Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > standby generator reliability
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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mml4
Snow is good, Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Re: standby generator reliability
Reply #1 Jan 22, 2013 6:43 am |
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Mikie- I know 4 people that have Generac units and all of them had trouble during Sandy. I don't know about the others you listed but would strongly suggest Gillette or Winco. Marc
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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Snowbound
Joined: Feb 17, 2006
Points: 76
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Re: standby generator reliability
Reply #7 Feb 9, 2013 11:58 pm |
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Check out $#%*mins Onan closely. They're a huge company in the generator business with a very good reputation. I have a 5.5 KW gasoline driven version purchased from Costco and it has been great. I run it (excercise it) every few months although they recommend every month. Change the oil once a year. They have parts and service in key cities nationwide. I've had this gen for six years and last year I had to use it for the first time and it was great. We were the only residence in the area with power. We live on a main street and got a lot of questions when we were the only house with lights at night. Our "ordeal" lasted for two days yet it seemed like it never happened. I highly recommend ownership of a generator. The simple run-and-maintainence requirements are worth the benefits when suddenly you need it! My family actually forgot that the area was without power. There are several affluent towns in Massachusetts who rely on well water (electric pumps). They lose power and their backyards behind bushes become their bathrooms (latrines). Some people I know rely on local hotel rooms for which the price would pay for a gen set.
This message was modified Feb 10, 2013 by Snowbound
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mml4
Snow is good, Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Re: standby generator reliability
Reply #8 Feb 10, 2013 5:42 am |
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The generacs that had problems,were they air cooled?ARe the water cooled generacs more reliable? Mikie-They were all the air cooled model. One belonged to my son's in laws, one to a person i worked with and the other two were a fishing buddy of mine and his neighbor. I am most familiar with my son's in laws situation.The unit has failed on them every time they have lost power in the 3 or 4 years they own it. Marc
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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saund77
Joined: Feb 8, 2013
Points: 1
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Re: standby generator reliability
Reply #9 Mar 15, 2013 1:59 pm |
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I am looking at purchasing a natural gas 20k standby generator.The choices are generac,kohler,c ummins onan. Is there one that is truly more reliable than the other?And if so what makes it more reliable. When we were taking a look for our home generator we had this same issue. The few top brands are tough to tell apart and there seems to be a wide range opinions. There are lot's of guides and articles out ther ebut Here is one I found specifically helpful when making my decision. I ended up choosing generac due to it's reputation, but hopefully this will help you decide which brand is best for you.. http://www.norwall.com/blog/news-and-updates/20-kilowatt-standby-generators/
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