PREP Diesel generator question / suggestion

MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
I would like to ad a portable diesel generator to my home preps ...

I have a few gas versions .. But store more diesel for my truck as it is more stable

I have read to stay away from cheap china built models ... So I am hoping for some affordable suggestions from any of you guys that have a diesel gennie

Thanks!

MC
 
Bullwinkle

Bullwinkle

Membership Revoked
There once was a "China Diesel" kit available.
It was used in the remote towns of China.
It was a little like the antiques you see at the fair where there is a cast water reservoir as part of the head that was for cooling.
The generator was belt driven off the separate diesel motor.
The kit was also stocked with extra parts that were known to wear out.
I think it has been about 30+ years since I saw one in a catalog.
kicking my self for not getting one.

If you have a diesel tractor, you can get a stand alone generator that attaches to the power take off.
I have this. The problem is on load changes, the speed has to be changed. Have not gotten around to working on a regulator.
The stand alone generator is available from Northern Hydraulics.

You might even find a portable diesel gen set too. Haven't looked in a long time.
 
nharrold

nharrold

Deceased
Dennis Olson said:
Near as I can determine, there ARE NO PORTABLE DIESEL GENERATORS.
Click to expand...

Northern Tool has several in the Fall/Winter catalog.
p/n 213295-1201
p/n 213820-1201
p/n 165930-1201

These are Chinese units. There may be others on the northerntool.com website; I haven't had time to look. You might also check out Harborfreight.com.
 
E

etdeb

Veteran Member
How portable, I have a 130KW trailer mounted with 75 gal base tank, it hooks to my pickup so itis portable
 
Green Co.

Green Co.

Administrator
_______________
The only truly portable diesel gensets that I've seen are from China. There are many small (relative) diesel gensets from 5k to 10k. Search for Deutz, Yanmar, powered sets, be aware they will weigh a few hundred pounds. Diesel engines are heavy.

For medium size gensets, look for Kubota, Perkins, powered sets.
 
MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
Thanks guys

The next 'hurdle' seems to be finding one that is CA legal ..... Arghhhh

Just like hi-cap mags ......
 
ainitfunny

ainitfunny

Saved, to glorify God.
I have a RARE BIRD....an old 2kw Generator that was apparently designed to run forever, not one that works for a year or two and quits on you. It was originally used to run a well pump. It is gasoline fueled, BUT WHAT IS SPECIAL is that it is all cast iron and runs at a SLOW SPEED (1800RPM !) That is HALF the speed of most all now available small kw output portable generators. Going slow means it won't wear out if not overloaded. It is at least 15 years old maybe 25 and was only disconnected from the well it ran because the owner got connected to a public water service line. It has a lawnmower style rope pull start.

It has a WINCO generator unit on it, I don't know who made the engine. It weighs a ton and isn't likely to be stolen it is so heavy compared to the KW output.

I have been looking for someone who wanted to buy this generator ( for a well pump or other pretty frequent service) like this. I am told it is quite valuable as they are no longer available/built/ configured as rugged as mine. You have to get a much higher KW to get the same features now, I was told.
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
1800 rpm means that the alternator end is a 4-pole unit, as opposed to the cheaper 2-pole units, which require 3600 rpm. My big genny is a 4-pole brushless, self-exciting alternator.
 
ainitfunny

ainitfunny

Saved, to glorify God.
I just read someone's comment on another forum that it is possible to momentarily turn the generator (hooked to the engine)into an electric motor to electric start a generator that doesn't have an electric start, anyone know what this guy is talking about?
If you know a guy who can do motor controls, all you need is a 12v battery and a couple inexpensive relays and a little time and you can turn the AC motor into a DC Shunt motor if there is access to the Terminal Tap Can. This is how most old generators were started. It turns the Electric Generator into a motor temporarily and switches back to a generator after the motor is started. It is an easy install within the hour.
Click to expand...
 
trkarl

trkarl

Contributing Member
nharrold said:
Northern Tool has several in the Fall/Winter catalog.
p/n 213295-1201
p/n 213820-1201
p/n 165930-1201

These are Chinese units. There may be others on the northerntool.com website; I haven't had time to look. You might also check out Harborfreight.com.
Click to expand...

I have 165930-1201. Bought it right after Charlie hit us in '04. Yanmar is supposed to be a well built diesel motor.
 
T

TJA

Veteran Member
trkarl said:
I have 165930-1201. Bought it right after Charlie hit us in '04. Yanmar is supposed to be a well built diesel motor.
Click to expand...

I was just 'window shopping' over at Northern Tools and that one seems to be the best diesel they offer in it's size range. Will probably put off the purchase of a new generator for a while but I'd love to hear what you think of it so far. Going by the reviews there was a solenoid problem a few years ago but that NorthStar had corrected the problem.
 
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