Tractors, Mowers, Chippers, Trailers, Chainsaws, Generators, Boat Engines, Flood Control, & Census.

Oil or electric ceramic space heater?

Wattage and length of runtime are your big factors for generator selection.

I chose a 2300watt peak with 1800w running for use with my refrigerator, fridge and a/c unit. Each would run independently of the other. A backup generator for your house to be able to run multiple high demand items will not have a long running time, meaning you will have to refuel a lot and also have a high fuel consumption rate.

I looked into LP/gas powered hybrid generators which would run off a 100# tank it would have been a great setup for a standby whole house but I really only need a unit to power one appliance at a time. My shed office has heat and A/c and runs off of a 15a circuit so my generator could power that through the night hot or cold and we would be fine for a few nights “camping” in my office.

 

So many good tips here! Thanks guys. I had those sway chains completely disconnected at one point but they weren't was was keeping the arms from spreading. The whole thing has been soaking in PB blaster for a little over a day now. When I get home I'll try beating it with the hammer again.

 

Try disconnecting from the lower part of lift arms near the rear of PTO shaft might be easier and less damaging.

 

Mostly just refrigerator and a small ceramic heater in the winter if the power goes out. We've got gas logs so we can always close the door to the den and stay warm, and maybe run a small heater upstairs intermittently. Seems like every time we get a storm nowadays, the power is out for a while. But mostly to keep the fridge cold.

 

I use a 3500w Preditor inverter generator, well, its Power horse from Norther but same as the HF Preditor.
Zero issues, very quiet and just keeping fridge and chest freezer uses about 2gal in about 24hrs, only time I hear Otis when compressor kicks. Have had for several years now. The “starting” battery is useless after a few months of non use, just not running it to keep it charged, 2-3 pulls on rope and it’s running.

 

At one point I did do that. I ended up putting it back on but I might take it off again when I get back to it tonight.

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-4...r-with-2-6-0-Ah-Batteries-RYi1802B6/308738209

I don't like the price, but I'm already using Ryobi 40V batteries. This could run the fridge long enough to cool it down, then move it to power the freezer for a while, then for what ever else.

 

That's a very short-term solution, and if the batteries are not fully charged when the power goes out, it will be an even shorter-term solution.

Batteries also lose their ability to hold a charge after several years. So in 5 years or so, you could be forced to buy new batteries, and those damn things are expensive.

I'd stick to finding a 2-3K gas/propane generator. Take care of it, keep your fuel fresh, and you'll have a backup power source for decades.

 

I vote for a gas unit as well, especially for what that cost and lack of wattage

 

I'll be forced to buy batteries anyway, I'm all in on the battery powered yard equipment!

I didn't know they ran on propane now. To me that sounds better than gas.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman-4000W-Dual-Fuel-Generator/46542325

 

You get slightly lower power output on propane, but you'd still have plenty of power for the Fridge. I think the biggest problem with a battery power unit like that is once the batteries are used up, you'll likely be unable to charge them again until the power is restored. You can buy solar panels to recharge the unit, but those rely on good weather to achieve sufficient power. And that would still take a full day of direct sunlight to get a partial charge.

I want a suffient backup power source so I can keep going for a week. With a 2-3k gas unit and a 5 gal can of gas or a propane tank, you can do that. Now I also want to be able to power everything in my house, including HVAC, so I bought a 9.5k generator. Eventually, I want to upgrade my electric box so that I can plug the whole house in at once. For now, I have enough power cords I can plug the essentials in and run the gen set all at once.

 

No offense but that might only get through (1) standard fridge/freezer for one cooling cycle. Fridge/freezers use around 700-1,100 watts with a cooling cycle of 10-30minutes. Their example of a 200w fridge running for 4.5hrs is one of those 2.5cft refrigerators.

 

HAHaHA, Got you kinda beat I have a 8000 running with a 12000 surge with transfer switch wired to main breaker . HVAC not hooked up. But if power goes out in summer its not as bad as winter. Propane fire place,stove,grill,water heater. Well hooked up to generac along with rest of house and I keep 25 gal of gas on hand.
Had I had the money when needed to do this I would have gone whole house back up.
You guys I live WFO (Way Far OUT). Litterly just got internet thi year .

 

Do it might break free easier being able to move it around. Were you able to see manual?

 

LOL, I'll get there eventually. I have enough to cover my basic needs. I live out in the sticks, but I'm not way far out. I'm at the outer edge of the county, but I'm still in one of the larger counties in Tennessee. In the 9 years I've been here, I've never had a power outage last a whole day. But I don't prepare for what hasn't happened to me; I prepare for what could happen. There have certainly been areas not too far from me that have faced multi-day power outages. I'll be pretty well set once I upgrade my electric panel with a disconnect and my propane tank lines so I can run my Gen and BBQ grill off my main supply.

 

howdy fellas. curious on feedback of my recent purchase. husquvarna lrh 125 rider. recent battery, claimed it ran a couple months ago. did i buy a lemon or is it worth having? has all bagging stuff. 75$

 

It looks neat. It all depends on how much you want to spend on it.

 

If you can get it running, it'll be well worth $75

 

This!