Generator question

Suzuki4evr

Suzuki4evr

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Hi guys.
I am looking at this generator for my shop,because here is SA we have a LOT of power outages. About twice a day now for two hours,thanks to.............let me leave it at tgat. And we were informed on the news that this will go on until July next year.

I know it must be some kind of Asian machine, but do someone perhaps know the make and quality of it? Price tag second hand at about $367. I can't pronounce the name.
IMG-20200902-WA0022-1.jpg
 
My brother has used and used up several machines like that. Compared to a Honda, they tend to wear out quickly and are noisy, although not because the mufflers are poor- the crankcases are thin and poorly reinforced. A lot of mechanical noise escapes from the engine itself. Also, they are not made to the tight tolerances that better units like Honda are. You pay for what you get.
Use good quality oil and change it frequently. Ask how many hours are on it, but be skeptical
-Mark
 
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I bought a LIFAN (cheap chinese 800 watts) for $149 delivered two years ago (New). Changed oil after first hour, lots of small metal bits. Electronics failed last month with maybe 50 hours total. If your shop is a hobby, you might get by. If it's your business, I'd pass.
 
I guess it's mostly a matter of it being big enough to run the things you want to run when the power goes out. Looks like it's a 8000w and definitely been used a bit. My concern is how well the engine was maintained. Some folks are picky and do proper oil changes etc. Small gas engines that were broken in correctly and have frequent oil changes will last forever. One that's never been maintained at all (like some folks do) don't. The import open frame generators are fairly inexpensive and a few bucks more for new with a warranty might be something to think about. HF sells a electric start 9000w Predator for $599 or so and a 6500w for $499. I just bought one of their inverter generators for my 5th Wheel and I'm very happy with it. You may be able to wait for a sale or check for coupons and save $. At least you know it's been broken in correctly and maintained right.. and you can return it or have it replaced if you have any problems.
If you get new, break it in right... run it without a load and change the oil after an hour or two and then only light loads and change it again at 10-15 hrs and again at 25-30. These small engines don't use much oil and it's cheap to change it. You'll have metal in the first 2-3 oil changes then you can run 50 hrs between changes and it will last years.
Ahh I just saw your location and that changes things a bit. I have no idea what the prices are in your area or what shipping cost or stores are available. But, my break in advice if you get new still applies!
 
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It puts out 5.5KW. More than enough power,but it will ne used at least 2 - 2.5 hours a day. And fir now that would be about every day. So it must be durable. I haven't seen it up close yet,just saw the add tonight.
 
I don't think you would find any significant difference between Chinese "brands". They change the brand like we change underwear.
On average my brother found these units used every day for 4-5 hours, last about 1-1.5 years before giving trouble. Throwing a rod through the crankcase or excessive oil consumption. On one of my brother's units the windings in the generator came loose and shorted causing a small fire with copious nasty (probably carcinogenic) smoke
On the other hand, his Honda is going strong after 6 years, only now starting to use a bit more oil
 
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