Generator Comparison - Honda vs Kubota

[psdx]

I am considering swapping out a Honda EM6500SX (9 hours run time) that I am actually very pleased with to get a new Kubota GL7000 because of the diesel advantages. Both motors (though there are differences) are quite reliable. And I feel certain that the Honda generator and associated electronics are very reliable as well.

My gut impression about the generator head and associated electronics on the Kubota are as reliable as the Honda. But I can't find much on the web about the Kubota generator reliability other than the engine. Can anyone comment on this? Thank you!

 

[QueBota]

Kubota produces good products, wish they made a pickup truck.

Specs look good, only thing that jumped out at me was 3600 rpm operating speed. I'm sure the Kubota engineers designed for long
life at that speed, just struck me as odd.

United Generator: Kubota GL7000 USA Low Boy, Kubota

Dave

 

[SPYDERLK]

3600 is to allow direct coupling to the 2 pole gen, avoiding gearing losses. 1800 gen [4 pole] would require an 1800 rpm engine and that speed on a little engine is quite special. They are getting good efficiency at 0.7GPH at 6.5 KW. I use about 1gph at that load powered by my BX1500. Thats the losses from pto and the added gearhead on the gen. ... Direct engine to gen gives a BONUS.
larry

 

[psdx]

The engine is rock solid I'm sure. I was not certain about the rest of the generator. It sure seems well made, and I have had exceptional success with other Kubota products over the years. I decided to buy it. It is very quiet and barely a blip when the well pump kicks on. It's heavy but very manageable with the wheel kit.

 

[Express]

The Lowboys have 2Pole generators that's the reason for 3600rpm apposed to 4 pole generators at 1800 rpm. I still think they are more durable than gas engines although Honda makes great engines.

 

[psdx]

 

[Mickey_Fx]

3600 is to allow direct coupling to the 2 pole gen, avoiding gearing losses. 1800 gen [4 pole] would require an 1800 rpm engine and that speed on a little engine is quite special. They are getting good efficiency at 0.7GPH at 6.5 KW. I use about 1gph at that load powered by my BX1500. Thats the losses from pto and the added gearhead on the gen. ... Direct engine to gen gives a BONUS.
larry

Onan built smaller gensets for yrs with 4 pole alternators. Used same engine as found on lawn and garden tractors and other types of equipment. That engine is no longer in production. In addition, these gensets used a alternator with brushes which I prefer. Much easier to control voltage. I seem to remember that Kohler also built a genset of sim design. In addition to the Onan genny I have a Honda genny, 6500W, that has a 2 pole alt but uses brushes. Both voltage and freq are rock solid and right on the money regardless of load. Another unique feature is it is a 2 cyl OHC water cooled engine.

On the Kabota genset being discussed, I think cost played a big part regarding the design. The 2 pole alts are cheaper to make and the engine only produced ~ 10HP at the noted 3600 RPM. Going with a 4 pole alt would require a larger engine, one capable of producing adequate power at the lower engine speed. No nock on the Kabota genset just stating some facts as I see it.

See the OP has already decided on the Kabota and I hope he receives a long and reliable service from it.

 

[Storm56]

Kubota partnered with Yamaha on these generators. Kubota makes the engines and Yamaha makes the generator. The same unit can be had painted blue and silver with the Yamaha logo on it. These are heavy duty units designed for continuous service in all conditions. Properly maintained 10,000 hours are not unheard of. For those unfamilar with Yamaha generators, they are indeed every bit the quality of Honda.

 

[psdx]

Kubota partnered with Yamaha on these generators. Kubota makes the engines and Yamaha makes the generator. The same unit can be had painted blue and silver with the Yamaha logo on it.

Interesting information. Thanks for that. This thing is really quiet and I'm sure this will outlast me.

 

[Storm56]

Interesting information. Thanks for that. This thing is really quiet and I'm sure this will outlast me.[/QUOTE/]

I have had one for about 12 years now. Used to lose power pretty frequently. Back in 2006 we lost power for 13 days so my unit ran pretty much non stop other than a few hours at night. Just purred like a kitten and never missed a beat. It has a few hundred hours on it and runs like new. Other than routine maintenance it has never been worked on.