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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Generator head ? Brush vs brushless

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jCarroll

09-09-2004 17:34:58




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I"m planning to buy a 4 pole generator head and run it at 1800 rpm (off one of my tractors) to generate single phase power ala backup generator.

The brush type guys say theirs is less prone to mechanical failure due to vibration, and easier to repair. The brushless guys say theirs provides cleaner power.

Which type should I buy?




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JT

09-13-2004 05:58:15




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to jCarroll, 09-09-2004 17:34:58  
I know you are only looking for a backup generator, I would not only look at if it is brushless or brushes, you also need to look at how the rest of the generator is built. There are a lot of cheap gensets out there that will not take long heavy loads. If you buy a genset that is a lot bigger than what you need, and only running at 1/2 load any one will probably do, but if you buy the size you need and keep that load on it for a long time, it probably will not hold up in the long haul.

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jCarroll

09-13-2004 08:12:48




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to JT, 09-13-2004 05:58:15  
How do you tell a "cheap genset" from a good one? Other than price, what do you look for?



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JT

09-13-2004 16:07:22




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to jCarroll, 09-13-2004 08:12:48  
This might sound like a stupid answer, but if it being bought at a discount center, then it is probably a cheap genset.
The worst ones I have seen was a Coleman Powermate.
The Briggs & Stratton Portable Power Products generators seen to be pretty fair. The best ones I have seen that are kinda middle of the road in price is the ones that Northern Tools and equipment sell.
Myself, I would have either a Suburu/Robin, Honda. Why? most companies elling gensets now may not have parts five years from now. A good exapmple, a friend bought a Bradson Pressure washer 2 years ago, needs seal, the only thing to do was to buy a new pump for $90.00, when all it needed was a 5.00 seal I know that does not tell you much, but that is from my experience working on these things.

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Robert in W. Mi.

09-13-2004 17:51:24




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to JT, 09-13-2004 16:07:22  
My friend just bought a new Subaru/Robin generator, and the gen head is made in China. Wonder how the parts availability will be for that a few years from now????? ??

Robert



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JT

09-14-2004 12:40:17




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to Robert in W. Mi., 09-13-2004 17:51:24  
That is a good question. I have real good luck getting parts for older Robin engines, pumps, and generators, so far.



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Robert in W. Mi.

09-13-2004 07:19:17




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to JT, 09-13-2004 05:58:15  
This is why i bought a 15kw pto generator. I can put a smaller tractor on it for lighter loads, and a bigger tractor on it for bigger loads.

Best part is, i don't really need 15kw, so it's not running anyway near max all the time, and should last a long long time.

Robert



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TheRealRon

09-10-2004 03:07:57




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to jCarroll, 09-09-2004 17:34:58  
During a power outage you most likely want to operate a computer and/or TV. If you do so with a brush type you will damage them as the total harmonic distortion (THD) is far too high.



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Craig 1

09-10-2004 15:27:31




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to TheRealRon, 09-10-2004 03:07:57  
i have a Generac generator that has brushes and opperate sensitive electronics all the time on it. i have never damaged anything with it. when i watch tv or listen to the radio there is no interference. however, i did have a brush break once, which put the generator out of comission for a while.

if the cost difference is small, i would go with the brushless for cleaner power and reliability (less moving parts). if the brushless is significantly more expensive, i would buy a standard generator with brushes

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Big Jim

09-09-2004 20:37:39




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to jCarroll, 09-09-2004 17:34:58  
With all the electronics we have in our houses and shops anymore, I'd say the cleaner power of the brushless units would win out. a decent burshless should last a long time. It's the Home Depot/Lowes ones that I wouldn't trust.



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Gene Davis (Ga.)

09-09-2004 20:31:40




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 Re: Generator head ? Brush vs brushless in reply to jCarroll, 09-09-2004 17:34:58  
I have a brush type and can testify that it doesn't give trouble, but does seem to have a noticable amount of interference generated while running,doesssss sssss ssn't seem to be a stable as the brushless ones I have seen run, but heck, it's paid for and 8kw is good size when the lights go out!It has to turn at 3600 rpms, so I belted it with a 2:1 overdrive ratio and only turn the engine at 1750 and that cuts down on some noise and gives better fuel mileage.

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