Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am looking at purchasing a natural gas 20k standby generator.The choices are generac,kohler,c ummins onan. Is there one that is truly more reliable than the other?And if so what makes it more reliable.

Do you lose power that often and for long periods of time to justify a big stand-by system? I ask because I had looked at going that route when I finally got tired of constantly losing power for days on end but could not justify the 5 digit price tag. I ended up with a Honda EM6500SX, transfer switch and installation for well under $3K and it serves all my needs - well pump, oil furnace, fridge, stand up freezer and 90% of my other lighter load electrical requirements. I've had no problem going for several days off grid running my gen set for 12 or more hours per day. I could go all day if needed but why bother when you're not home (at work, etc...).

Here is another option, if you have a small acreage and in the market for a lawnmower.  Lowe's sells something called a Raven (think it's only available from them), it is a hybrid gas/electric ATV with a 46" lawn mower deck, 7mph mowing, 17mph without the deck, 7kw generator.  They currently have a recall on it due to a safety switch issue, but the machine's specs look good.  Internet rumors price it at $3k.  Nice thing about it is that you're always running the generator, always has fresh gas and should always be ready to go when you need it, plus you can use your electric power tools out in the woods with it.  :)  Other nice thing is that it doesn't have a transmission, which is usually the weak link on sub-$3k mowers.

video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn7p-Mt65ZA

jimbedro wrote:

I just picked up my generator yesterday, 7/29/13. It was in the shop since Feb 19, 2013. The final resolution was a new replacement generator was shipped as parts are not available. I promptly returned the new unopened generator to Lowes for a refund. We had been in touch with Lowes to express our displeasure with the product and lack of parts. The quoted delivery date for the stator was Sept, 2013. If Troybilt didn't ship a replacement generator, the broken generator would have been on the shop 7 months waiting for the factory to deliver repair parts.

The Troybilt name is just one of many former reputable brand names out there that continue to dupe the public into thinking they're buying a quality product.

FrankMA wrote:

I hear ya... my dad still uses my grandfather's 1970 Troybilt rototiller. That is one stout piece of equipment. The carb has never been rebuilt on it either.