Generators - again

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rickryan.com

DJ Extraordinaire
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Dec 9, 2009
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For the past several years, I've been using rentals for event generators. Almost always using Honda EU2000, runs $50/day from Home Depot. I'm already at 2-3 generator events and am thinking about investing and providing my own rentals, maybe $200/day. I'm looking at this guy from Northern Tools:

Powerhorse Inverter Generator 3500 Surge Watts, 3000 Rated Watts, Electric Start, EPA and CARB Compliant, Model# LC3500i | Northern Tool + Equipment - (https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660221_200660221?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Generators%20%3E%20Inverter%20Generators&utm_campaign=Powerhorse&utm_content=792220&gclid=Cj0KCQiAg_HhBRDNARIsAGHLV53ezCCveYwgHjIFqGkVG8WSZ3-98NoBLmSmYlWKfQ8DW3XBjt9hGOkaAiPrEALw_wcB)

It's heavy (95 lbs), but has wheels and I use a ramp. It would just wheel on/off. The big thing, it's a solid 3000-watt rating, electric start, and the runtime is longer (11 hrs @ 1/4 load). My thinking is that this would be enough for a full sound system (single sub) and maybe a few stringers of LED lighting. It's a single point of failure, but frankly that's what we have when the client rents a single, industrial-style generator (usually runs $400/day). This unit is $799 while the Honda equivalent is $2k. Has anybody here had any experience with this name brand? Any thoughts about the consideration?
 
Never heard of it. I have a Powerstroke gen (for home), but it has a Honda engine on it.

If you're going to offer it as a service, I would really steer you back to the Hondas .. even at twice the price.
 
Powerhorse Inverter Generator...is $799 while the Honda equivalent is $2k.
And why do you think that is?

I also considered, just last year, purchasing a inverter/generator and I scoured the review and reporting sites for rankings and data.

A visit to Costco piqued my interest, it was a Firman unit that seemed really affordable...and the search was on.

EVERY RANKING of such equipment was topped by either the Honda EU line (85% of the time) or the Yamaha equivalents.

The recommendations always semed to have similar accolades for the Honda gear, "what it lacks in one-time economy, it makes up for in long-term operating cost, reliability and warranty."

I did a quick look see at the sites I recalled visiting and not one even had Powerhorse listed as a tested maker. If they can't even get into the field for testing & comparison, I am EXTREMELY cautious and suspicious. YMMV.

BTW, 3 such events a year would not be cause for me to invest in a generator. I'd rather include the rental costs into my proposal and let a trusted and more capable custodian handle & manage the upkeep.

I recommend you find, keep and patronize a reliable, trustworthy rental service and continue benefiting from the SUBSTANTIALLY better result that the Honda has and will deliver...at least until you need to provide such equipment at 8 or more events.
 
The noticeable thing about the Honda's are they are very quiet. The more power you need, the more noise they will make.

You’re right about the noise. The Honda 2000 unit is really quiet, but I have a 4500 as my home generator, and it is LOUD. I don’t think I’d ever consider using mine at a gig... much too noisy.


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You’re right about the noise. The Honda 2000 unit is really quiet, but I have a 4500 as my home generator, and it is LOUD. I don’t think I’d ever consider using mine at a gig... much too noisy.


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The Powerhorse is also rated at 57db. I too, have noticed the Hondas get fairly loud when power requirements rise. I like the EU2000, but the runtime is what scares me. Never had one run out of gas before but it's just cutting things a bit close for comfort.
 
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If you're modifying the Honda, seems to me you're negating the famed reliability factor.
Unless the propane is more reliable as a fuel ..
 
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Unless the propane is more reliable as a fuel ..

I'm talking about the issue of someone taking a factory-built unit and modifying it. I don't know many people who can actually increase reliability. They'll more often muck it up. Well, maybe I should speak only for myself on this point.
 
... or you could do something like this...

View: https://youtu.be/0U-rMaVLlWM


... There are other YouTube videos that do it with different parts, but they all follow the same or similar concept.
Only thing there is those parts look like ones for compressed air systems .. not sure if the plastic seals in the valve body or the plastic fittings used will stand up to fuel.
 
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Only thing there is those parts look like ones for compressed air systems .. not sure if the plastic seals in the valve body or the plastic fittings used will stand up to fuel.

Yeah... That’s why I said “something like this”. There are other examples that might be a little better, but just posted the first one that came up.[emoji4]


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Why not just rent a commercial generator every time you need one, and charge the client $75 to $100 ove your cost to provide it so you make some money?

...I mean unless you also want a generator for your personal use as well...Buying one for 3 events doesn't seem like it's worth it to have another "Thing" sitting around" 95% of the time.


...I think I have entered a stage where I prefer not to have so much "stuff" in storage taking up space, so I'm real cautious about buying more things.
 
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Never heard of it. I have a Powerstroke gen (for home), but it has a Honda engine on it.

If you're going to offer it as a service, I would really steer you back to the Hondas .. even at twice the price.

What kind of power does your home unit put out?
 
I’ve run my Honda on propane for the last 5 years cleaner burn much longer run time same thing with vehicles converted to propane you can change the oil at 10,000 miles and it still looks new
 
I too, would rent one when needed.
I love the quiet little Hondas, and rented one for a gig at a local park.
Didn't run out of gas, even after running most of the day.

Remember, if you're going to OWN one, you need to be familiar with up-keep.
If you're thinking about renting it out, you have to be even MORE diligent about maintenance.
What if you rent the generator, and the client calls an hour later to say it's not working?
What if YOU are in the middle of DJing a wedding?

Like Ricky B suggested...
if it only costs you $50 to rent it, charge the client $100, and you'll actually make money...
and never have to get your hands dirty.
 
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