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Anyone have some negative experience with generators? I am looking at a Husky 3500 with about 150 hours on it. I've read good and bad, some repair guys say these are the 'King of the Crappy' generators, and say 'get a Honda'. But that may not happen. What do you have, and what would you never buy again. The engines are not the issue, it seems the electrical stuff can go wrong and you almost have to toss the things out.
Their engines sUck. Their electrical parts suck. Two weekends ago we were using a 3500 watt unit. Flooded for no reason And main breaker died mid job. it was also a bitch to start.
Buy a Honda. my mom can start their Honda in one pull. It used to be mine. Its been well used.
I have two small Honda 2000s and love them. Have not heard great things about Husky. I think I remember a Husky recall a few years back. Generac often seems to come up as a good option that's not as expensive as Honda.
Not sure what stock you put in Consumer Reports, but here are the top "recommended" portable generators. The last number is the score out of 100.
Troy-Bilt XP7000 30477 $900 72
Honda EM6500SXK2 $2,800 70
Briggs & Stratton 30470 $900 69
Honda EU6500iS $4,500 69
Predator 68530 3 4 $600 68
Generac GP5500 5939 $700 67
NorthStar 165603 3 $1,500 66
Champion 41537 $1,000 66
Troy-Bilt 6000 30475 $700 65
I guess I am not the Honda fan. They are loud compared to quiet generators.
I am an Onan Fan. These are the same brand that are used in RV's and campers. They are designed to be used for long stretches and are very reliable. They also sip fuel compared to a Honda.
Run from Husky generators. My buddy had two in one year for Fl hurricane season and both didn't run right. I had a Briggs and Stratton 5550 for about six years that other than an oil changes and fuel it's been great. I did use it as back up for storm season when we lived in Fl. Now its for powering our camper.
+ 1 for Onan
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Some of the Husky's are Briggs and Stratton and some are Subaru....
I bought a husky for work, we are hard on it, the bolts and nuts are coming loose and it's bent up, but it always runs. As the company grew we invested in a couple of Hondas. They both have their place.
Ah, well, I'm looking at some Onans online =) Never even heard of these. Are they pretty bullet-proof?
What do I look for when buying a used one? They look American made, but can you get parts for older models?
Also, I am running power tools with it, really nothing else. But these are for 'RV use only'- could this be an issue?
Onan is partnered with Cummins.(yes the diesel fame Cummins) In Denver parts are readily available at Cummins Onan Rocky Mountain
http://www.cumminsrockymountain.com/
Anyone who is serious about generators and relies upon them gets an Onan. They are available in Gas, Diesel, Propane, Natural Gas and Kerosene. They are not cheap.They make generators for the Military too like the MEP002A. They are generally not many used available. They aren't just for RV's Most commercial boats use Onan generators too.
They are American Made. They make generators from 2.5kW up to 2MW.
RV generators only go up to 12.5kW
Mobile units range from 2k to 35kW
They have permanent mount residential models too.
You can see the different models and specs here:
http://cumminsonan.com/
BTW I do not work for them, but have serviced them for over 10 years. Comparing an Onan to Generac is like comparing a new Mercedes to a 1971 Alfa Romeo. The Onan is refined, reliable and thought through.
Most service related issues I have experienced with the Onan is operator error or neglect. For example not setting a gas carb for altitude. (BTW it has a dial to set for altitude- no tools needed) Not changing the oil, etc.
I am not a fan of the old Emerald series, but they still work reliably.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ0QybxOAaQ
Ah, found this nice youtube! Yea, it looks like you have to keep up with the Onans, and post problems are gummy carbs and stuff (from looking) There is a circuit board to replace but mainly all mechanical parts. And Ive seen them for $450 best offer in good condition. 4000 watts. Thanks thanks thanks thanks!!!!