Choosing a Generator

[2Pbfeet]

Not sure why those images didn't all post in line? Hopefully you guys can see them all!

All visible here. What does it look like under the covers?

 

[HamAndEggs]

Well this came to a sad end, it does not turn over, completely locked up

Old oil filter...

 

[2Pbfeet]

Bummer.

 

[Chainbreaker]

That's unfortunate... I guess you now know why the seller let it go for so cheap. However, you could easily recoup your initial $250 purchase price + some by parting it out (the good salvageable Kubota parts...skins, gauges, starter, fuel pump, injection pump... etc.).

 

[2Pbfeet]

That's unfortunate... I guess you now know why the seller let it go for so cheap. However, you could easily recoup your initial $250 purchase price + some by parting it out (the good salvageable Kubota parts...skins, gauges, starter, fuel pump, injection pump... etc.).

Yes, I agree that parting it out should easily recoup the acquisition costs. Those are fairly common units, and they get a fair amount of abuse in their typical mounting in the back of trucks, so there's a demand for parts.

I think that offshore rigs are amongst some of the harshest environments that I know of, especially for electrical and combustion equipment.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[HamAndEggs]

I ended up listing in on Marketplace for $850 and got endless messages, sold it same day to a guy who has an identical unit with a dead generator end

So I get a free hoist and D rings etc, and a good profit, and I got to play with one!

 

[FarmingSmallKubota]

Now to get the topic back on Former military equipment, Mep 802, 803 AMMPS 1030, 1040 for your next investment.

 

[HamAndEggs]

Yeah, a 1040 or an 803A would be ideal

The downside is they are not really portable at all unless I mount one to a small trailer (The military trailer is a bit big!)

 

[HamAndEggs]

Actually, one mounted on a trailer with a 100 gallon fuel tank and pump so I can move the fuel, would be awesome

 

[2Pbfeet]

Actually, one mounted on a trailer with a 100 gallon fuel tank and pump so I can move the fuel, would be awesome

I'm glad that you were able to turn the generator around so quickly and profitably!

If you are moving it out your backyard, you will probably want fairly large (wide) tires, but 100 gallons (800lbs) of fuel, plus tank, and an MEP-803A and you are looking a 2,000lbs+, plus the weight of the trailer. That's not trivial to move in my book, and more so if the ground is soft, or there is a slope, or both.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[HamAndEggs]

It won't be something I'd move often, but part of my want of a reliable genset is that we plan on buying land in the future, and of course we would need a genset.

The Kubota could "easily" be put in my truck, and an MEP on a trailer could also be "easily" moved there

I do wonder, why is there not any 1800RPM liquid cooled gasoline sets? Would be much easier to work with

 

[2Pbfeet]

It won't be something I'd move often, but part of my want of a reliable genset is that we plan on buying land in the future, and of course we would need a genset.

The Kubota could "easily" be put in my truck, and an MEP on a trailer could also be "easily" moved there

I do wonder, why is there not any 1800RPM liquid cooled gasoline sets? Would be much easier to work with

I was just concerned by your post #67 above. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/choosing-a-generator.209804/post-2462044

1800 works well for diesels, less so for most gasoline engines, but there are models around, e.g.

Wildcat Freedom 15kW Propane Generator

15kW LPG Generator Rated for Prime Power. Sound Attenuating Steel Enclosure. Rugged Simplicity for Harsh Environments—Off Grid, Ag, Disaster etc

norwall.com

Prime Power in Gasoline - Winco Generators - Agricultural, Commercial, Contractor & Residential

We have always built great commercial grade portable generators fueled by gasoline. Currently our air-cooled models can supply up to 19kw in both single and three phase voltages. We regularly get asked for more power and engines that last longer and run 1800 rpm. When we say we listen, we mean...

www.wincogenerator.com

I think that part of it is also fuel management. It is relatively safe and easy to store diesel and propane. Large quantities of gasoline tends to require significant isolation distances and practices that are not so hard on a farm or ranch, but somewhat harder to achieve in more developed areas.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[HamAndEggs]

Good thinking about the fuel storage, that must be the reason as there are plenty of 1800 RPM Natural gas units

What I say I'll do and what I actually do are always changing I probably won't pour a slab, I think a trailer or cart is something that makes sense

 

[FarmingSmallKubota]

Before i set up my 1040 as my backup Generator. i used and can still use my Whisperwatt 300 amp Welder/Generator. 10kw of power, a Welder, and 28 gallons of fuel on board the trailer. it has served me well the last 5 years, over 4000 hours on the clock and that little Kubota D722 just sips the fuel and runs like a top.

 

[Jetred]

I have an 803A mounted on the military power unit trailer. I mounted a 100 gallon fuel tank on the front. And turned the generator around for easy access to the controls. Think there is 6-8” between the generator and fuel tank. There is enough room to get the cover off the fuel tank. It does weigh more on the hitch now. But it’s not that bad.

I pull it with a 1/2 ton truck without any problems. I do have a tall hitch in the truck to pull it more level. But it’s and inch or two low. I didn’t want the tailgate on the truck to contact the hitch if I forgot about it. Works great for me.

 

[hcso2332]

I have sold quite a few MEP generators over the years. I always tell buyers to always consider fuel consumption as one of their main considerations. If you have a long power outage lasting a week or more fuel will will be a huge issue. If the outage is widespread throughout the area fuel will also be in short supply. Yes, having a 10kw or bigger generator is great for a short power outage, you get to have AC and modern conveniences. In a long term outage I need to conserve as much fuel as possible to keep and my generator consuming the least amount of fuel per hour. I have had all the MEP generators but have always have an MEP-802a or MEP-1030 on-hand for maximum fuel efficiency.