Finally bought a small generator.

[Larry Caldwell]

The larger inverter generators are a great option for power outages, and are SO QUIET. I have a bad habit of collecting various sized generators, and use a 3500w inverter for my trailer, a 2000w inverter for small tools, and a 15kw pto generator for the house.
I haven't lost power since getting the pto generator several years ago.

I bought my first generator (4400 watt) 27 years ago. It has about 30 hours on it, 25 of those building a lean-to on the barn where there is no electricity. A couple years later I bought a camping generator for the travel trailer. It's ultra muffled and is the one I use to keep the router and TV up.

 

[georgemIII]

We were without power in Houston when Ike came through about 15 years ago. No power for 9 days. Had an 11 kw Honda generator. Thank goodness. We could power fridge, all lights, and even the small AC unit in a bedroom above garage. Each day I changed the oil. Gave it the opportunity to “rest”. No idea if it needed this but I wanted to be sure to keep it running properly. actually bought the generator in 1998 during ice storm in Virginia. Still have it. Run it a few times a year and run all of the fuel out of it.

We now have a whole house generator. Huge thing. 38kw. 1000 gallon propane tank . Have not needed it a single time yet.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I’m planning to run it during the day when we are cooking and in and out of the fridge. In the evening it will get 8-10 hours of rest, check the oil in the AM, fill the fuel and go again.

At 25% load, and it’s been running at about 10% load today, it will run 11 hours on 2.3 gallons of 87 octane. It has an Eco Throttle, so it runs at a really low RPM unless you load it up, which is why it’s so fuel efficient and quiet. Probably great for longevity too.

It is the inverter type, like most use for outdoor activities, 56 Dba. Very quiet. Really should have had this peace of mind long ago. I can run it on our big covered porch, out of the elements, and run the cords in under the garage door.

 

[BravoXray]

I haven't lost power since getting the pto generator several years ago.

Well of course, that's how it always works out.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I got a Champion 4kw a few years ago, treated it poorly storing outside under a tree in a riding mower trailer... cleaned the carb and put fresh gas in it and it's been a reliable little thing... I need to get some more proper sized pull cord but it starts easy and pretty quiet for a generator I have like $100 in... I used it in one power outage not long after I got it for a few hours, my mom put like a day on it when she was out of power... used it to weld in the middle of a field and while camping... it lives inside now

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

More strong storms rolling through every few hours. I cannot imagine the repair crews are getting much accomplished. Nobody on our road owned a generator until yesterday, now we all do. Though, two bought standard units, and damn they are loud.

I realized yesterday that the larger overhead door in the new pole barn has a battery backup, so at least it worked yesterday to got the ATV and trailer out for clean up.

 

[RjCorazza]

More strong storms rolling through every few hours. I cannot imagine the repair crews are getting much accomplished. Nobody on our road owned a generator until yesterday, now we all do. Though, two bought standard units, and damn they are loud.
...

My first generator was a Generac 7kw open frame. Very reliable over 15 years or so, but yes... Extremely LOUD. Out of nowhere it started producing way over voltage, so I gave it to my neighbor who is quite handy. Turns out it was a loose connection in the regulation circuitry (?) that he fixed in short order.

Nothing like the gentle hum of an inverter generator!
Glad to hear that you are making it through.

 

[ponytug]

None of my generators are "silent" types, and I wish they were every time I fire them up.

On my 5kW Yanmar clone diesel I went as far as adding a second muffler. It really didn't do much to reduce the noise level. Sigh. OTOH, it has been a great generator when we have needed it, and quite fuel efficient.

I'm think of adding a 2000W inverter to the tractor for portable power for jobs around the ranch. Any experiences?

All the best,

Peter

 

[5030]

I always service a generator and run it dry after using it. I also bag the exhaust to keep the daubers out.

I don't. The Champ I have has a positive fuel shutoff so I run the carb dry.

 

[5030]

I don't really need my Champ as we have diesel standby. Use mine mostly in the back of the side by side for running corded tools like the pole trimmer.