Portable generators

[RickN]

Heck I am getting ready to sell mine but it is only a 5500. It is sitting in my shed and has not been started in a few years because the docs will not let me use a pull to start.

 

[TerryMiller]

Thread topic is Portable Generator and I believe he’s asking whether to consider dual or tri-fuel version.

I've not looked at generators in years, but do they even make a portable with the KW output the OP mentioned? After all, 9000 to 11,000 KW sizes don't seem to me to spell out portable.

With respect to dual or tri-fuel generators, I might would avoid those, although my experience goes way back on dual fuel engines. We used to use LPG for some of our vehicles on the farm but when we set up my pickup, it was a dual fuel system. I was told to ALWAYS make sure to run my pickup on gas fairly regularly because the LPG for that type of carburetor dried out seals (or something), thus actually being damaging to the carb.

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

I've not looked at generators in years, but do they even make a portable with the KW output the OP mentioned? After all, 9000 to 11,000 KW sizes don't seem to me to spell out portable.

With respect to dual or tri-fuel generators, I might would avoid those, although my experience goes way back on dual fuel engines. We used to use LPG for some of our vehicles on the farm but when we set up my pickup, it was a dual fuel system. I was told to ALWAYS make sure to run my pickup on gas fairly regularly because the LPG for that type of carburetor dried out seals (or something), thus actually being damaging to the carb.

Winco HPS12000HE - 10,800 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator w/ Electric Start Honda Engine (49-State) | Winco HPS12000HE

 

[cowadle]

converting a generator to propane or NG isn't difficult and the kits are available for not much cost. the portable generators do go up to 10,000 watts and higher but those are larger and heavier than the smaller ones. my standby gens i bought from harbor freight were 4000 and 9000 watt gens and are portable enough. my 5500 watt true prime power onan weighs about 1200 lbs. learn about power factor rating. remember that any gen running on propane will generate less watts than when it is on gasoline. buy the right one for it's expected application or change the application to fit the generator

 

[tynyphil]

I have 3 generators for various purposes. The one I have for my home when power out is a Troybilt 8-10K watts. It's portable. I had the fuse box to my separate garage altered with a transfer switch. That way I can safely run my well, and garage refrigerator and freezer. The others I have for an off grid cabin are Generacs that run off propane. these are in the 3-5k watt size. I like that the fuel for these can be stored indefinitely They too have been VERY reliable.
I had a Coleman 10K watt that crashed and generator was unrepairable/unreplaceable while the Koler motor was fine. I would recommend going with Generac which ever type you decide. Kinda depends on how much you want to spend. all of mine were generally in the $1K price

 

[Woodman 59]

When you say “backup”
Do you envision something that does all the work for you $$$$$
Or something that gets dragged out of the garage and you run a temporary extension cord?
Going to be a large price difference for the convenience.

Portable, but have a transfer switch on the house(manual)

 

[Woodman 59]

I have 3 generators for various purposes. The one I have for my home when power out is a Troybilt 8-10K watts. It's portable. I had the fuse box to my separate garage altered with a transfer switch. That way I can safely run my well, and garage refrigerator and freezer. The others I have for an off grid cabin are Generacs that run off propane. these are in the 3-5k watt size. I like that the fuel for these can be stored indefinitely They too have been VERY reliable.
I had a Coleman 10K watt that crashed and generator was unrepairable/unreplaceable while the Koler motor was fine. I would recommend going with Generac which ever type you decide. Kinda depends on how much you want to spend. all of mine were generally in the $1K price

Same here I have a Coleman now it works sometimes., but it is not worth the money to fix it. Trying to up the watts, I have a 5500 now. Thanks for the input.

 

[Woodman 59]

Heck I am getting ready to sell mine but it is only a 5500. It is sitting in my shed and has not been started in a few years because the docs will not let me use a pull to start.

Understand that, I need an elect start too(battery) don't have the lungs to pull on the rope

 

[Woodman 59]

There are a few threads here about this topic with lots of good information. Try a search to find them.

thanks, will do that.

 

[Woodman 59]

I've not looked at generators in years, but do they even make a portable with the KW output the OP mentioned? After all, 9000 to 11,000 KW sizes don't seem to me to spell out portable.

With respect to dual or tri-fuel generators, I might would avoid those, although my experience goes way back on dual fuel engines. We used to use LPG for some of our vehicles on the farm but when we set up my pickup, it was a dual fuel system. I was told to ALWAYS make sure to run my pickup on gas fairly regularly because the LPG for that type of carburetor dried out seals (or something), thus actually being damaging to the carb.

I wondered about that.