Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Before I ask my question, are they on-topic for this forum?

If they are, I'll come back and edit it into this post. If not, can anyone recommend another place?


Edit, the next day: Thanks, I'll post my Q below!

Watch the exhaust on the portable units.  People DIE every year because they run them in an attached garage and think that they will be OK in the house.  Make sure it is ventilated properly. 

Good thing about Diesel is that it is more stable than gas and less volitale.  Less danger for you and your family.  Not terribly expensive:  http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_8792_8792

OK, research (mostly) completed, it seems I can't do what I want without it costing me an additional $1000 or more.

So I'll be getting a portable with wheels. Gasoline, because I don't want to try and store multiple 55 drums of diesel and replace it every year, nor do I want to be bothered with trying to hook up a portable to my big propane tank. I can always retrofit for propane if I change my mind.  I already have a manual transfer switch installed, did that when I built the house so I just need to run some #10 from there to a weatherproof Twist-Lok receptacle.

I'll have to leave it outside while in use, only problem with that is weather. Too much trouble to try to fit an exhaust pipe thru-wall, plus it would void the warranty.

BTW, the "All Power America" brand is all-chinese. Forget that. I'm down to two different B&S units, almost identical, the Craftsman 5600W  0302501 or the B&S 030333.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07132561000P
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engine_power/details.aspx?pid=150

The Craftsman is slightly more powerful (surge rating) and cheaper but not as well built, and the B&S is weatherproofed. But it's a short drive to Sears. I'd have to order the B&S and get it delivered. I was unable to come up with spec sheets for the generator portion, I suspect the B&S is a heavier-duty one. But I did learn that it will cost me $1500 more to get one of the really good ones, no portable units seem to have them.

Also, Hondas are way overpriced. I'd step up to a Kohler stationary before I'd pay that much for a portable. I have on the job experience with both Kohler and Cat and can't complain about either. I run datacenters on them, which is probably why it is so difficult for me to step down to one I can afford with my own money.

Bill_H wrote:

Bill I'm not sure what Subaru engine Deere uses on their generators but if it similar to the one I have on my Ariens commercial mower it will be a great engine.  Mine is a Robin Subaru chain driven OHC/OHV  engine.  Starts great, smooth power, and the quietest gasoline engine I ever used. 

I can't speak to your other questions.  I only have a small 1850 watt portable generator. 

Bill H. I have an overpriced honda portable generator on wheels, it is an 8 hp. 3000 watt. model. I have had to use it maybe 4 times in the time I've had it and it sure has saved me when I needed it. I know it was expensive but I thought I would have it to pass on to my kids someday, you never wear a good one out.

Check on line prices and even Ebay if you have access to local service.  If you can't get local service, I would pass on those units.  http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=new+honda+generator&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=honda+generator&_osacat=0

Kubota make some of the best generators available.  Their diesels are pricey but phenomenally long lived.   I have one at my camp that's 26 years old with over 7500 hours on it.  Kubota also make gasoline units.  You should at least check them out. 

I was at a Costco store a weeek or two ago. They carried three portables and one of them was a HONDA. Don't remember the price nor the capacity.I went online but they don't show it. I guess it was only available in store.

Be very careful when buying expensive pieces of equipment from Costco!

They actually have special lines of products made just for them. Sometimes, you will see equiment or electronics with "obscure" brand names, or big brand names like Honda, in this case, but with lesser quality.

I'm in the market for a 2K-2.5K portable generator.

I had considered a Robin Subaru R1700i but I need 2K minimum.

http://www.robinamerica.com/pfeatures.aspx?pid=74

It's now a toss up between the Honda EU2000i or the Yamaha EF2400iS

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail&section=P2GG&modelname=EU2000i&modelid=EU2000IAN

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx

I like the higher output of the Yamaha but it's about 25 lbs more than the Honda. It appears sound-wise they are the same. It appears the Honda has a longer potential runtime as well. I am leaning toward the Honda but the Yamaha is appealing as well.

Anyone have any + or - experiences with the above listed Honda or Yamaha product?

Thanks!

For what it's worth: We have a 5K Generac (6250 peak), and it did the job.  However, perhaps because we upgraded our well pump to 1/2 HP, we get very visible brownouts whenever the pump starts.  We use it to power the pump, the heating system (forced hot water by oil), refrigerator, microwave, smoke detectors, and one set of outlets (lights and computers).  It's not the entire house, but it's enough to keep us comfortable.  Because of the brownouts, we're looking at upgrading the generator.   Given that the generator ought to last at least ten years, I'd consider spending an extra couple of hundred to get one with more than 5KW. 

For what it's worth:  Ace Hardware carries B&S generators, though you may need to order it online and get it shipped to a nearby store.  The 6200w model, with battery start, runs $1K.