Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[John_Mc]

That auto-throttle is a great way to shorten the life of equipment that is sensitive to low start up voltage.

I believe your not supposed to turn on the auto throttle until after the engine has been running and charging.

Certainly it's better for the engine to be warmed up before putting a load on it. However, even after the engine is warmed up and has been powering a load, if the load is shut off, so the auto-throttle engages and the engine slows to idle, adding a load back on again can be a problem. On a non-inverter based generator, the auto-throttle works by sensing that a load has been applied and bringing the engine up to speed (in most cases up to 3600 RPM). Without a load, a non-inverter generator with the auto-throttle on is not putting out 60 Hz / 110-120 VAC, and for the time it takes to spin up to speed, it's feeding garbage to whatever is drawing the load.

I generally don't use the auto-throttle on my generator (a non-inverter model). I manage loads in order to get by with a smaller generator (alternating starting up refrigerator, freezer, and well pump for example). If I did have the auto-throttle engaged, and it had brought the engine down to idle during a period of dis-use, I would flick on a non-critical load, such as a light to spin the generator up before engaging something more sensitive. Even then, the generator will lug down briefly when starting a heavy load, such as my well pump, but the period and intensity is greatly reduced if it's not spinning up from idle. The auto-throttle is kind of a moot point for me anyway: If I have the generator running, I've got some kind of load on it. If I don't have a load for a significant period of time, I shut it off.

Inverter-based generators are a bit of a different story: the inverter puts out 60 Hz /110-120 VAC regardless of how fast the engine is spinning. It continuously varies the engine speed to provide more or less power as needed to match a varying load.

 

[crazyal]

The auto throttle doesn't go to full idle. I'm not really sure how hard it is on the engine. Yamaha golf carts start and then go to full speed when the gas pedal is pressed. If a small engine can take that I'm sure going from about half speed up to full doesn't seem to be that hard.

When I get a chance I'll connect it up to my house with the eco throttle engaged. I'll plug in something like a light that shouldn't cause the engine to speed up. Then I'll turn on something that draws some real power. Doing it near the generator makes it hard to do. The engine speeding up is distracting. If the voltage drops while the engine is ramping up the bulb should briefly dim.

Most likely I'm not going to use the eco throttle. I don't know how much savings it would provide. A small engine doesn't use much gas when unloaded. The noise shouldn't be much of a problem. My old Honda powered generator was much louder. It's out in the garage far enough from the house so it wasn't that noticeable. I suspect that this one will be even less noticeable.

Since the warranty is only 90 days I want to put it through a good test to make sure it's fully functionable. I'm still not sold on anything that uses gas or electricity from Harbor Freight. But they have changed. Even the wet tile saw I bought almost 20 years ago is still running. Over the years since I've added other tools and a gas powered water pump. So far they have worked as expected.

 

[newbury]

Has anyone tried the Universal Portable Band Saw Benchtop Stand (SKU#59640)?

 

[Gregster613]

No it was the least expensive Portland
Interesting the Bauer is almost an identical clone to the Greenworks washer that I bought

Thanks for the info daugen, now I'm not so nervous! I have a Greenworks backpack blower that has been flawless so far. I hope your new washer holds up and proves its worth also.

 

[Deleted member 371759]

Really like Harbor Freight. I have not bought anything from them in the last few years that I regretted and I have quite a few things from there. I dont need best of the best. My brand loyalty is very small and I especially dont pay for a name.

 

[paulsharvey]

The Quinn ratchet and socket set are pretty nice for $69, and it's not a bunch of filler junk like the $99 Craftsman/Kobalt box.

 

[bmaverick]

3-Point Quick Hitch - 27-3/16 In. Clearance
It's already $139 on clearance, 20% off get you to $111.

 

[John_Mc]

View attachment 809332

3-Point Quick Hitch - 27-3/16 In. Clearance
It's already $139 on clearance, 20% off get you to $111.

"Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions."

 

[bmaverick]

"Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions."

yep. So walked in and just bought the Quick Hitch.

The discount worked and the manager didn't have to do any over ride. Sweet deal.

 

[California]

It's already $139 on clearance, 20% off get you to $111.

"Coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions."

"Clearance" doesn't mean what it says. It just a description of the measurement between lower hooks.

For some reason that word in the description causes HF's ad software to show it as a closeout. It isn't. It's been shown as 'clearance, closeout' for some 15 years now.

So the 20% coupon doesn't conflict with any discount.

And - Maverick you did good. HF's QH is my most-used HF purchase ever. Recommended!