I only have a 6 circuit xfer switch...boiler/hot water is indirect fired storage, fridge, well pump and 2 rooms-kitch and great room for lights and outlets. Extension cord for any misc like TV or DSL that we might need. Suits the needs for both of us. During daylight hours I've noticed it idle down sometimes because of no power demand.
Skeptical...
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I only have a 6 circuit xfer switch...boiler/hot water is indirect fired storage, fridge, well pump and 2 rooms-kitch and great room for lights and outlets. Extension cord for any misc like TV or DSL that we might need. Suits the needs for both of us. During daylight hours I've noticed it idle down sometimes because of no power demand.
A 700 rpm difference? Wow...Bet you hardly notice that small of change with the EU series. I'm confident the EM series will suit me fine based on our needs and I sure as heck can't justify the xtra $$ to step up to the EU. If I was to spend that much, no doubt I'd get a permanent standby generator.
That EU6500 that you have is one FINE peace of equipment!! I got to play with one at the dealer
Thanks for the links! I had already seen the Northstar unit but didn't know how reliable it was. I just went to messicks as I'm a customer and their site says their still out of stock, so I'll have to call. No idea of price though.
The Northstar is only 1K and easy enough for me to build a carry all for it. Just have to buy a drive shaft. $1K is alot easier to write a check for than 3K so I'm giving serious thought to going this route now. I'll compare specs and prices with messicks and see how they compare.
You or anyone else have any pros/cons about the Northstar PTO generators? Google has some good reviews from what I've seen.
eta...Wow those Wincos are some serious units, more than what I need. Bet they'd run my tractor instead of my tractor running it
kenmac
Super Member
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- Location
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- McCormick CX105 Kubota MX 5100 HST,
On the northern units. I would ask where the generator is made. I have a northstar pressure washer with honda engine,but the pump is made in Italy. I don't know it that's good or bad
dave1949
Super Star Member
I use the main service panel lock-out method, so when my generator is connected, all circuits are powered. My generator model is an EB 6500, about 14 years old now.
No doubt there have been changes. :laughing:
Brad_Blazer
Veteran Member
If it's going to run a lot, you may want to look at a diesel. They use MUCH less fuel. DP6500RDS, Diesel Generator for Sale, Silent Diesel Generators
Longevity welding equipment, multipurpose units, welders at discount rates.
NorthStar Generator 10 HP, 6500 Surge Watts, 6120 Rated Watts, Diesel, Model# 165930 | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment
diesel generator from Northern Tool + Equipment
If you really want a Honda engine. NorthStar Generator 10,000 Surge Watts, 8500 Rated Watts, Electric Start | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment
The generator head on that one is made in Italy.
Longevity welding equipment, multipurpose units, welders at discount rates.
NorthStar Generator 10 HP, 6500 Surge Watts, 6120 Rated Watts, Diesel, Model# 165930 | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment
diesel generator from Northern Tool + Equipment
If you really want a Honda engine. NorthStar Generator 10,000 Surge Watts, 8500 Rated Watts, Electric Start | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment
The generator head on that one is made in Italy.
jhasafety1
Bronze Member
I would contact the state attorney general, this runs along the lines of price gouging during a disaster.
Scooby074
Super Member
Firstly, Honda makes the best generators and small engines period ( we have 5 of various horsepower)! We have an EU6500is generator. Its been flawless for going on 10 years? now. Just start it about once a week to keep the TREATED fuel moving through it and the battery charged. Eco throttle is great for fuel savings. I plan on building an automatic exercising system for it so it will self exercise and keep the battery charged and the fuel fresh.
If Honda was out, Subaru engines would be #2. I have a 14hp on my splitter, and while it is a very good engine, it pales to Honda. Honda is just that much better. I should have spent the extra $ 200 for the Honda.
As to the dealer, I think you have grounds.. a contract is a contract. But do you want to go down that road? You could go to small claims I suppose, but all future dealings will be tainted for sure.
As to the Generiacs... My neighbour has gone through 2 over about 5 years. Between that and internet searches (including TBN) Ive seen a bunch of horror stories.. Id never own one.
Have you seen the Honda branded (made by APC) Automatic Transfer switches? http://powerequipment.honda.com/pdf/Brochures/HP2S_Brochure.pdf
My advise, your not making a mistake wanting a Honda, find another dealer and use whatever financing they are offering. Yes the crappy dealer "wins" but it is what it is.
If Honda was out, Subaru engines would be #2. I have a 14hp on my splitter, and while it is a very good engine, it pales to Honda. Honda is just that much better. I should have spent the extra $ 200 for the Honda.
As to the dealer, I think you have grounds.. a contract is a contract. But do you want to go down that road? You could go to small claims I suppose, but all future dealings will be tainted for sure.
As to the Generiacs... My neighbour has gone through 2 over about 5 years. Between that and internet searches (including TBN) Ive seen a bunch of horror stories.. Id never own one.
Have you seen the Honda branded (made by APC) Automatic Transfer switches? http://powerequipment.honda.com/pdf/Brochures/HP2S_Brochure.pdf
My advise, your not making a mistake wanting a Honda, find another dealer and use whatever financing they are offering. Yes the crappy dealer "wins" but it is what it is.
kenmac
Super Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2005
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- 9,934
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- The Heart of Dixie
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- McCormick CX105 Kubota MX 5100 HST,
I have a Generac 5500 watt portable that I have owned for about 10 yrs. Never a problem.
CurlyDave
Elite Member
Open your horizons.
I have a 6300 Watt continuous, 9100 Watt starting, Craftsman generator with a Briggs & Stratton engine. I paid $989 on sale and this generator has worked through two house builds and all the random needs for remote power for myself and a few neighbors. Both house builds involved providing power 8 hours/day for about 4 months each. That is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1300 hours and it is still going strong. The only failure was the hour meter, which I have never gotten around to fixing.
Yes, it is loud, but as an emergency generator this would last a lifetime...
I have a 6300 Watt continuous, 9100 Watt starting, Craftsman generator with a Briggs & Stratton engine. I paid $989 on sale and this generator has worked through two house builds and all the random needs for remote power for myself and a few neighbors. Both house builds involved providing power 8 hours/day for about 4 months each. That is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1300 hours and it is still going strong. The only failure was the hour meter, which I have never gotten around to fixing.
Yes, it is loud, but as an emergency generator this would last a lifetime...
dmccarty
Super Star Member
Another option is to buy a welder with a generator. The gas engined welder's were at the same price point you are discussing with the Honda.
I thought real long and hard about a PTO generator but in the end did not buy one. We could power the whole house with our tractor if we wanted too but the PTO generator is also large to store. In the end, I did not want to spend even the reasonable amount of money for a PTO generator.
What we got instead is a generator that runs off the DR Mower. It is cheaper than even a PTO generator and I already have to maintain the DR mower engine. The generator should be enough to run the pump, fridge, and freezer. I have only used it on remote projects and never had to power the house. Woo HOO!. We do have the proper power connection and cut of switch.
Later,
Dan
I thought real long and hard about a PTO generator but in the end did not buy one. We could power the whole house with our tractor if we wanted too but the PTO generator is also large to store. In the end, I did not want to spend even the reasonable amount of money for a PTO generator.
What we got instead is a generator that runs off the DR Mower. It is cheaper than even a PTO generator and I already have to maintain the DR mower engine. The generator should be enough to run the pump, fridge, and freezer. I have only used it on remote projects and never had to power the house. Woo HOO!. We do have the proper power connection and cut of switch.
Later,
Dan
You have the contractor series and a good one at that, but from what I was told it can't be used with a transfer switch. Something about it being a GFCI and the neutral bond(?) with a transfer switch.
Are you selective with what you run since you say it powers all circuits? I ask because my 5500 rated 6500 surge generac got smoked and that was using a 6 circuit switch, so not much running. Lost the well pump too, but I'm still inclined to think the gen failed first and took out the pump
How old is yours? Once upon a time I wouldn't hesitate to buy a craftsman, but no more.
Ever since Kmart and Sears got 'married' I think the quality and service declined.
Last fall I looked at buying a specific Generac model that Sears offered at a great price, but discovered Sears was just a middleman for international tools who were the actual sellers. Google international tools if you want. This arrangement is a good example of what Sears has become.
For what little welding I need done, I have use of several at work so not much need or interest there. But thanks for the suggestion.
I have a strong interest in a PTO unit now and have been searching all I can. I found an old thread that Soundguy talks good about his Northertool unit and the price isn't bad at all. But then I found another lengthy thread that had a comment from Neil at Messicks stating the Tiger Power is no longer made. I wanted to call and inquire about it, but no sense now. So far all I've found with a decent review and price is Northerntool.
But I should also mention that lengthy thread gave me reason now to consider some of the cons about a PTO unit.
I want...I want...I want lol, question is WHAT do I want!?
The Honda naturally
tractchores
Veteran Member
I just sold my generac (with less than 10 hours on it). The thing was a huge piece of junk, burning oil, hard to work on, loud, etc. it was cheap though. It replaced a 36 year old honda that ran perfectly, but was only 3500 watts (btw that honda sold for 700 and the guy who bought it was a generac distributor). I now have another honda 6500 (probably the same model you are looking at). Honda controls their prices, so you have to call around and find deals. I called 5 dealers and got mine a few hundred off list. It's 1700 more than the generac, but if its like my last one it will work every time and last.
tractchores
Veteran Member
Btw i also looked at pto. If my wife could have hooked it up herself when i travel i would have gone that way. Much easier than maintaining another engine.
dave1949
Super Star Member
I am selective about what I run. I just leave the breakers on and don't turn on too much. The only circuit that is a heavy draw, and I cannot control when it runs, is the electric water heater. I've only had that since last July and am waiting to see if it trips the breaker on the generator. I guess it could if the frig, well pump and water heater came on together.
The generator does have GFCI, I don't know the details of the neutral bonding. I did use it at our old house with a transfer switch, but I didn't do the wiring.
Now, at this house, the generator power-out cord with four wires only uses three, the earth ground (green) is not connected through to the service panel. I can't find anything unsafe about that, nor have I had any problems using it that way. Connecting it will cause the GFCI on the generator to trip. There is a thread about that somewhere. IIRC it is paralleling the neutral and ground that causes the GFCI to trip.
woodsman74881
Member
As a general rule, If your generator has a bonded neutral you need to use a transfer switch to prevent neutral feedback to the line. If your generator has a floating neutral you can use a panel lockout type of switch to hook up generator to house panel. Contact the manufacture to find out what type of neutral your generator has. I prefer the floating as an electrical contractor. Always make sure you have a good ground!!!! You or someone else could get hurt otherwise.
