OT propane backup generator

mpowis · Jul 27, 2014

we're looking for a back up generator for the house, thinking of propane so we can tap into our tank. anyone have any experience or recommendations?

David G · Jul 27, 2014

I have a Generac, would get a Kohler next time. Get one big enough so that it has two cylinders, will be smoother.

Do not worry if it is 3600 RPM, they will last fine.

Dean · Jul 27, 2014

I just finished installing a 20 KW Kohler propane powered air cooled unit.

I researched Generac and Kohler (and to a lesser extent, Onan and Briggs). Kohler has a better standard warranty and the engine has hydraulic valve lifters eliminating the need to periodically adjust valve lash.

If you are patient and watch internet prices you can find them on sale for the same or less than a similar Generac unit.

Dean

mpowis · Jul 27, 2014

not looking for whole house, more emergency / portable unit 8KW size range

David G · Jul 27, 2014

Most of those are gasoline, I do not think you can go wrong with a Honda.

Billy Shafer · Jul 27, 2014

First thing you need to do. Is find out the total amp load of what you need to power. What voltage you need. Most likely 120/240. Then buy a genset that can handle a little more than you need. Install a proper transfer switch.

I can't recommend Generac. I have seen to many problems over the years. Kohler would be my choice. Cummins/Second. 3600 is about all you can get today. I prefer 1800 units

bill mart · Jul 27, 2014

if you are handy try these guys. bill
uscarburation

Eric in IL · Jul 27, 2014

We have a Dyna, made by Winco. I don't remember the kw but think it has an 8hp Briggs on it. It is probably 25 years old now. It came capable of gas or propane. We have never run it on gasoline.

It is so nice not to have to worry with stale gas or going out every couple hours to fill it up.

jm. · Jul 27, 2014

My experience is this. Not hear say or what ever but what I have. Five years ago built a new house installed two 200 am boxes and put all the essential circuits on one and wired in an automatic transfer switch to a 20 KW Generac that runs off a thousand gallon tank we have for gas logs and back up heat. Thing kicks on ever Friday a 3 for 15 minutes. Have had total of 68 hrs with no power. Once it ran about 28 hrs the other outages were more like 3 hrs or so. Changed the oil at 100 hrs and now are some where around 130 hrs. So far it is the best investment I ever made. Within 12 seconds after the power fails we have lights , well, freezers, well ect back strong. Happy so far.

David G · Jul 27, 2014

There you go.

k6zrx · Jul 27, 2014

Call me crazy if you want, but look for an old Kohler with the flathead 4 cylinder. We had these at our radio sites, and boy were they reliable, tough, and easy to work on. The one ran for about 3 weeks straight at near full load without a lick of trouble. We ran them with synthetic motor oil and Caterpillar coolant with distilled water. I think these can be found surplus fairly often. Easy to rebuild the engine, and you will be in for less money than anything new of comparable size, around 8-10kw. One was even dual fuel and could run on gasoline or propane. Seemed fairly easy on fuel, too.

One was replaced with a newer Kohler with a Ford engine that had major engine failure at 1200 hours. That was replaced with a very expensive Cat Diesel unit that they never could get to run in a reliable manner. The old Kohler, now on a trailer, still had to do the job.

Looking for one myself to rebuild and mount in a little covered trailer.

Josh

notjustair · Jul 27, 2014

I have a 19 KW Onan to power the farm. It isn't automatic. I have to go out and flip the transfer stuff and fire up the four cylinder diesel. It does one heck of a job when I need it. It has about 900 hours on it and is surplus from the phone company.

I had a Generac unit. I couldn't run away from it fast enough and I bought it new. I have an 8000 watt unit with an overhead Briggs for welding in the field and the like. I don't think anyone makes a good small engine anymore, but I guess I would go for Subaru, Honda, of Kawasaki. I wouldn't be afraid of buying something old that has a flat head on it. They will run forever.

Note that if you have a new HVAC unit they may not uphold the warranty on the DC fan motor if you run it on generator power. Those are very picky about fluctuations and burn up. I just run a bunch of space heaters if it is winter.

Pete in MD · Jul 27, 2014

I have a Generac 11KW, 50amp propane unit that I bought from ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com. Here's a link to it. Notice there's no tax or shipping cost.
11KW generator

El Toro · Jul 28, 2014

We've had a Kohler generator since 2012. It has 16 circuits, but one has to be dedicated for battery charging. Hire a good plumber since Wardflex is used for piping and a good electrician.
Have both inspected. We bought our's from this link. Free shipping and no sales tax. Hal
Untitled URL Link

mpowis · Jul 28, 2014

Thanks to all, for the comments and suggestions. We had a manual gen-tran switch installed when we upgraded our electric panel, set up to run just a few circuits (well pump, boiler burner, kitchen lights & plugs). I'm very anti-Chinese junk but it is hard to find anything made in the US anymore.

Spook · Jul 28, 2014

I've had a Generac 15kw for 12 years, no problems.

Billy Shafer · Jul 28, 2014

Hate to tell you this.But if it is the old DJC. You only have about 14 thousand hours. Before you will need to overhaul it.

OT propane backup generator

mpowis

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David G

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Dean

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mpowis

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David G

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Billy Shafer

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bill mart

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Eric in IL

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jm.

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David G

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k6zrx

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notjustair

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Pete in MD

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El Toro

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mpowis

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Spook

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