airless sprayer and generator - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

gary lee · 05-02-2007, 01:51 PM

Have any of you guys ran your airless sprayer off a generator? I have heard that it can be hard on the rig. We dont have access to any electricity so this is our only option. I have tried to see about renting a gas powered airless but no luck. I have a graco 795 that we will spray from. I was told to go with at least a 5000 watt generator.

thanks,
Gary

**slickshift** · 05-02-2007, 04:45 PM

Yes, off a 5000w genny
Only temporary though
If it was hard on the sprayer...who knew? Couldn't tell
Are you talking about full time?

gary lee · 05-02-2007, 05:00 PM

Will be spraying some air return units (5) that I am thinking we can spray a couple and let the spray rig take a break. I was told to go with at least a 7500 watt generator (Graco spokesperson-but did'nt recommend it.). Paint store rep told me to go with one that has 15-20 amps and plug the rig straight into the generator (no extension cord). The product we are spraying is pretty heavy (SW Hydrogloss) so worries me a little bit. To anwer your question Slick I think the rig will run 15-25 minutes to spray the small ones and 25-35 minutes for the bigger ones. What where you spraying Slick when you used the generator?

Gary

**slickshift** · 05-02-2007, 05:14 PM

Outside trim

That 7500 seems high...real high
I think that's a CYA #

I mean, I've run lots of stuff off a 5000
According to my calcs, a 5000 would cover anything if used alone

Do you have the (electrical) specs on the sprayer?

Brushslingers · 05-02-2007, 05:27 PM

I've run mine off my 5000 for a little over three hours, never noticed a problem.

Workaholic · 05-02-2007, 08:27 PM

I sprayed 28 gallons of cabots yesterday off a genny on a trailer. No complaints.

**slickshift** · 05-02-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workaholic

I sprayed 28 gallons of cabots yesterday

Holy Crap!

BMAN · 05-03-2007, 06:28 AM

Did you charge them for your generator? I charge $75 a day if we supply power to a site for machine and fuel.

gary lee · 05-03-2007, 10:04 AM

Hey thanks for all the responses. My guess is that the 7500 watt suggestion from Graco would be a CYA response Slick. I dont have the specs for any of the electrical but I am in agreement with you guys. I guess what I am trying to say is that it looks like most of you who have responded tried it and did not have any problem

. I love this site because that is what I wanted to hear is that it can be done with the most part little worry. The generator is going to be paid for by the customer because it's not our fault that the have to move them to another location to have them painted (field in the middle of nowhere). I let you know if the rig blows up

LOL.

gary

Workaholic · 05-04-2007, 05:15 PM

Ya Slick, that 28 gallons of cabots was for a fence that one of our builders has going along his driveway.

Workaholic · 05-07-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMAN

Did you charge them for your generator? I charge $75 a day if we supply power to a site for machine and fuel.

Actually i used their genny. We have a job comming up where i will be usong their genny again.

boman47k · 05-07-2007, 10:40 PM

someone enlighten me. What is the problem with a genny if the voltage and amperage is there? Voltage drop? Voltage/amperage not consistant?

**slickshift** · 05-08-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boman47k

someone enlighten me. What is the problem with a genny if the voltage and amperage is there?

Nothing

It's when it's not there...or almost not quite there
Running those motors on leaned-out juice can damage them
(Like running your power-washer from a hose with air getting in)
It can burn up the motors

A 5000w genny can't run as much as you might think
And the "surge" from the motors kicking on draws more than you might think

boman47k · 05-09-2007, 06:13 AM

Yeah Slick, I know that can be the case with compressors (startup amperage). Just didn't realize the airless sprayers drew so much. Have no experience with sprayers except a little with a small Wagnor. I know now to get one of the bigger generators out if I ever need one for a this type of sprayer.

gary lee · 05-11-2007, 07:11 AM

I will finish the job today and the generator seemed fine. I ended up using a real heavy urethane on the top of the air return units (thick heavy paint) and the rig seemed to have no problem. Total probably sprayed 15 gallons of paint. The Graco 795 is such a work horse. Since I have had that rig (3 years) it has never let me down. I guess if there where any effects on the sprayer from running it on the generator I will see it in the coming weeks. Thanks for all the respones concerning this question.

Gary