Generators

[raybonz]

I was considering a Generac 8KW standby generator until I started researching the propane end of it.. Seems propane companies like gouging people and charging exorbitant prices for delivered propane.. For this reason I am considering this generator http://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-XP440...F8&qid=1361037252&sr=1-351&keywords=generator which has remote electric start which would be a good feature for my purposes and the price is right and fuel consumption should be feasible.. Does anyone here own one of these generators and what are your thoughts? This should be enough to power my furnace for hot water and my well which is 1/2 HP at the same time and I can cycle my fridge and freezer to keep them at temp ofr a good price..

Ray

 

[cygnus]

Not sure what you are getting at with the propane but almost any gas engine can be retrofit for about $200 to run gasoline, propane and natural gas. Can use the small bbq tanks too. Really good option on a pinch when gasoline is tight. That genny should be plenty for what you outlined.

 

[MasterMech]

With the invasion of cheap imported generators (some of which are quite good) the question has always been: What happens when I need parts for it in 5, 10, 15+ years?

 

[raybonz]

With the invasion of cheap imported generators (some of which are quite good) the question has always been: What happens when I need parts for it in 5, 10, 15+ years?

I hear what you're saying the thing is many of the name brand generators are made in China and higher cost.. I have a cub cadet self propelled lawnmower and it has a Chinese engine and has been good for years.. Many American snowblowers such as Ariens are using the Chinese engines as well particularly on the homeowner models.. Like I mentioned I like the 8KW Generac standby propane generator but the propane deal scared me away.. You need a minimum of 125 gallon tank to operate that badboy and I refuse to be held hostage by any propane company.. If I had natural gas here I would have bought the 8KW Generac standby generator for sure.. If a $400.00 generator croaks I can always buy another and not break the piggy bank.. Still in the research and thought stages here..

Ray

 

[greg13]

Check with a few rental houses in your area. Most of the larger sell equipment off after 5 years or so. You should be able to buy a 6-8kw contractor grade unit for $300-500. and many don't have that many hours on them.

 

[Retired Guy]

If you do decide on Generac take a close look at the 10KW unit. The two cylinder engine is a plus. We installed one last year after using a gas powered portable for years. Made the switch because the portables are a pain to maintain and storing enough gas was always an issue.

 

[raybonz]

I have reconsidered what MM said and agree that service and/or parts will be impossible to obtain on a Chinese generator so I am now considering this generator http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Briggs-&-Stratton-30466-Portable-Generator/p5322.html#q_a ...This generator has a very good surge capacity as well.. I have posted a couple questions to the guru there pertaining to power quality and to the outlets on the generator.. Adding a manual transfer panel will add another $300.00 or so and is the right thing to do..

Ray

 

[MasterMech]

I have reconsidered what MM said and agree that service and/or parts will be impossible to obtain on a Chinese generator so I am now considering this generator http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Briggs-&-Stratton-30466-Portable-Generator/p5322.html#q_a ...This generator has a very good surge capacity as well.. I have posted a couple questions to the guru there pertaining to power quality and to the outlets on the generator.. Adding a manual transfer panel will add another $300.00 or so and is the right thing to do..

Ray

They other thing to consider is that a generator almost never fails when the power is on. So even if you can get parts for it, where do you go and how long until you're running again? With a Briggs powered unit, it's a good bet that any engine parts at least will be in good supply locally. And we all know what trying to get a replacement generator is like with a widespread power failure.

 

[brogsie]

Hi Ray,
I have a summer house in the next town from you. I have propane from Amerigas.
Last fill up was $5 a gallon and $90 per year tanks rental. I would look for something other than propane.

 

[raybonz]

Hi Ray,
I have a summer house in the next town from you. I have propane from Amerigas.
Last fill up was $5 a gallon and $90 per year tanks rental. I would look for something other than propane.

Yes Brogsie this is what I have found too.. Totally ridiculous price by comparison oil is a bargain due to the high BTU output compared to propane..

Ray

 

[thewoodlands]

I have reconsidered what MM said and agree that service and/or parts will be impossible to obtain on a Chinese generator so I am now considering this generator http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Briggs-&-Stratton-30466-Portable-Generator/p5322.html#q_a ...This generator has a very good surge capacity as well.. I have posted a couple questions to the guru there pertaining to power quality and to the outlets on the generator.. Adding a manual transfer panel will add another $300.00 or so and is the right thing to do..

Ray

We have the briggs and stratton (I think) 4500 which we bought just before the ice storm of 98, last summer the carb needed cleaning, before that the low oil sensor went on it so we had that replaced, we change the oil every year so the thing was well worth it.

Add up what you want in your manual transfer box (watt wise) then make sure you buy one that's big enough. Off the top of my head this is what's hooked up to the transfer box.
1. Fan to the propane fireplace.
2. Fan to the Wood Stove
3. The oil furnace.
4. The well pump.
5. Microwave (Radar Oven)
6.Garage Lights
7. Outlets on the Island in the kitchen
8. Lights in my bathroom
9. Lights in the Kitchen
10. The Freezer / We plug the Fridge into number 7.

The electrician thought our generator was to small but we had everything running on the generator hook up before he left all at once, the genny handled it without a problem.

 

[MasterMech]

Hi Ray,
I have a summer house in the next town from you. I have propane from Amerigas.
Last fill up was $5 a gallon and $90 per year tanks rental. I would look for something other than propane.

I dunno about you guys in MA but here you can still buy a 125 gal tank and have it filled just like owning your own oil tank.

 

[raybonz]

For $5.00 per gallon that isn't happening here MM!! That's a ridiculous price for what you get from it!

Ray

 

[festerw]

Holy smokes $5/gallons my last fill up here in PA was $1.79/gallon and no tank fee unless you have over a 300 gallon tank but use less than 100 gallons a year. I don't blame you for not considering it.

 

[MasterMech]

For $5.00 per gallon that isn't happening here MM!! That's a ridiculous price for what you get from it!

Ray

Co-Worker of mine just filled his 125 gallon tank (that he owns) for just under $3 a gallon. From a reputable company around here too.

 

[ironpony]

have you considered a deisel fired generator? there are many of them out there and you can find one at a decent price. I picked up (4) 20kw's for 4000 each, Dayton Power was reducing thier inventory of them. They all had less than 1000 hours on them, barely broken in for a deisel. Hold 40 gals fuel and are mounted on a trailer. Remember they are for back up / temporary usage so fuel should not be a big factor.

 

[thewoodlands]

I was considering a Generac 8KW standby generator until I started researching the propane end of it.. Seems propane companies like gouging people and charging exorbitant prices for delivered propane.. For this reason I am considering this generator http://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-XP440...F8&qid=1361037252&sr=1-351&keywords=generator which has remote electric start which would be a good feature for my purposes and the price is right and fuel consumption should be feasible.. Does anyone here own one of these generators and what are your thoughts? This should be enough to power my furnace for hot water and my well which is 1/2 HP at the same time and I can cycle my fridge and freezer to keep them at temp ofr a good price..

Ray

Ray, I just noticed your occupation, disregard my watt wise post!

 

[raybonz]

Ray, I just noticed your occupation, disregard my watt wise post!

Just because I am a licensed electrician doesn't mean I know everything and appreciate the feedback I have been taught tricks from people in every walk in life! Always respect the capabilities of others and you can learn more everyday

Ray

 

[raybonz]

Co-Worker of mine just filled his 125 gallon tank (that he owns) for just under $3 a gallon. From a reputable company around here too.

http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-util...to-fuel-price-info/propane-price-surveys.html

 

[BrotherBart]

Always respect the capabilities of others and you can learn more everyday

And always only burn dry wood.