Power tech Generator good brand, or Chineseum junk?

Hey all,

I took my lil 3cylinder kubota powered generator and tried to power my Clipper 29D seed cleaner. It just doesn't have enough gumption. I bought it last spring at a consignment sale in Strawberry Point, and the data sticker had been scraped off, so I don't know the output, but it had run my Clipper 47b without much sweat last year. I guess 3 hp is easier to start than 7.5 hp. It goes back on a sale very soon.

I was looking on the List and see a Power Tech generator for $1500. Seller knows absolutely nothing about it. He told me he thinks it's a 45KW, but his picture of the data plate clearly states 15KW. He said he bought it last year to run a spray foam rig, but then never got around to using it, and has since sold his foam rig.

Digging on the nets found me their site, and they're supposedly still in business. Are these a decent rig, or would I be buying a pig-in-a-poke genny that will be a boat anchor when it has a problem? if I got the right manual downloaded, it at least has a 4 cylinder Kubota diesel engine.

I'd prefer to find a good buy on a used Onan or Generac, but I'm a bit over-budget already and this is gonna be another setback.

https://www.powertechgenerators.com/

Do you have utility power?

The last time I had any dealings with them. They were giving Onan,Kohler and Generac fits. Very good units with simple control systems.
Almost took over the tour bus sales. Had good people to work with and would help you with any problems. Well worth the money.

David he does portable grain cleaning. I think he want to have his own power when at a customer's farm.

Your 7.5 HP motor would only need around 6000 watts to run. I would guess 1 1/2 times to start it. So you would need 10K or so. So if the one your looking at is 15 KW you should be fine.

Make sure your start capacitors are good in your 7.5 motor. They will make it start hard.

(quoted from post at 23:24:38 02/18/18) Make sure your start capacitors are good in your 7.5 motor. They will make it start hard.

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Holy cow, JD, I'm not that bright! You pegged it! I noticed that one of the capacitors were cracked when I wired up the motor, but I didn't see oil residue, so I assumed it was good for testing at least. I'll bet that's why I can't get it to turn with the Genny. First things first, I'm gonna get a capacitor. Thanks for the kick to the brain.

I likely will still get the bigger generator as well, because I think my little one will be running at the top end of its power with a 7.5 hp on the cleaner, and a couple smaller motors to run augers.

Billy, have you done any work with them personally? After posting this I did more google searches and saw that they were popular for RVers. About the only complaint I saw was that they're a bit louder than an Onan. Considering what it's gonna run, that isn't much of a factor, but I didn't want a screaming air cooled gasoline engine-powered one, either.

Btw, I’m done building the machine, now I just have to get it on a trailer with augers and legs. I hope to have it ready in two weeks

Some motors (subject to type design and load etc) require up to 5 or 6 times the run current to get started which must be considered when sizing a genset. Some of the SURGE type of ratings you see on a unit may not be trusted in many cases. Like many others, I've had some good luck with Chinese products while others have been terrible. When it comes to generators Id trust what Billy Shafer has to say, he's the "go to guy"

John T

I installed around twenty.Worked on many more. Best units I worked on. Only major problem I had. Was a broken drive plate. Ordered it
and they sent it over night express. Without me asking for the service. Not many will do that for you. As I said it has been awhile.
But I would order another one again. Probably the only 1800 left in that class.

(quoted from post at 06:42:07 02/19/18) I installed around twenty.Worked on many more. Best units I worked on. Only major problem I had. Was a broken drive plate. Ordered it
and they sent it over night express. Without me asking for the service. Not many will do that for you. As I said it has been awhile.
But I would order another one again. Probably the only 1800 left in that class.

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Thanks Billy,

Sounds like I better get in my pickup and go get it.

Be sure and check it over.