as they once were for B&S, as "my" engine is not even on the B&S website or in the B&S catalogs. I have a "B&S" pressure washer that is the same way. Sadly, like so many other once great companies, B&S has sold out and isn't what they once were. If you can find a used B&S great, and there may be a couple new models that are still good, but pay attention to parts availability.

For a good quality generator I would either look for one of the older cast-iron made in USA horizontally opposed twin 1800 RPM ONAN gens, or go for newer Hondas. The older Onans are very good quality and last many many thousands of hours if not more. They were used in a zillion RV's in the 1970's and 1980's and around here go on Craigslist for $200-$500. Make sure you are getting a cast iron 1800 RPM unit.

I have a pair of Honda EU2000i gens I run in parallel for my RV and separate for power outages. They are fantastic generators (made in Japan) but will not do 240V and are out of your budget ($1000 each). To get a 240V Japan Honda you are in to real money.

 

[wpozo]

Stick with a generator that uses a Briggs & Stratton or Honda engine. No knock on Subaru or Kawaski, but there are thousands of small engine shops that can service those engine.

X2.. And x3 ...

The engines are hardest to maintain on most generators, not the generating part since they rarely have issues. Using a Honda Engine, will allow you to buy parts and service accordingly. Most others are hard(er) to service.

I saw a guy hook up a circular saw to a generator recently, it draws more than 4500 watts by itself. I wouldn't buy a generator less than 5K watts - unless your very specific in your generating needs??
wp.

 

[cheechi]

This review might be helpful for you.

I hate Honda personally, but a guy I know who swears by Honda engines recommends to me the HF generators since all HF engines are apparently copies of Honda small engines.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

I saw a guy hook up a circular saw to a generator recently, it draws more than 4500 watts by itself.

That's not true. If it's 120v (never seen a 240v circular saw) then it's probably less than 15 amps maximum, or 1800 watts. More likely less than that...

 

[PatJ800]

I hate Honda personally, but a guy I know who swears by Honda engines recommends to me the HF generators since all HF engines are apparently copies of Honda small engines.

The Harbor Freight generators, as well as almost every single Chinese generator (if not every single one) is also a clone of the Honda EX series engine. Champion, ELIM, Power Pro, Onan Homesite, Duro Power, ETQ, anything (Non-Subaru) sold by Pep boys, Northern tool, Harbor freight, Shucks, Advance, Checker, Kragen, Tractor Supply, Lowe's, Home Depot, and many others are all clones of the EX. If you are looking at a 3600 RPM generator with a slanted single cylinder OHV engine that doesn't say Subaru or Honda then I will bet you my lunch money it is a direct clone of a Honda EX engine. This is not a bad thing as some are very good clones and very good generators, but Honda parts are not interchangeable.

99.99% of these generators come from one of two companies in China. One of them is Jiung. There is another I can't think of now. Search around on the internet you can buy a container full of these generators they will paint them whatever color you want and stick whatever label on them you want. This is what Onan does with their homesite line, etc.

There is a thread on RV.net about chinese generators with something like a million views and 10,000 replies. It is called 3000w chinese generators or something like that. More than you could ever possibly dream you wanted to know about chinese generators. I have been active in that thread since 2005 under the use name PatJ. I have purchased and tested many of the Chinese clones for that thread.

 

[cheechi]

Thanks for the extra info.

 

[Mystic142]

motors starting draw a much higher initial surge current. Using an undersized power source can drastically shorten a motors life.

I was lucky enough to get a great deal on a used Wacker G25 : )

 

[theoldwizard1]

Back to the original question.

My question is, I am looking for at least a 3500 watt generator. Now I do have a 6 hp vertival shaft briggs and a 11 hp vertical shaft briggs just sitting around. Is there any decent generator head made for vertical operation?

I have never seen one, but don't give up hope.

Build yourself a "long" (3-4') mounting platform. Pu the engine on one end mounted vertically and the generator head mounted horizontally. A V-belt can easily make a 90° bend with some guide pulleys and tensioners.

As for a head, check around some of the old garden tractor forums on the web. They do come up for sale but they are nor cheap.



In the end, it will be easier and possibly cheaper to buy a decent used one.