Choosing a Generator

[SupremePossum]

I have made a few posts about specific generators, but I want to make a single post that I can keep updated with my search. Also I just like generators

I have a Generac RG027 Standby generator, which is a really nice 1800 RPM Liquid Cooled unit that does 25kw on Natural Gas. It has a 200a ATS. But, I want to have a good reliable backup to this unit, if the natural gas were to ever go out (It never has here, but, you never know!) or if the Generac decides to break at the worst time. I did have a mag pickup go bad just after buying it, and I just hate having nothing to cover me (Though, I did, details below)

I have a Champion 100520 8750w generator that I got before the Generac, its 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts. I have a Nashfuel Tri-Fuel kit on it so I can power it via NG if I need to. Its a cheap generator, but it has proven itself, as I loaned it out to many people during Hurricane Beryl and it ran perfectly. I of course keep it very well maintained. I do keep 82 gallons of gas on hand too, which should get me through a weeks outage no problem, if I can't use NG for some reason

But, its a Chinese cheap generator. I want something SOLID as my backup. I have made a spreadsheet with solid options

Everything must have electric start, auto-choke (if gas) and be very reliable

A Honda EU7000is maybe fits the bill, but 5.5kw, no oil filter and over $4000? Jeez that is expensive. I would love a Kubota Lowboy generator as you may have seen from my other threads, but again, very expensive.

Currently I'm looking at light towers. I can source a light tower with a Kubota D1005 and under 3000 hours but the catch is it has one of the Capacitor Regulated 6kw Pancake generator ends. It seems they are not ideal for home backup power from my research, but it seems that some people say they are good to go, others not, so would love any feedback

Any other good options worth looking at?

 

[georgemiller]

I think you're covered well with what you have. Worst case the little Wen can run the essentials until power comes on and in eco mode it's great on gas. If you're bored buy a used Winco or get a Gillette and convert to natural gas.

 

[Nessism1]

Some good deals on Yamaha kicking around. Many on close out. Are they exiting the market?

https://www.acmetools.com/all/?q=yamaha

 

[SupremePossum]

I think you're covered well with what you have. Worst case the little Wen can run the essentials until power comes on and in eco mode it's great on gas. If you're bored buy a used Winco or get a Gillette and convert to natural gas.

Realistically, yeah I am, but I don't want to rely on on cheapo Chinese generator. I want to be able to not have any doubt if my standby gen fails

Some good deals on Yamaha kicking around. Many on close out. Are they exiting the market?

https://www.acmetools.com/all/?q=yamaha

Interesting, I wouldn't be surprised. It seems they've been stagnant for a while, I'll have to check them out. I assume they have no FI units, seems Honda has that one down for themselves

 

[4WD]

Realistically, yeah I am, but I don't want to rely on on cheapo Chinese generator. I want to be able to not have any doubt if my standby gen fails



Interesting, I wouldn't be surprised. It seems they've been stagnant for a while, I'll have to check them out. I assume they have no FI units, seems Honda has that one down for themselves

If you can get past the China thing - you could buy two more for those prices.
My WGen has a purpose built “Chonda” with a cast iron sleeve …
It starts quickly on propane - I never put gasoline in it …
(But could) …

https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/products/wgen9500df-generator-dual-fuel

 

[NormanBuntz]

Aren't there any Kohler units that are worth considering. I can't see having a diesel generator as a backup.

 

[SupremePossum]

Aren't there any Kohler units that are worth considering

I don't really see any portable Kohler units, there are some light towers with diesel Kohler engines, but nowhere near as many as Kubota

 

[SupremePossum]

If you can get past the China thing - you could buy two more for those prices.
My WGen has a purpose built “Chonda” with a cast iron sleeve …
It starts quickly on propane - I never put gasoline in it …
(But could) …

https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/products/wgen9500df-generator-dual-fuel

My main concern is that the Westinghouse units are just the same as all the rest, you can find Champion, WEN, Westinghouse, Predator etc all with the same units with slightly different features

 

[georgemiller]

 

[6.7 CTD]

I have the same Champion inverter generator model 100520. I am thoroughly pleased with it. I put an ngk plug in it, a magnetic drain plug, and HPL. I’m confident it’ll be functional when needed since it’s well-maintained. I’d keep the champion as a primary backup if the generac fails.

 

[ka9mnx]

If you can get past the China thing - you could buy two more for those prices.
My WGen has a purpose built “Chonda” with a cast iron sleeve …
It starts quickly on propane - I never put gasoline in it …
(But could) …

https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/products/wgen9500df-generator-dual-fuel

I have one that's similar to this. Engine is a Honda clone. Probably 15 years old now. Key issue is keep up with maintenance. Has saved my butt numerous times.

 

[4WD]

I have one that's similar to this. Engine is a Honda clone. Probably 15 years old now. Key issue is keep up with maintenance. Has saved my butt numerous times.

Yes, that’s what Chonda means … Friend made some long runs with his after hurricanes … they are pretty good units …

 

[riff1006]

I feel pretty well covered with a Genmax 11000/8500 purchased from Sam's just after Beryl, and a Furman 9400/7500 I bought just before Beryl. Both are tri-fuel models. Our power only flickered so neither was needed. I run them every 6 weeks. The Genmax is especially nice inverter model and I'd loan out the Furman if asked by someone I trust. Both are Chinese but I believe will last if maintained and ran on a schedule. I installed an Easy Start for the 4 Ton and either will start it without issue.

 

[spasm3]

I've seen food trucks running predators, 4-6 hrs a day everyday for years.

 

[ka9mnx]

Yes, that’s what Chonda means … Friend made some long runs with his after hurricanes … they are pretty good units …

Mine ran about 20 hours a day for seven days after Matthew until power was restored. Had to run dehumidifiers and fans from the flood recovery people. After they were finished it was the sheet rockers and painters. Also tried to keep two freezers and a fridge running which was futile.

 

[Mechanician]

I've seen food trucks running predators, 4-6 hrs a day everyday for years.

The fact that they continue using Predators is quite an endorsement.

 

[Rand]

This for a backup backup generator.

IMO the champion is perfectly worthy for that purpose.

To me: This comes off as your money catching on fire in your wallet.

 

[nomas]

So you have a backup generator AND a backup to that generator and now you want a backup to both of those ? Honestly , I'm having a hard time taking this seriously .

 

[repairman54]

So you have a backup generator AND a backup to that generator and now you want a backup to both of those ? Honestly , I'm having a hard time taking this seriously .

That's like wearing multiple condoms.

 

[nwjones18]

Aren't there any Kohler units that are worth considering. I can't see having a diesel generator as a backup.

To me a diesel backup gen makes a lot of sense since it can be stored (the fuel) long term much better than gasoline. That is if you don't want a natural gas/propane gen.

I just have a little 20yo 4k Champion that does everything I ask it to.. so I don't have many opinions on "good" generators.. haha

Kubota makes good stuff.. I couldn't justify it as a backup to a backup, but If you can then go for it!