Homelite Generator?

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone

Great.. One day soon there is going to be little of substance manufactured in this country anymore.
Then as the dollar continues its decline prices for formerly cheap imports will march higher, the worst of both worlds.


We are already seeing it. Copper pipe is proportionally more expensive than ever, and made in China. The same goes for steel and other key industries.

The Chinese engines have achieved an acceptable "word of mouth" (internet) reputation. However, many of them in extended use are true failures. There are many issues. The first of which is sourcing parts such as CDI's and carburetors and air filters. The second issue is simply the fact that they don't have 30 years of real-world experience under their belt in this country. Some of the Chinese plants making these engines are only a couple of years old. Good luck getting parts after 10 years.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Here is an interesting site with lots of generator models, they also indicate if USA made:

http://www.brandnewengines.com/briggsandstrattongenerators.aspx

Some of the Briggs & Stratton generators say USA made with Intek engine. I would think engines are USA made as well, no?

I've had good experience with Briggs lawn tractor engines, thus I'm a somewhat partial to B&S, also parts and service should be easy to find.

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone

Some of the Briggs & Stratton generators say USA made with Intek engine. I would think engines are USA made as well, no?


It would seem not. Only the V-Twin Briggs are still produced in the USA.

 

[Tuffy1760]

hey rock, I'm gonna throw this out at ya... you've had 3 tropical events in 14 months. throw in blizzards, thunderstorms etc. and may want to do a double check before buying anything right away. I gotta suggest having the house assessed for a whole wiring/ generator install. Proffesionally installed. Pricey but safe...

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: Tuffy1760
hey rock, I'm gonna throw this out at ya... you've had 3 tropical events in 14 months. throw in blizzards, thunderstorms etc. and may want to do a double check before buying anything right away. I gotta suggest having the house assessed for a whole wiring/ generator install. Proffesionally installed. Pricey but safe...

I plan on installing a proper transfer switch and have a new breaker panel ready to go in at the same time.

I'm not in a rush to buy a generator right now, just trying find out what to look for in case a deal comes along.

 

[Tuffy1760]

Sounds good rock, I would go for high quality and not save a few bucks here and there. guess in this situation, bigger is better. no tellin' how many people will be living with ya... I've seen alot of highway crews working with hondas. talking to them, they love em...

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: Tuffy1760
Sounds good rock, I would go for high quality and not save a few bucks here and there. guess in this situation, bigger is better.

I'm going to get the smallest one necessary to run my well pump and such, 5000 watts most likely.

The larger generators typically use more fuel, in Sandy type situation fuel economy is crucial if you don't want to end up standing on Soviet style gas lines, ugh.

 

[Rick in PA]

Rock, I agree with your thinking. We just ordered a small generator, 1400W / 11.7A (I'd like a little more, but oh well). It should be enough to run any of our critical appliances (including the heater)in an emergency. Realistically, I see it as sitting unused most of the time. That means I'll have to refresh the gas every year or so. With it's 1.5 gallon tank, that's no big deal, and it should be a "gas sipper" in use. In an emergency, I don't have to light-up the whole place, just keep the food cold and the house warm.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Rick in PA
Rock, I agree with your thinking. We just ordered a small generator, 1400W / 11.7A (I'd like a little more, but oh well). It should be enough to run any of our critical appliances (including the heater)in an emergency. Realistically, I see it as sitting unused most of the time. That means I'll have to refresh the gas every year or so. With it's 1.5 gallon tank, that's no big deal, and it should be a "gas sipper" in use. In an emergency, I don't have to light-up the whole place, just keep the food cold and the house warm.


I have a 1700W unit and align to the same philosophy. Has worked well so far.