Hello. I basically would like to have very high quality generator for emergencies. I am low maintenance, I do not need a whole house generator. I have no problem running ugly wires thru my house lol. I am very attracted to diesels, except of course the noise ugh. I am also attracted to 'The smaller the better.' I have a pick up truck with a nice automatic 1,500 lb max lift. Although it would not be convenient I would like a generator I can take with me at anytime in case of some unforeseen event (or something like a LONG vacation to no man's land, like off the grid generator power).
Well that has put me on a mission to try to find the smallest and quietest diesel generator that I can just consider a lifetime investment. And from my research that definitely means I want 1,800 RPMs!! It's been harder research than gasoline generators, you find out pretty quickly that Honda & Yamaha inverter gens are the best, and all the rest are below them. It's harder with diesel.
I found a website that pretty much represents the best quality you can get...some of these decibel levels are incredible!!!
http://www.hardydiesel.com/diesel-generators-7-33-kw.html
I was looking at their Yanmars and it says that they have a 60 dB super quiet option available in white. WHAAAAAT???? 60 decibels in a diesel!!! Wow! The regular Yanmar they have listed at 65 so I will have to call them about more details, however I think it's 9 or 10 kW which is high for me. Here's where it says '60 db version available'...
http://www.hardydiesel.com/yanmar-generator/
They have a MultiQuip DCA10SPX that's listed at only 61 db!! Although again it's 10 kW and I'd like to get smaller. I think I found what I want but I have a question about it. It's a 7 kW Kubota 1,800 RPM that is 62 db, not bad...
http://www.hardydiesel.com/kubota-generators/kubota-7-kw.html
Ok here's my question, from everything I read it sounds like the biggest concern with damaging a diesel generator is running it at low loads, causing 'Wet Stacking.' On the website they have a Lister Petter and in the specs it says;
-Automatic Shutdown
-Low engine oil pressure
-High engine Temperature
-Overspeed/Underspeed...
Ok does this Overspeed/Underspeed protection option negate the worry of wet stacking?? That's really my concern, I want a generator that I don't have to think about (besided maintenance of course). I want a dummy proof generator. I think that I am the person who can run into low load problems (as I said I'm low maintenance). And if this Overspeed/Underspeed automatic shutdown protects you from that then I have to find out if the Kuboda has that protection as well. Or find another 8 kW or lower gen that has it...or admit defeat and get a Honda EU.
Thanks
Any of those units are good. That style of generator with the Japanese engine and a name brand alternator are some of my lowest maintenance customers. Do not get a Lister right now. The parts are such a pain it is unbelievable. Stick with Kubota, Perkins, Yanmar, Isuzu.
Ok thanks, ok now I came across these 'Marine Generators' and there are some from the companies you like, what is the opinion on these marine gens? Man we are talking about some SWEET compact sizes!!! Here are 2 from your recommended brand list...
Yanmar Marine 7 kW. 1,800 RPMs.
L - 34
W - 20
H -23
414 lbs.
http://www.hardydiesel.com/marine-diesel-generators/yanmar-marine-diesel-generators.html
Here's a 5.5 kW Kubota Marine Compact. 1,800 RPMs
L - 25.5
W - 20
H - 21
270 lbs.
http://www.hardydiesel.com/marine-d...a-compact-marine-diesel-generator-5-5-kw.html
Here's the 3.5 kW version of that Kubota Marine Compact, but unfortunately it runs at 2,800 RPMs
http://www.hardydiesel.com/marine-d...a-compact-marine-diesel-generator-3-5-kw.html
The 7 kW Kubota at 62 decibels was my front runner, unless there is a big disadvantage with marine generators that you guys can tell me about the 5.5 kW Kubota Marine Compact could be my new front runner! I'd have to call to find out the decibel levels, but at these sizes I'm back to the option of placing the generator in a sound reduction box!! Of course needing a secondary feed tank is a disadvantage...but I'd consider it an advantage (the benefits of transport).
If you want smallest and lightest, build like a rock, but not as heavy as one look for a good low hour military surplus MEP-531a you get 2KW of diesel powered man portable power with a dry weight of 123 pounds. If you need more power move up a step or two and look at the MEP802a or MEP-803a. Small modern and diesel, parts can be hard to find as they are just now being surplused to the civilian market and finding a low hour unit is hard.
I fixed it for you. If 2kw is enough power to suit, and the OP will waive his requirement for an RPM set, that little machine would do well. Mine seems to have a lot of "suds" for a 2kW set.
Thanks I will check these out! Let me see what price we are talking! I'm still not totally ruling out the 2,800 RPM 3.5 kW Kubota I listed above...I find it to be a very enticing sweet spot of power and portability, and it beats 3,600 RPMs...but this is a lot of money to spend on something where you're gonna shun one of your biggest parameters (1,800 RPMs).
Oh man how do you 'Edit Post' in this forum lol.
Forgot to list the dimentions of that 3.5 kW Kubota Marine Compact (2,800 RPM)...
L - 30
W - 18
H - 16.5
200 lbs
I like your post, in fact I want the same thing. A small, effecient diesel genset.
I shopped around the net and found a lot of the same gensets you have already mentioned. My favorite was the Multiquip Whisper watt, 10 KW I believe. That or an old light tower, cheap but kind of noisy.
I had one more additional requirement for my needs though, it had to be light. Light enough for me to load all by myself and possibly haul into the woods, park, etc... by hand. This greatly reduced what I had to pick from.
Long story short, I ended up with two Honda EUi gensets that I can parallel for 30 amp, 120 volt.
Also, I did the math, after paying extra for a diesel, dealing with the weight and additional cost for a diesel. After calculating the fuel savings of using the diesel and how much use I expected, it simply wasn't worth it for my needs.
Great suggestions in this forum, every make and model I would have suggested is already here.
That looks like a good addition to the list of possibilities! I wish they listed the decibels though. It gets a little frustrating that the price of so many generators are top secret...well not if I call a sales person...wow that's annoying!!
I had one more additional requirement for my needs though, it had to be light. Light enough for me to load all by myself and possibly haul into the woods, park, etc... by hand. This greatly reduced what I had to pick from.
Yes it's pretty annoying to not be able to do everything you want by yourself. Having a hand truck is simple, but the real gold nugget is having a lift gate on your pickup truck!!!
...oh hey I have a diesel question, I was trying to find where I read it but I can't find it...I read something where it said that you should run your diesel generator twice a month. Elsewhere I believe I read to run a gasoline generator once a month. Hmm, I was under the impression that if you were to go thru periods of long non-use that a diesel gen would be the preferred choice over a gasoline one. Is that true? Is that twice a month statement I read somewhere bogus? I love remembering to ask questions BEFORE a purchase usually that's not the order that I do it lol.
You will get lots of variation on advice for frequency to exercise a generator, personally I feel that as long as you start them and let them get up to operating temperature with reasonable frequency all is good, how often is that, well every 2-8 weeks or so. Liquid fuel that sits too long in the fuel system of either diesel or gasoline engines tends to gum things up, particularly engines fueled with modern gasoline containing ethanol. When it comes to the advantages of diesel vs. gasoline, diesel fuel if not exposed to air and moisture can keep for long periods of time, gasoline can't. Diesel generators typically consume less fuel than gasoline powered generators when operating at full load, and MUCH less fuel when operating at partial load, of course diesel tend to cost more per gallon, but that may not matter when you have to haul it around. Diesel fuel also acts as a lubricant (less so now with ultra low sulphur diesel) which tends to extend the life of engines. Another point is how much do you plan to use it, even small rpm diesels have service lives measured in thousands of hours, often over 10,000 hours for a modern small one cylinder diesel, or about 10 times the life of a typical small gasoline engine, although there are exception.
ps when looking at decibel readings, remember a lot depends on the test environment and without controlled labrotory conditions being specified those numbers can be WAY off.
Choosing the right diesel generator set can be a daunting task. You need to make sure it meets your power needs while being reliable and cost-effective. So, how can you find a good diesel generator set?
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The key to finding a good diesel generator is understanding your specific needs and how different models match those needs. This means considering factors like power capacity, brand reputation, and after-sales support.
Finding the perfect diesel generator is not just about buying the cheapest or the most powerful option. It requires understanding your long-term needs and the technicalities of various generator models.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Diesel Generator Set?
When you're looking for a diesel generator set, the first question that comes to mind is often: What factors should I consider? It’s crucial to know what makes one diesel generator better than another.
A good diesel generator set should provide reliable power, be efficient, and require minimal maintenance. The capacity, fuel efficiency, noise levels, and the reputation of the manufacturer are all key factors to consider.
Power Capacity: Are You Choosing the Right Size?
The most important factor when choosing a diesel generator set is its power capacity. If you select one that’s too small, it might not provide enough power to run all your equipment. If you choose one that’s too large, you're wasting money on extra capacity that you won’t use.
To find the correct size, calculate your total power load. This includes every piece of equipment you plan to run, along with some extra margin to avoid overloading. It’s also wise to consider future growth, as you might add more machines over time.
A diesel generator that is too small will struggle to power your equipment, leading to potential breakdowns. On the other hand, buying an oversized generator means you’re paying for unnecessary capacity, which could result in higher costs for both purchase and fuel consumption.
Fuel Efficiency: Can You Save on Running Costs?
Diesel generators are popular because they tend to be fuel-efficient compared to their gasoline counterparts. However, some diesel generators are more efficient than others. Fuel efficiency will directly affect the overall operating cost of the generator.
To calculate the efficiency of a generator, check its fuel consumption rate and power output. Many manufacturers provide this data in the product specs. It’s also important to consider how often the generator will be used. A diesel generator that runs continuously may require less fuel per unit of power produced than one that runs intermittently.
In the long term, fuel-efficient generators save you money on operational costs. Look for models with advanced engine technology that offer better fuel economy while still providing the power you need.
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Reliability: How Long Will Your Diesel Generator Last?
A reliable diesel generator is essential. It's not just about initial performance but long-term reliability, especially in critical applications. There are several factors that contribute to the reliability of a generator, including build quality, design, and the materials used.
Choose a generator from a reputable manufacturer that has a track record of building durable products. Look for customer reviews and feedback to see how well the generator has performed in similar environments to yours. Also, consider the warranty and after-sales support offered by the manufacturer.
A good warranty gives you peace of mind that the manufacturer stands behind its product. Likewise, reliable customer support can save you time and money if you ever need help with maintenance or troubleshooting.
Noise Level: How Quiet Is the Generator?
Noise can be a huge concern, especially if the generator is placed near residential areas, hospitals, or schools. Diesel generators tend to be louder than other types, but some modern models are designed to operate quietly. Look for generators that are specifically marketed as low-noise models.
Noise levels are typically measured in decibels (dB). A generator operating at or below 75 dB is considered acceptable for most applications. However, if noise is a particular concern, consider purchasing a generator that has additional soundproofing features, such as insulated enclosures or acoustic materials.
Maintenance and Service: How Easy Is It to Maintain?
A good diesel generator set should be easy to maintain and service. Check the ease of access to important components, such as the fuel filter, oil filter, and battery. Some generators are designed with serviceability in mind, meaning you won’t need to call a technician for every small problem.
Another important consideration is the availability of spare parts. You’ll want a generator that uses commonly available parts so you can quickly replace them when necessary. If spare parts are hard to find, it could lead to expensive downtime.
Brand Reputation: Who Makes the Generator?
The reputation of the manufacturer plays a huge role in determining whether the generator is good quality. Well-known brands often offer better reliability, customer service, and warranty terms. They also have a history of providing innovative technology and better engineering.
Some of the most reputable brands in the diesel generator industry include Caterpillar, Cummins, and Perkins. But don't discount smaller, up-and-coming companies that offer excellent products at competitive prices. Just make sure to research the manufacturer thoroughly before making a purchase.
Conclusion
When selecting a diesel generator set, the key is finding the right balance between power capacity, fuel efficiency, noise levels, and reliability. Consider all these factors, and you’ll be on the path to finding the perfect generator for your needs.
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