Generac standby or Honda Quiet One?

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject: Generac standby or Honda Quiet One?

I can get a 3k Honda Quiet One for $2300 plus tax. 57-65 db
I can get a 7k Generac standby for $1600 no tax and free freight.
I ask this not even knowing if a "whole house standby" can be used in a situation like ours.

kurtsara · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject: Re: Generac standby or Honda Quiet One?

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

But my point is... kw for kw... I can get twice as much with a Generac.
I'm wondering if a whole house standby is even a good idea for a vending trailer.
I did think about the portability issue, but for me, it won't matter.

killswitch505 · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

I'm gonna run propane anyway for burners and steam table.
I do agree... bigger is not always better but, if I'm gonna spend the money, why not get the most bang for my buck.
As I understand it... even if I went crazy and did a 17k but only ran my basic circuits, I'd still use the same amount of fuel (if not less) that I would on a 3k that was maxed out.
My big question (and since you service them, you can tell me) is, is there any technical reason why a Generac should not be run on an daily basis for upwards of 8 hrs?
I noticed the EcoGen series and it looks like it's specifically designed for those that rely on "off grid" power... like maybe solar and use this for supplement unlike a traditional "standby" for emergencies. Am I right?

Cat797 · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

Virginiasmoke.....In my experience you want to go with as quiet as possible. You should readily be able to get the loudness specs on a new generator.

3 dB difference is equivalent to twice as loud.

My experience is not with vending, but the environment I was in was already loud enough, and I can't imagine trying to concentrate while selling food with a generator screaming in the background (for hours on end no less).

Good Luck,
Ed
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Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

Yes... quiet as possible is my first priority.

Cat797 · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

No, I just googled it.......What I found was that 3dB is perceptible change and 10dB is twice as loud....... Embarassed

My bad, but it's been a while since I studied that stuff......In my experience there's a big difference between anything Honda powered and a briggs and stratton, but new ones may be different.

YMMV.......
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BBQMAN · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

I went with the Yamaha 3000 w/boost, converted to LP as it burns cleaner and didn't want the gas fumes.

It's super quiet and about 150 pounds which makes it easy top transport.

I chose it over the Honda because it's easier to do routine maintenance (oil change, check valve lash, replace plug).

2 years later zero problems.

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17808&highlight=generator+conversion

Just my experience, YMMV of course.
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Pit Boss · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

Personally, I might would opt for the larger of the two for one major reason:

You could run part of your house with it in an emergency. Now don't get crazy and think 7kW is going to run the entire house...it's not, but it will allow you to live somewhat normal until power is restored. (Just be sure to wire your house properly and install a transfer switch.)

I do not think you'll notice much difference between 4db.

Theoretically, you have many more options with the larger genset. You won't be as limited as you would be with the 3kW. At low to mid power usage the 7kW should use less fuel than the 3kW as it won't be working as hard.
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Jarhead · Posted: May 08 2011 Post subject:

I've got the Tripp Lite APS-2012 Inverter with built in charger (Front Row Electronics) $569.00
3 Dual Purpose Marine Batteries 1000 amps each (Auto Zone) $275.00
ZERO db, don't know how loud the fan is. Now, if I just had Solar Panels Wink

I run 1800 AC watts (max) for 14+ hours without recharge. Don't really know. I've never ran it dry. I plug in whenever I can and bypass the inverter.
Most of the time it is the register .7 - 2.8 amps, Cambro 19.2 amps, FEC-100 .5 amps, 2 box fans 8 amps each. Occasionally I use 2 Crock Pots 31 amps each.
The above are DC Amps per hour, not AC.
FYI:
AC Watts / 110v = AC Amps
AC Amps / 12v = DC Amps
DC Amps * Hours of use = Total Battery AH required.
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Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 09 2011 Post subject:

killswitch505 · Posted: May 09 2011 Post subject:

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 09 2011 Post subject:

Thanks for the info.
I had to read it a few times to figure it out but I think I get it.
Are you suggesting that the Generac 7k will not last running it the way I'm proposing?

Are the two links you provided for generators you would recommend for a vending (quiet and durable) situation?
Are they quieter than the 7k standby?

killswitch505 · Posted: May 10 2011 Post subject:

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 10 2011 Post subject:

I did some looking and it looks like the 6500 is 75db?!

Jarhead · Posted: May 10 2011 Post subject:

killswitch505 · Posted: May 10 2011 Post subject:

her is a flyer that we pass around

daddywoofdawg · Posted: May 10 2011 Post subject:

What no one has bought up is important,One a stand-by gen is made to wire into a grid, no plug-ins were as the portable would have the plug-ins.One of the reasons for the price diffrence is the name,people are willing to pay more for the honda than the brigs unit.I my self have a brigs unit and my thoughts were if the engine ever goes on me for 100-200 I can put a new brigs in.The other thing is 3k probally isn't going to work for you for vending.I got a 6500 becuase ever fair vendor I talked to told me I wanted at least 5K.may not need it today but you will down the road.Have you looked at menard's,lowe's,HD?Menard's was the cheapest place for me.
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daddywoofdawg · Posted: May 10 2011 Post subject:

What no one has bought up is important,One a stand-by gen is made to wire into a grid, no plug-ins were as the portable would have the plug-ins.One of the reasons for the price diffrence is the name,people are willing to pay more for the honda than the brigs unit.I my self have a brigs unit and my thoughts were if the engine ever goes on me for 100-200 I can put a new brigs in.The other thing is 3k probally isn't going to work for you for vending.I got a 6500 becuase ever fair vendor I talked to told me I wanted at least 5K.may not need it today but you will down the road.Have you looked at menard's,lowe's,HD?Menard's was the cheapest place for me.
_________________
Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle