[Paul]

Today one of our generators took a dump, ok since it doesn't have an hour meter I'm guessing it has over 1000 hours on it. The motors good but the field coil went.

What would you buy to replace it? Honda? Robin/Subru? Other models?

Looking for a 3600 to 5000 watt model
must have auto idle, large gas tank and hour meter.

[Will Pacala]

I would say the Honda. they are pretty good reliable machines. But go right to a Honda dealer if possible. The tools at home centers aren't as good a quality.

[Stonehenge]

Will, did you have a model in mind?

[Will Pacala]

No but I could find one I guess. I don't have one I know someone who does and loves it. Oh and Paul what was the make and model of your old one????

[Paul]

Our last model was a Generac I don't have the model # but it was a 5000W model. You have to understand it was 8 years old.

[Bill Schwab]

We use a Caterpillar diesel generator most of the time. Run for days on a tank of fuel, and can generate 220 3 phase if necessary.

The other option we use is the Miller portable arc welder in case we need to run both at the same time. It has 10,000 watt capability with welders features as well.

[site]

I have been looking at generators too. For infrequent use. Even the bad ones are expensive. I would buy a Honda for dependability. What do you think Paul, since you use them enough to wear them out?

[diginahole]

Given a choice I would pick a Honda gas motor over any other. I don't own a generator and never have so I can't offer anything on that half of the equipment.

[Stonehenge]

Well I think I have the same Generac as what Paul has/had. 5000 surge watts I believe, with an 8 horse gas engine (B&S?).

It is a bear to pull start, usually requires some ether to get it going, and runs ok to poor. And is loud as anything - when we're using it at the shop we'll run it around a corner and use an extension cord, so we can at least hear eachother talk. I bought it about 4-5 years ago, and it was $600 at the time. If I had my druthers, my next one would have a quieter engine, bigger amp circuits, and designed for easier transportability. What that model is, I dunno.

[PSUscaper]

I would stick to anything with a Honda on it, unless you want to get crazy and go for a diesel.

Northern Tool has some real quality generators, and give a good warranty. We had one for a year and when we had a problem, they overnighted the part to us the next day. It was only something like the caster wheel broke off the cart.

Maybe not practical, but they also make 3 pt hitch models that run off the back of tractors. I always thought it was a nice idea, but not sure how functional as you would have to have a tractor tied up all day.......must be a 'farmer' thing.

[Paul]

I've looked at a couple of generators. The auto idle is a must have it saves the field on the generators when it's running but not needed also saves on gas. 3600 watts with 4000 watts surge is plenty for most tools The Honda's and the Robyn's both have models that fit the bill. I pick a 3600 watt model because it can support a 15 amp load at 120 volts and still allow me to run a demo hammer or hammer drill. The Honda and Robyn both have a 30 amp 120 volt outlet so those of you with electric tub saws can use it to run them with out tripping circuit breakers.

Now I've seen on the Generac web site a contractors model with a Honda engine but the only dealers that carry it are Lowes but it's a special order. I really wonder if it any better than the others.

As for a diesel unit sure but most are too heavy and way too much money for my tastes. I don't think my men would like lugging
around a 250 lb generator. We already carry a portable welder in our trailers so buying a combo unit is out too.

watts= volts X amps

[Will Pacala]

Portable welder in each trailer??? that seems a little odd. Do you use it often or what is it for??

[Paul]

We have them in case something breaks. They are not big units but can repair most things that happen on a job site. I think they ran about $250 each.

[site]

I gave some thought to inverters for the trucks, but a mechanic friend thought they would kill the alternator fast. ???

[Stonehenge]

I'd never thought of that.

I have an inverter in my truck for my laptop, but never though of running something that draws that much juice. I wonder if a beefier alternator would do the job.

Then again, there'd be no way you could plug your welder into your cigarette lighter - were you thinking of setting up a dedicated hardwire setup (with thick gauge wire) to an inverter?