Hi All,
I am in a pickle here and need the advise on generator selection.
Here we go:
I live in Houston and just went thru the Texas winter apocalypse, during which I ran a generator converted to run on natural gas.
The genset I used was a SamsClub Blackmax 7500 watt generator with a Honda powerplant. (GX390) I have it plugged into my house via 30 amp manual transfer switch.
It ran great, the only time I stopped it was to perform a couple OCIs. Its a new generator and that was the first time running it aside from a short startup when I first bought it and installed the conversion kit. After the storm was over I was at Costco and stumbled upon a Firman 7500 watt Tri Fuel generator so I picked one up to check out. I am extremely impressed by this unit, the build quality seems second to none, also I like the layout of the machine better than the Blackmax.
I like the idea of having a Honda Engine in a generator but dont want to get drunk off that fact.. I also have to remember I have "tricked" the Honda into running off natural gas. The Firman is designed to run off of NatGas and has a Honda clone motor.
The next thing I thought about was availability of parts - you can get Honda parts readily. When I spoke with the Firman folks you have to order the parts thru them but they have the parts readily available as well. I have talked to both customer service departments - the Blackmax customer service is ok (USA based), and the Firman was way more helpful and based out of Phoenix. The Firman generator also seems les bulky and easier to store. Also, did I mention the Firman was $300 cheaper?? not that that really matters..
I am at a crossroads and can utilize the return polices from either of the stores and/or sell the generator. I think I might be leaning towards the Firman?
My question would be which genset would you keep?
Blackmax - https://www.samsclub.com/p/7500w-generator-honda-gx390-gas/prod22041931
Firman - https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100648883.html
I am in a pickle here and need the advise on generator selection.
Here we go:
I live in Houston and just went thru the Texas winter apocalypse, during which I ran a generator converted to run on natural gas.
The genset I used was a SamsClub Blackmax 7500 watt generator with a Honda powerplant. (GX390) I have it plugged into my house via 30 amp manual transfer switch.
It ran great, the only time I stopped it was to perform a couple OCIs. Its a new generator and that was the first time running it aside from a short startup when I first bought it and installed the conversion kit. After the storm was over I was at Costco and stumbled upon a Firman 7500 watt Tri Fuel generator so I picked one up to check out. I am extremely impressed by this unit, the build quality seems second to none, also I like the layout of the machine better than the Blackmax.
I like the idea of having a Honda Engine in a generator but dont want to get drunk off that fact.. I also have to remember I have "tricked" the Honda into running off natural gas. The Firman is designed to run off of NatGas and has a Honda clone motor.
The next thing I thought about was availability of parts - you can get Honda parts readily. When I spoke with the Firman folks you have to order the parts thru them but they have the parts readily available as well. I have talked to both customer service departments - the Blackmax customer service is ok (USA based), and the Firman was way more helpful and based out of Phoenix. The Firman generator also seems les bulky and easier to store. Also, did I mention the Firman was $300 cheaper?? not that that really matters..
I am at a crossroads and can utilize the return polices from either of the stores and/or sell the generator. I think I might be leaning towards the Firman?
My question would be which genset would you keep?
Blackmax - https://www.samsclub.com/p/7500w-generator-honda-gx390-gas/prod22041931
Firman - https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100648883.html