Job Site Generators

JDGREEN4ME · Sep 10, 2003

Looking to get a generator big enough to run power tools etc. at a remote location...BUT small enough that I could put it in the back of the truck myself. Looking at Hondas right now in the 3500 watt size range. Also I have noticed some are AC only and some are AC/DC is there any advantage to this?

Mrwurm · Sep 10, 2003

Maybe, the DC output is useful to jumpstart a vehicle or power 12volt accessories.

Jerry

Docsknotinn · Sep 10, 2003

The hondas are quiter but a lot more expensive than the Generac. A lot is made about the Honda Vs BS engine Although most of the 10 Hp or larger Generacs have premium Briggs engines so they are very comporable. I am currently looking at log splitters and a honda home owners engine which is no better than a standard briggs is $100 more with the commercial honda engine a $300 option. I would think for your use a auto idle switch would be usefull if you will have periods where there is no load on the generator but the engine is stll running. Dave

Dozernut · Sep 10, 2003

Here are a couple of sites that have generators for sale. I don't know if they are the cheapest, but they have a nice selection and could give you some ideas.
www.southwestfastener.com/productsHonda.htm
www.mayberrys.com/honda/generator/html/maingenerator.htm
If nothing else, they have some good comparison information that might help you out.

GaryM · Sep 10, 2003

Might look at there guys too: http://www.electricgeneratorstore.com/

That's where I bought my stationary standby generator.

PhilNH5 · Sep 10, 2003

( some are AC only and some are AC/DC is there any advantage to this? )

I have a Mikita 6500R. It has DC outputs. I can use it to charge my lawn tractor battery but it is not strong enough to outright jumpstart the lawn tractor.

The DC terminals are screw connectors - not really convenient. Have only ever used them for the tractor battery.

Phil

cisco · Sep 10, 2003

Just power tools? What kind of amp draw? I've a compressor system that says it takes 15 amps (but uses more like 18-20), but most stuff like saws, drills and the like have modest requirements. I've had a Honda branded 3500 generator for about 4 years. It fits nicely into a compact pickup, and has wheels for easy moving. Works fine, and the idle switch keeps gas consumption and noise down. You may be able to get by with 2500W - depends on what you need.
As to DC current - OK, but you can use a battery charger between your AC generator and DC recipient to convert AC to DC if you really need it. I had a Coleman generator with AC and DC outs, but the DC was only useful for 2 amp charging of batteries or similar - forget about starting a tractor.

Docsknotinn · Sep 10, 2003

Has any one seen the Honda unit that is a generator and a welder ! Dave

NIXON · Sep 10, 2003

Bill ,
First off , I don't know much about Generac ,Honda ,etc ....
I do know that we've had a Winco 3.5 genset for a lot of years . ( it's Honda powered ) . It doesn't see a lot of TLC . Get's abused a lot .( basically ..Does it have oil and gas ) Yet, it always starts and provides power for all our needs .
Having said that, when I buy my standby gen set for the house it'll be a WINCO . As far as I can see it's bullet proof .
The only down side is that they aren't inexpensive to buy initially . John

cowboydoc · Sep 10, 2003

If you are going to be around it much while it's running I would get the Honda. That thing is so quiet you won't believe it. I've the EU3000i for my horse trailer and it's great. We've used it on job sites as well and it's done a good job. It has an economy mode and a protection system as well. If you don run the power down it will shut off before it delivers less than the desirable wattage. This is nice because it won't allow you to ruin your equipment from getting too low of voltage.

Docsknotinn · Sep 10, 2003

I have a 10,000 Kw Generac with a 11 hp engine. Its louder than the tractor but was over 1k less than the comparable Honda. Given the chance for a re-do I would get a Diesel generator. Dave

Spencer · Sep 10, 2003

( I have a 10,000 Kw Generac with a 11 hp engine. )

That must be 10,000 watt surge, not continuous right?

_RaT_ · Sep 11, 2003

I'm also using a Honda EU3000i. I have yet to find a 3000 watt generator as quiet. For some, that may not be an issue. Having been in construction since 1972 and around generators many times, we find them a necessary evil. I cannot stand the noise they generate so the quieter the better. It's always a relief when the power from the utility company is supplied.

The Honda EU3000i uses inverter technology. That means it only runs at the RPM needed to operate the device. If you have your little battery charger for a cordless tool plugged in, it runs at idle and will do so for about 20 hours. A Skillsaw on the other hand will run it at closer to maximum RPM and go for about 8 hours. The sound level is about the lowest if not the lowest of any comparable size generator, about 58 db. It can also be tandom'd with another EU3000i for 7000 watts of power. The invertors synch with each other. On most any other generator, you run it at full RPM to acheive not only 120/240 volts but also to ensure 60 cycle, very few are rated to run sensitive equipment as the 3000i is. The price on the Honda EU 3000i will get you at least two or three Generac's however so there is a trade off. The EU 3000i is only 120V so for some, that can also be a issue. If I were into solar and needed an occasional recharge on batteries to supplement the solar cells, this would be the ideal generator since it operates at an RPM determined by the load and thus as the batteries come to full charge, the engine will continually slow. It also works with all sensitive equipment, the sine wave output is mentioned to exceed that of the power company. It won't be for everybody, but where noise and fuel economy are a concern, you can live without 240V and can afford the high price, the Honda EU3000i is a worthy consideration, Rat...

Docsknotinn · Sep 11, 2003

Spencer yeah 7500 Kw constant 10,000 surge. It is interesting that Generac is the only company that has such large disparities on the surge rateings. I think most Hondas are a 1,000 Kw surge difference. Dave

lamarbur · Sep 11, 2003

I have a Coleman commercial, 12,000 continuous, 14,400 surge, must be the way different brands rate their product

Spencer · Sep 11, 2003

( Spencer yeah 7500 Kw constant 10,000 surge. It is interesting that Generac is the only company that has such large disparities on the surge rateings. I think most Hondas are a 1,000 Kw surge difference. Dave )

Dave, I have a Dayton brand (WW Grainger) that is also 7500 watt 10,000 watt surge, it's got a B&S 14 h.p. on it. By the way, even though I am no expert on the metric system, I believe a Kw is 1,000 watts.

I also have a Honda EU3000is generator. This model is rated at 2800 watt with a 3000 watt surge. I agree with the others that this is a beautiful little generator but I am glad its not my only generator. The little Honda will not start up my 120 volt Ingersoll-Rand Garage Mate air compressor. The Honda is rated at 23.3 amps with a 25 amp max surge but it doesn't have enough to start the motor on the compressor /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.

Spence

JDGREEN4ME · Sep 11, 2003

Thanks for all the input...I looked at Hondas, DeWalt, Mitsibishi and several others before going with a Yamaha 2800i. Unit is big enough for what I need and light enough (66 lbs.) that I can move it around myself. I really liked their YG5200D model but at 183 lbs. wasn't comfortable I could hoss it around myself.