I need advice on a back-up a generator - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

threaderman · 10-12-2008, 10:37 PM

Can anyone recommend a good gas generator to use as a back-up for my home.
Oklahoma is well known for it's wicked ice storms and the home we just bought is somewhat remote,the thought of being with-out power for a couple weeks is hard to deal with,so I'd like to be prepared.
Can any one recommend a brand and size that would supply power to at least half of my house [1500 sq.].I'm leaning towards a briggs and stratton 8000w.Is this over-kill?My cash is a little tight like everyone else I know so any help for the best value for my money is appreciated.

Winchester · 10-12-2008, 11:39 PM

I've installed one of these and also one of the ones from HD.

I would say that I definitely prefer the B&S unit. It's also much easier to install and wire (if you get the automatic transfer switch). Some of the smaller 7-8kw ones aren't too expensive

Sparks Const · 10-13-2008, 12:03 AM

I just saw a 15k generac advertised for about 3900.00 some where on this site.

threaderman · 10-13-2008, 07:41 AM

Thanks for the input.I guess I didn't give good details.I do not have any gas or propane on my property [I'm county here],so I was trying to get an idea of a portable unit which would do a decent job and at least keep part of my home running.

MALCO.New.York · 10-13-2008, 07:57 AM

8-10 K Watts is MORE than enough to run as Backup. If you are out in the Country, you PROBABLY have a 100 Amp main and therefore 12,000 Watts ABSOLUTE peak power consumption.

Generac makes a very GOOD Generator.

http://www.generac.com/Products/Portable/Portable.aspx

Honda makes some Damn Nice and QUIET Generators.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/Generators/

MALCO.New.York · 10-13-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparks Const

I just saw a 15k generac advertised for about 3900.00 some where on this site.

That is a Jump-On price that still has at least $500.00 wiggle room for negotiation.

threaderman · 10-13-2008, 08:23 AM

Thanks Malco,that's what I needed to know.I had forgotten about Honda ,they do make some quality items,and I have used their generators,with-out incident.
Have a good morning brother!

MALCO.New.York · 10-13-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threaderman

Thanks Malco,that's what I needed to know.I had forgotten about Honda ,they do make some quality items,and I have used their generators,with-out incident.
Have a good morning brother!

I do like Generac and have owned an 8k in the past, but Damn! Honda does make some of the finest mowers, Quads, Motorcycles and Pressure Washer Motors, so their Generators HAVE TO BE as good!!!

Winchester · 10-13-2008, 11:07 AM

I agree. Honda mower and honda pressure washer

If I wanted a portable genny i'd get a honda as well

threaderman · 10-13-2008, 04:37 PM

Thanks again,I appreciate you guys!

mdshunk · 10-13-2008, 04:40 PM

Generac = GenerCrap

For small generators, Onan or Kohler

MALCO.New.York · 10-13-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

Generac = GenerCrap

For small generators, Onan or Kohler

Kohler DOES make Great Motors.

My Walker GHS had one. Loved it.

Houston's · 10-13-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

Generac = GenerCrap

For small generators, Onan or Kohler

True

but there is worse

Kohler is good but a little more then b&s.
i would go with the briggs. i just got a 18kw built in, but i also have a little briggs 5500 and it runs my window ac , 60 inch flat screen, icebox and some other lights with no problem for a week non stop.

rbsremodeling · 10-13-2008, 05:35 PM

The honda generators are so quite you might go outside and check to make sure it is running even though the lights are on

threaderman · 10-13-2008, 05:51 PM

I see J.Deere makes one too.I would think they have a B & S motor in that .

jiffy · 10-14-2008, 07:49 AM

I have had good experiences with Subaru motors in generators as well. Honda is obviously the most popular for the die hards, but they get pricey.

MALCO.New.York · 10-14-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiffy

I have had good experiences with Subaru motors in generators as well.

There was a time when the bulk of their cars were Nissan components. Then GM had ownership. Now it is a Toyota Enterprise.

MALCO.New.York · 10-14-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threaderman

I see J.Deere makes one too.I would think they have a B & S motor in that .

Subaru or Honda depending on the size.

cjmueller08 · 10-16-2008, 04:24 PM

We've ran nothing but Wacker Generators in our rental fleet for years. Hardly a problem, although their a little on the expensive side. They go head to head with Honda as far as noise output is concerned.

mdshunk · 10-16-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiffy

I have had good experiences with Subaru motors in generators as well.

Yes, they are good generators. Most of the military's man-portable generators are Robin/Subaru.