Did I buy the wrong generator?

[two_bit_score]

Doesn't everyone need a couple generators anyway? Just look at it as your starter edition generator for your collection.

 

[JB4310]

Doesn't everyone need a couple generators anyway? Just look at it as your starter edition generator for your collection.

I'm a hoarder, I've got 4 of them and still not satisfied

Only use the portables for job site power, and not even that often. haven't needed a generator for back up in, forever. But I'm still gonna be ready

JB

 

[Martian]

Take care of any machine and it'll all last a lifetime. Wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Pilot]

I have a 6000W Porter Cable with a B&S engine. Electric start & it starts right up in about 2 secs. of cranking. My only complaint is that it is LOUD.

Do this: Install a fuel shutoff in the fuel line. Whenever you shut it off, do so by shutting off the fuel. This insures there is no fuel in the carb to crud things up. I had a lawn mower with a B&S engine and I always shut it off by cutting off the fuel. Bought it about '67 and used it until '92 and it never saw the inside of a repair shop. All I did was change the oil now & then and replaced the spark plug (maybe) and I know I had to replace the muffler.

 

[k0ua]

I have a Coleman 5500 with Subaru Robyn. about 4 or 5 years old,, about the only time it runs is my testing and changing fuel.. I think I actually used it once for about 2 hours before the power came back on. always starts easily. It has the fuel shutof and I always run it out of fuel that way instead of hitting the electric shutoff switch.. I figure no fuel in the carb to gum it up is a good thing,. Time will tell how it will last, but so far so good.

James K0UA

 

[two_bit_score]

I'm a hoarder, I've got 4 of them and still not satisfied

Only use the portables for job site power, and not even that often. haven't needed a generator for back up in, forever. But I'm still gonna be ready

JB

We should be able to get volume discounts.

I usually wind up with at least two of just about everything I need. Nothing is ever at the same place you are when you need it, is it?

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Are you in Ladysmith VA? Isn"t that a suburb of Richmond. I lived in both Charlottesville and Lorton.

TimberXX,

Ladysmith is at exit 110 on I-95. It is really a suburb of Fredericksburg, but North side of Richmond is only 30 miles or so away so it could also be seen as inbetween.

Are you in VA?

Be well,
David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

All,

I feel much better about this decision now.

I will definately install the gas shut off, as that is sound advice. I will also find filters and oil and make sure I maintain it.

Thank you all for all your advice.

It is just a bit too heavy for me to lift by myself into my truck, so I will either rig up a harness so I can use the FEL to load it into the truck, or put it on my flatbed trailer (or use ramps that I have to roll it into the truck)... Hmmm, I was just trying to justifiy 2 generators and found too many ways to talk myself out of it...

Be well,
David

 

[TimberXX]

TimberXX,

Ladysmith is at exit 110 on I-95. It is really a suburb of Fredericksburg, but North side of Richmond is only 30 miles or so away so it could also be seen as inbetween.

Are you in VA?

Be well,
David

I just moved to NY. But I miss VA, it was a great place to live.

 

[TimberXX]

I strapped by genset to a moving dolly with casters. It made it much easier to move around my shop.

A few more tips:

Always keep it covered even though its inside
Keep plenty of oil on hand, we have needed oil changes during blackouts.
I start it monthly, and put a load on it.
I can't stress the fuel shutoff suggestion that someone made, its huge.
Check northern tool, I think they have a nylon sling with 4 hooks designed for hoisting generators. It may help you get it in your truck with an FEL.

Good luck.