Couldn't say no to this deal: Hart 3600w generator $249

[14Accent]

Hart 3600w Generator

Local WM had two left, marked down to $249. I stopped in on lunch to grab a jug of Rotella and noticed them out of the corner of my eye. I thought it over for a few minutes but decided to pass as power outages aren't overly common where we are, only to change my mind a few hours later. I figured it can't hurt to have backup power around just in case, and for the price it was kind of a no-brainer.

I'm glad I didn't wait until I got off work to go back, as they were down to one (mine) when I went back an hour or so later. I know it's an absolute bargain-basement unit, one I'd never have paid full price for, but at $249 I felt it was worth the CC points.

 

[samven]

You just never know when it will come in handy. I would make sure it starts and runs, go through the breakin and then drain the tank and carb bowl and fog the cylinder, put it away and cover it and with any luck you will forget its even there. But when you need one nothing else will do.

 

[eljefino]

First ever generator?

Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace for 6-gang transfer switches, they often sell for $50 or so. An advanced amateur can wire one into their load center without having to pull the meter or anything crazy. And they power the loads you need which can be half the house if you do it right.

 

[Nessism1]

Can't find much information about that machine. Seems like a generic, which doesn't mean bad, mind you.

What kind of engine?

 

[14Accent]

First ever generator?

Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace for 6-gang transfer switches, they often sell for $50 or so. An advanced amateur can wire one into their load center without having to pull the meter or anything crazy. And they power the loads you need which can be half the house if you do it right.

First one! I appreciate that tip, I'm fairly comfortable around electricity and I'd love to have the ability to just plug this little guy into a central location and choose loads as I see fit.

I assume I would use the 30A RV plug on the unit in your scenario?

Can't find much information about that machine. Seems like a generic, which doesn't mean bad, mind you.

What kind of engine?

I wish I could tell you, I'm sure it's Chinese. It does say it's 212cc, which seems decent enough. I'm normally the type to wayyy over-research things before I buy, but this was absolutely a case of "FOMO". I'll crack the box open this weekend and see how it looks in more detail.

 

[Cujet]

Many of those Chinese 212cc engines are spectacularly good, don't know about this brand. The engine is a variant of a Honda GX and seem to last a long time with adequate viscosity and regular oil changes. RV guys know they can get thousands of hours from a 212cc Champion generator (which may have the same engine) . Replace the sparkplug with a quality plug, consider replacing the fuel line and even consider replacing the pull cord (paracord might work here).

And know the metal fuel tanks on Chinese generators tend to rust fast internally, so make sure to keep it clean and free of any moisture.

 

[14Accent]

Well, it's alive. Actually fired on the first pull after adding fuel and the included 10w30. Pictured is a little over 3900w of load running without issue, although it did load up just a little bit at times. I let it run with varying loads for 20 minutes or so while the '79 warmed up for it's oil change and everything worked as you'd expect. I'll probably leave the included oil in it for the first hour or so then get something decent in the crankcase.

For $249 I'm very happy with it. Even folds up and slides right under the shelving in the garage.

 

[JTK]

That's a great deal and incredibly handy in that wheeled/handled configuration!

 

[NETWizz]

I recommend breaking it in easily. Like quarter load for a bit, then after an hour or two half load is okay for a while.

Occasionally pull off the load to let it try to slow down for ring seating. After a handful of hours if you want to try max load go for it.

As for oil changes, try to start out with a Dino oil and do your first oil change within an hour or two. After that the next oil change within a handful of ours. After that you shouldn't visually see anymore metal in the oil... You can go to 25 hours if you want.

Or if you want to be cautious, continue with another oil change. Wait until it has at least 10 hours on it to go to Synthetic. Might be best to wait for 20 to 25 hours, but either way it will still break in. IT just takes longer for ring and valve seating if you use synthetic is all.

 

[Kira]

Nice score!
Like you said, it ain't the best machine in the world but you paid way low for it.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

If I came across something like that I'd have to pick it up to.o!
I already have 2 generators that are >6500W running, but can never have enough. Especially with how much our power goes out.

 

[facility1]

actually I have had reasonably good luck with Hart stuff, good bang for the buck. Its usually name brands (or sort of) with a Hart label on it.