Looking at one's from home depot and thinking about getting a ford but am open to other ideas. Probably stay away from honda because I think they are over priced. I want a decent brand, around 10,000 watts because that is the general range I'm looking at right now. I'd like a reliable electric start. I'm open to propane but it doesn't matter. Thanks
What's everyone's opinion on portable generators ?
- Thread starter tblaze
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pattenp
Well-known member
Kohler gens have a good reputation.
DC73
Well-known member
I don't own a generator but I tailgate for college football games and I am surrounded by them. Based on what I've seen, a Honda would make my short list for sure.
The Hondas are often so quiet, I have to walk up on them to see if they are running. Other brands are so loud, you can't stand to be anywhere near them.
I've never once seen a Honda owner have starting issues. Not so with other brands.
I've never heard any complaints when I talk to the guys who own Hondas. What I usually hear is that they'll never buy anything else.
That doesn't mean there aren't any good non-Honda generators but I haven't had another brand stand out to me like the Hondas.
DC
The Hondas are often so quiet, I have to walk up on them to see if they are running. Other brands are so loud, you can't stand to be anywhere near them.
I've never once seen a Honda owner have starting issues. Not so with other brands.
I've never heard any complaints when I talk to the guys who own Hondas. What I usually hear is that they'll never buy anything else.
That doesn't mean there aren't any good non-Honda generators but I haven't had another brand stand out to me like the Hondas.
DC
themiller
Well-known member
10000w propane - hope you have a few hundred lbs on hand...
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I see you're new here...I'd suggest using the search function at the top of the page, this is a pretty common topic so you should be able to find some recent discussions.
slow
Well-known member
what do you want to power with the generator? How long do you want to be able to run the loads you wan to power? Do you need the full 10K all the time? What is your budget (if any)
I've got a 15kw Generac portable gas, that I would sell cheap. It's far too large for my needs, unless I want to run my 5ton AC. Otherwise the rest of my needs can be met with either my 2k Honda EU2000 or my 7K powermate. Both use FAR less fuel than the 15KW monster, and my neighbors appreciate the fact they are much quieter as well.
I've got a 15kw Generac portable gas, that I would sell cheap. It's far too large for my needs, unless I want to run my 5ton AC. Otherwise the rest of my needs can be met with either my 2k Honda EU2000 or my 7K powermate. Both use FAR less fuel than the 15KW monster, and my neighbors appreciate the fact they are much quieter as well.
When the power is out I just hook up the basics, tv and cable box, if it's out for 6 hours I hook up the refrigerator and if it gets cold I hook up the furnace. That's pretty much it, I can live without everything else till the power comes on.
Bretny
Well-known member
So you want an electric start 10kw. Thats not alot to go on. Why did you settle on 10kw? Most of my house is electric becids the heat and i do fine with a 5.5kw
Bretny
Well-known member
You dont need 10kw to run that. If 6hrs is the longest outage you want to prepair for just keep a book on a shelf.
Most likely all of that can run at the same time on a 3500w. Depends on the furnace.
Raisedonadeere
Well-known member
I have had a Honda 3000IS for 11 years and it has been one of those things that has made me glad I spent the extra money for.. When pulling my RV it lives in back of my truck, and during some week long power outages from Alabama tornados, it proved itself with quietness and fuel efficiency. I could not be happier with a gen in that application. But now I think I need something different because the 3000IS is only 120v
I have moved to KY and live in a 1800 sqft manufactured house ((Energy Star rating) that has amazed me with its energy efficiency. I installed two hyperheat mini splits thinking I was compromising on hvac system but the house is splendidly comfortable in all weather. So I have arrived at the point where a 240 v generator could backfeed and keep my whole house comfortable. 3000 watts would keep refrigerator, one minisplit on bedroom end of house, a few lights and tv and iPads and cell phones. A 7000 watt would run both mini splits or allow one minisplit to stay running with microwave on etc. oh and another thing my sewer pump is a 2.5 hp 240 volt affair.
As it is with my 3000IS Ihave no cooling unless I drag out a spare window unit, or very little heat using resistance heaters, and no sewer. I see a 7000is in my future somewhere since I don’t need the portability of the 3000IS.
One thing I haven’t thought out is how the 240v generators handle un balanced loads such as a 240v minisplit and a 120v microwave. How do the loads add up toward the generator rated max watts?
Even though in my new situation I could enjoy a different generator, I am very happy to have the 3000IS sitting at the ready. I can cope, by switching some breakers around, dragging out a window unit if summer, hooking Up some propane heaters in winter etc, not convenient but way way better than nothing.
I have moved to KY and live in a 1800 sqft manufactured house ((Energy Star rating) that has amazed me with its energy efficiency. I installed two hyperheat mini splits thinking I was compromising on hvac system but the house is splendidly comfortable in all weather. So I have arrived at the point where a 240 v generator could backfeed and keep my whole house comfortable. 3000 watts would keep refrigerator, one minisplit on bedroom end of house, a few lights and tv and iPads and cell phones. A 7000 watt would run both mini splits or allow one minisplit to stay running with microwave on etc. oh and another thing my sewer pump is a 2.5 hp 240 volt affair.
As it is with my 3000IS Ihave no cooling unless I drag out a spare window unit, or very little heat using resistance heaters, and no sewer. I see a 7000is in my future somewhere since I don’t need the portability of the 3000IS.
One thing I haven’t thought out is how the 240v generators handle un balanced loads such as a 240v minisplit and a 120v microwave. How do the loads add up toward the generator rated max watts?
Even though in my new situation I could enjoy a different generator, I am very happy to have the 3000IS sitting at the ready. I can cope, by switching some breakers around, dragging out a window unit if summer, hooking Up some propane heaters in winter etc, not convenient but way way better than nothing.
Toomanytools?
Well-known member
It funny one persons basic needs "TV and cable box"...
I have the Honda EU2000i, got it free, would not start because of bad gas. Twenty minutes later running and my go to for camping.
Also have a Yamaha EF2400iSHC 2400 Watt Inverter Generator, bought new when they first came out, weighs more so stays home unless I need the AC in camper. Both great machines and quite, but a bit small for your needs.
Have you looked at this https://www.garagejournal.com/2019/02/champion-3400-watt-wireless-start-inverter-generator/
If I was in the market I would take a serious look at this.
Roundhouse
Banned
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I have a Honda
It’s the best genny by far
And they can be daisy chained together for double the power and I believe to get 220v
But I’m not positive about that
Mine also has a 12v output
It’s the best genny by far
And they can be daisy chained together for double the power and I believe to get 220v
But I’m not positive about that
Mine also has a 12v output
Raisedonadeere
Well-known member
Hey that never crossed my mind. Gotta check that out
I have a 7000/9000 electric start Champion. It was all I could get after Sandy so it was a simple choice. It carries the whole house, with well, except the central AC. It is not particularly quiet but that is the only complaint. From inside the house the noise is not that bad. I am sure there are a lot better but it does me.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
You do know that generator has nothing to do with Ford Motor Company ? They just licensed their logo for a fee from the company. The Ducar engine is built in Qinggang Industry Zone,Bishan,Chongqing China.
10,000 watts for a "portable" generator is crazy ! If you get one, it had better be propane and then you will have to have a 500 gallon "pig" (tank).
If you do NOT have a well, then the average house can "get by" on about 3500W maybe even 2500W. You won't be able to use any 240V appliances (including an electric water heater) and maybe won't be able to run the coffee pot, toaster and microwave all at the same time, but you'll figure that out.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
They are fine for short term use, especially the inverter models. You are correct, they really are not designed to run non stop for days.
House Frau
Active member
i bought a Generac in 2011 after Irene blew thru here and I might as well have just bought one to attach to my bicycle, haven’t used it once !
Bretny
Well-known member
You dont get 240v from connecting two 120v generators. You double the amps output not voltage.
Raisedonadeere
Well-known member
I don’t think any manufacturer has marketed it but with inverter technology it would be possible to manage the output of each unit so that they are 180 out of phase using the same base circuit that controls the frequency so that the are in phase when you pair them. Somewhat of a thread hijack but hey it came up here.
Bet someone who has reverse engineered the parallel kit could create a circuit that does a 180 phase change to the signal from the one unit that controls he other and make sure of proper load and after burning up a couple units a few they could figure it out.
Bretny
Well-known member
Possibly but usualy when you parallel these inverters usualy one acts as a slave, setting the wave time.
slow
Well-known member
the parallel kits have no brains, just wires that connect the 2 outputs together. The inverter itself detects the existing output and synchronized to it.
nadogail
Well-known member
If my memory serves me correctly, Consumer Union gave the Predator a very good review sometime in the last couple of years. Yes, the Harbor Freight house brand generator.
Really generator selection is usually a compromise between needs and wants, necessary load versus desired load, cash on hand versus willingness to assume debt, emergency standby versus steady service, fuel costs and availability, and a whole lot of other considerations.
My own setup is a 13HP, Harbor Freight Greyhound engine and a 10KW Chicago Electric alternator also from Harbor Freight. I used a Lovejoy coupling to join them together.
That lash up can run my air compressor, Stick Welder @ 100 Amps, and my table saw.
Yes it is noisy, but my total outlay was less than $500 and I can point to it and say I built this myself. It also rolls into my van to go to a job site.
With a generator, compressor, welder, table and miter saws, lighting Sawzall, and nail guns I feel confident to tackle a lot of jobs.
The output of the power plant is conservatively estimated to be 6KW.
Really generator selection is usually a compromise between needs and wants, necessary load versus desired load, cash on hand versus willingness to assume debt, emergency standby versus steady service, fuel costs and availability, and a whole lot of other considerations.
My own setup is a 13HP, Harbor Freight Greyhound engine and a 10KW Chicago Electric alternator also from Harbor Freight. I used a Lovejoy coupling to join them together.
That lash up can run my air compressor, Stick Welder @ 100 Amps, and my table saw.
Yes it is noisy, but my total outlay was less than $500 and I can point to it and say I built this myself. It also rolls into my van to go to a job site.
With a generator, compressor, welder, table and miter saws, lighting Sawzall, and nail guns I feel confident to tackle a lot of jobs.
The output of the power plant is conservatively estimated to be 6KW.
floridafarmer
Well-known member
After years of using smaller portable generators during hurricanes to pump well water and hopefully get some power in the house, I stumbled across a very nice gentlemen in Northern Florida that puts these portable military units together. Lister Petter diesel with 10KW 3 phase output that must put out well over 15KW as my well, 5 ton AC and most of the house don't draw it enough to measure past 50%. And it is so quiet you can hold a conversation standing near it when running.
Really pleased and so much so I bought another for my daughters house.
Really pleased and so much so I bought another for my daughters house.
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TheEquineFencer
Well-known member
...and knows someone that drives an LPG truck...ck out fuel consumption at 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 100% load ....
TheEquineFencer
Well-known member
Just for the fun of it....check the Hz your home brewed generation system runs at under a heavy load and light loads...
Bretny
Well-known member
Nice 803a you have there. How many hours on it? I bought and sold one with 3hrs on it before the prices went way up. I kept a nice non reset 802a for my self with 240hrs. Most of the features and benefits will be lost on 90 percent of generator shoppers.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Theoretically possible. Keep reading.
The parallel kit are "dumb stupid". Just wires on the inside. How the two generators sync is still a mystery to me !
I have done some research on how inverters and inverter generators work. Inverter generators are technically alternators in that they create AC current. (Alternators are more efficient than DC generators.) The AC is immediately converted to DC (via a rectifier), but this is high voltage DC (>280VDC ?). A custom made chip (or microprocessor) makes a "synthetic" sine wave (lots of different ways of doing it) which then is sent to a Class D amplifier which receives the high voltage DC. Feedback circuits from the output voltage then control the throttle on the engine.
I think the BEST way to create the US standard 240/120VAC "split phase" power that we use is via a transformer.
Roundhouse
Banned
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Even a store bought generator can have dirty power
At work we sometimes use portable well pumps with variable frequency drives to control the flow
And the Honda genneys are the ONLY Ones that the VFD is happy with
anythingyoucanimagine
Well-known member
I second Kohler. I have a 19kW 3ph 120/208Y Kohler (diesel) and it's awesome. It is a rebuilt Marine genset that had moderate hours on it but it has been great. Extremely reliable, took a little work --but now extremely quiet, auto tx switch, electric start, whole home, etc.
tblaze, to run the basics you really don't need much more than 3500-5000 Watts. I have a little Coleman (10hp Tecumseh) 5000W 120/240 generator that I loan out if we lose power. The thing is loud as F but 5000W is enough to keep the heat, some lights and fridge running. Usually the issue you have (especially in older homes) is the house wiring is a hot mess. You have lights and receptacles on same circuits, refrigerator is on circuits with other kitchen stuff (or god only knows what else... Mine was on bathroom and random lighting circuit) Unless you run extension cords everywhere (to the individual appliances) it's hard to isolate stuff out at the breaker panel.
Here's an out of the box suggestion... If you are going to spend $1,000 on a 10kW generator, why not spend that $1k on a couple deep-cycle batteries, an inverter, controller and solar panels. $1,000 can get you a halfway decent DIY solar setup that will run your heat, fridge and internet 365 days a year...
My Champion ran for days until the power was restored, after Sandy. The trick was finding gas. The stations had no power to run their pumps. Linemen from Southern states came up to put it back together.
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Raisedonadeere
Well-known member
Agree �� there are all kinds of ways possible but some you just would not bother. Just taking the long way around. It would be interesting to know how the two units sync. Probably something about how they respond to inductive loads.
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I like the 803A trailer gen set, I'll be in the market for a generator for a special event trailer soon. The trailer is almost finished with the ground up resto. Looking for a very quiet generator.
gemniii
Well-known member
I own 3 generators - A Winco 12KW PTO, a Durolast dual fuel "10KW" (8KW running) and:
I bought the Honda powered "Craftsman" about 2002 for the same reason. Have probably run it for 8 hours "testing" in 15 minute spurts over the years.
The Duromax I put at a rental house with my son, wife, and now 3 children. That one gets used occasionally on propane.
I've also a DeWalt "power station" that runs off 4 20VMax batteries, which I have plenty of. I've used the DeWalt the most for "short" power outages. Running a few lights, refrigerator, waiting for it to become a "long" power outage before I fire up the Craftsman/Honda.
For the OP if you have any DeWalt battery investment look at their power station.
And the Duromax is good for taking care of a whole house and can often be gotten on ebay for $500.
jacric2005
Well-known member
Just out for almost 4 days. I know that's nothing compared to the east coast and south. We had no running water, fortunately have wood stove and a 4x4 to get out of driveway. I am going with the Duramax 12000/9500 dual fuel electric start. It will be wired in with a transfer switch so I can use anything in the panel - just not all at once. With one of us still working at a job that likes you to have showered, we need the hot water heater. The other two big users are the well pump and the refrigerator.
I'll post an update when after I test it with a load. There are several Youtube videos on this model of generator.
I'll post an update when after I test it with a load. There are several Youtube videos on this model of generator.
jacric2005
Well-known member
I just posted on the big generator I am going with, but I'm going to watch CL for a small backup for the big generator, and to help out a relative who hunkers down with her dogs and no running water and no heat. Once I am all set up, I can put the small gen at her house and hop over twice a day to check on it - I don't think she feels comfortable starting it and/or adding fuel, plugging stuff into it, etc.
Stevie-Ray
Well-known member
Yes, and I just got one a few months ago. It was to replace my Coleman 5000/6250 that I built about 20 years ago, and still works great, but is getting old enough to cause me worry. I got the 7000/8750 for a great price on Black Friday. I simply plug generators into my house and run the whole thing. My Coleman stutters and the lights dim for a second when my pump kicks on. Hoping the extra 2K watts takes care of that. At any rate, the Predator is far quieter than the Coleman. May lend the Coleman to the neighbor when we lose power again. Not happening much now that the utility trimmed the trees.