Did I buy the wrong generator?

[yooper1]

Yes

every season we would test as i stated and the opinion I stated above is based on our testing.

But we also tested Honda next to many others and as in another reply....if I had the money, I would go with the a Honda

 

[IslandTractor]

This is a strong endorsement that I would have bet against. TBN is a great source of info.
I have a Honda 6500 water cooled with more than 2500 trouble free hours and suspect many more to go. I change the oil every 50 hours as it only takes a quart and worth the small cost.

I just picked up a used Honda EX5500 for $900. Probably 10-15 years old but barely used. I'd never looked at a liquid cooled generator before. Amazing how quiet it is. Sounds like a Honda Accord idling. Weighs 400 lbs though so despite wheels it is barely portable. I got it instead of paying much more to have a 220v line put in our detached garage for welding.

Regarding the OP's concern of B&S vs Subaru Robin, it seems that all of these engines are way more reliable these days. I own three B&S and three Honda powered devices. No problems with any of them. That said, the Subaru small engines have a great rep too. I think they use them in the PowerTracs now. As I recall in the 1980's Honda really was the only very reliable motor but I think the other good manufacturers have caught up.

 

[RobertBrown]

I have a 5000 watt with a briggs ohv 9.5 hp. It has 100's? of hours, maybe more. It has never failed to start and run.
I have owned it for 12 years? maybe more.
I replaced the carb once because I couldn't get it to run perfectly smooth as I like a generator to run, but that has more to do with gas and maintenance than anything else

Since generators have a tendency to sit much more than they run. It's more important to keep it properly maintained and get one that you can get filters and fuel system parts for. So I think Briggs is the choice over Subaru Robin. But that has to do with where you live too.

 

[Gizmo2]

I expect in using as most people do, you'll never know the difference. If it is to be heavily used, I would want something besides either one of the 2 choices.

X2

I have a similar sized generator with a 10 hp B&S engine and it has been essentially trouble-free for almost 10 years.

For home use, again X2

 

[Gizmo2]

Come to think of it, if I had to replace our 5200 watt, 10 hp BS generator and had the money for one with a Honda engine, I'd by the BS again and use the rest of the money for something else. Just sayin!

 

[TimberXX]

Yes

every season we would test as i stated and the opinion I stated above is based on our testing.

But we also tested Honda next to many others and as in another reply....if I had the money, I would go with the a Honda

What company tests units like this?

 

[WilliamBos]

I would go Subaru. Have not had a BS that was worth a hoot. If Honda is out of the scenario for you, go Subaru..

 

[General Lee]

I have a Troy built 5500 watt w/8250 starting watts - Briggs and Stratton motor. I've had it for 3 years. One year I ran it pretty much 2 days straight and this year 5 days straight. So far not a hick up. Runs everything I need at once.... 3 fridges, 1 freezer, lights, TV w/ satellite, oil furnace. With staggered use... hot water tank and well pump.

 

[dstig1]

Engine on my SuperSplitter is a Subaru Robin ~4.5-5 hp. Starts from cold on first or second pull and runs great. Had it 2 years now. Probably has 50-100 hrs on it by now.

 

[JB4310]

Not that I have much of a choice, Generators are slim pickings hereabouts...


But Home Depot has TWO different Husky 5000w generators. One has a Subaru motor, one has a Brigs & Stratton.

Same price.


I drove 65 miles round trip to get the only one anywhere near me.

I got the Brigs and Stratton, I thought I was going to get the Subaru one (My FIL has one and loves it).

Be well,
David

Is there a difference in price between the 2?

There are plenty of B&S small engines in service out there. At one time they were pretty much what powered everything.
But B&S is not what I look for now in power equipment, especially for commercial use. I have an industrial multiquip generator, only 3600 watts but has a subaru motor that is as good or better than any Honda, over 30 years old too. I also have a billygoat leaf blower with 9 hp subaru motor, it's supposed to be a little longer life than the B&S powered model. geared to contractors.

That said, I think the B&S would serve your needs for occasional back up power supply. Just swap the fuel out a couple times a year, keep stabil in the fuel and run it minimum twice a year.

JB

 

[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.