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!

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.

snowmachine wrote:
Check out the reviews from Camping Life.

http://www.campinglife.com/output.cfm?ID=1112113

Good info, GaryBy, Thanks!

Also FWIW, I'd check the amp draw & voltage drop when that well pump starts, as too low a voltage could damage something in the house (some motors will overheat), and too much of a draw could hurt the genny - but if you're not tripping a breaker it may not be too much current. If they're on different breakers on the genny you could draw too much without tripping any breaker. Don't forget that as voltage drops, some electrics will draw more current to obtain/maintain constant power, which only makes it worse.

I had borrowed a 5K Coleman once during a power failure here and it ran my well and furnace OK, but I never checked them at the same time the refrigerator was running. That's why I'm looking for something just a bit bigger, those 3 are the necessities, anything else is a luxury. When I first powered the house up with it - after 28 hours with no power - I shut down the breaker for the furnace and well. Once the refrigerator was up and running and the sump pump finished, I powered on the well, waited till the well pump shut down and finally put on the furnace. Furnace last because I knew there would be an oil burner and 3 circ pumps running at once - the other 2 were used later.