new generator

**tooklean** · 03-22-2006, 02:07 PM

I`m in the market for a new generator something that is reliable that starts each time out preferebly electric start. any feedback would be appreciated.

**Brace1** · 03-22-2006, 09:45 PM

You don`t indicate what your price range is, so without price as a factor I would recommend Honda or Yamaha.

You also don`t indicate how large you`re looking for, but I would say electric start may be overkill especially since a lot of newer generators have compression relief (bypass or something along those lines) that allow easy cranking.

With all that said, my generator is a Porter Cable with a Briggs and Stratton engine. I got it for < 1/3rd of the price of a Honda or Yamaha, and I did a lot of research on it and got a solid generator for a super cheap price.

**Tex Star Detail** · 03-22-2006, 10:58 PM

check Pep Boys

**Krodad** · 03-23-2006, 01:24 AM

I believe any generator that would have electric start is usually a BIG unit, and probably not what you are looking for.
I am a big fan of Honda and Robin engines, but they are quite a bit more expensive generators when equipped this way, and if your use is short term spurts, any briggs or Kohler or Tecumseh model will work just fine.
Pay attention to the continuous wattage rating and match the power to your needs. 5 amps will require 6000 watts, so keep that in mind. Fine for a PC rated at 3.7 amps.

**PhaRO** · 03-23-2006, 05:11 PM

Lot will come down to price, how much power you want and how quiet you want it. I used a 2500 watt B&S engine for 7 years it started everyday. I have a 5000 watt B&S that I`ve used for 3 years. Only time it didn`t start was when I had a hole in my truck bed cover and water dripped on the gas cap and got in the vent hole. Water it appears doesn`t burn well for fuel. Cheap and reliable but loud as hell. Given that I`ve used 2 really cheap generators, I figure if any better ones are as reliable I`m in good shape. The $500-$600 Honda and Honda engine ones at Northern Tool appeal to me. Quieter, smaller (2500 watts or so) and cheap enough. However as someone mention Pepboys has some very cheap generators. Some of the decibal ratings were as low as the Honda I`ve looked at. Also Costco has a 3500 watt for $199 after rebate. None are electric start though. Honestly though you`re not a real man until you have the pull cord stop half pull on a cold morning and the handle rip from your freezing hand a few dozen times. Then there is the time in winter I pulled back and hit the corner of a minivan hatch door (opened at the time) with the back of my hand.

**dr_detail** · 03-25-2006, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by PhaRO

...Honestly though you`re not a real man until you have the pull cord stop half pull on a cold morning and the handle rip from your freezing hand a few dozen times...

LMAO... After close to twenty years of doing this, I finally got tired of pulling a cord -- here`s a link to a 3500w electric start for less than $400. I also went with an electric start on my Pressure washer -- yep, I`m gettin lazy in my old age!!

**CharlesW** · 03-25-2006, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Krodad

Pay attention to the continuous wattage rating and match the power to your needs. 5 amps will require 6000 watts, so keep that in mind. Fine for a PC rated at 3.7 amps.

Your requirement seems a little high.
Watts = Volts x Amps so 120 volts x 5 amps would be 600 watts.
A 6000 watt unit would be one big generator.

Charles

**rockz9** · 03-25-2006, 01:58 PM

I got the 3500 WATT Troybuilt generator from lowes...think i payed 500.It has been very reliable aand very easy to start...You should stop over at Lowes and check it out...