I am going to buy a generator for this winter and have been leaning towards Honda, but have found some Subaru generators for sale locally. Are these any good? I know Subaru makes a really good auto engine, so how about the generators?
Subaru/Robin Generators
- Thread starter cbmontgo
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Certain pieces of lawn equipment use Subaru engines. Not mowers, usually sweepers, thatchers, overseeders, etc. Usually lower reving units. I have seen some generators with them. If I had any concern it would be the constant 3600 rpm generator speed.
I am looking for a new generator too and decided the engine would be Honda whether I buy a NorthStar or purebred Honda.
I would stay away from Briggs engines. They are pretty much throw away engines and you don't need that at the wrong time.
I am looking for a new generator too and decided the engine would be Honda whether I buy a NorthStar or purebred Honda.
I would stay away from Briggs engines. They are pretty much throw away engines and you don't need that at the wrong time.
I have a pressure washer with a Subaru engine and I've been very happy with it. It's not as quiet as a Honda but it is over head valve and has never not started.
- Thread starter
- #4
Cool. I do like how quiet the Hondas are as compared to other generators (I have an 800W Honda generator now for small stuff). I am going to do some looking and see what kind of deal I come across. I need something that can power a refrigerator and two or three 100W lights. What do you guys think...probably a 4000-6000W generator would cover this?
A fridge and a few lights lands you in the Honda "suitcase" inverter generator perfectly. Portable, way good on gas and quiet.
A fridge is probably 1200 to start and maybe 300 to run. A 100 watt light bulb is... gee... 100 watts. The 2K Honda EU would be perfect. Plus it's portable for other stuff.
A fridge is probably 1200 to start and maybe 300 to run. A 100 watt light bulb is... gee... 100 watts. The 2K Honda EU would be perfect. Plus it's portable for other stuff.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks...I am starting to search CL for a good one.
Another question...how do you know when you are overstressing a generator? I always worry that I am going to ruin my 800W Honda when I run small stuff on it.
I don't have a lot of experience with them, but the book that came with my Generac says if you overload it beyond it's capacity, the breaker pops. It's also important to try to balance the load on the A & B poles, which is why I bought a transfer switch with current meters in it.
CL is flooded with deals on generators now, that's how I got mine.
CL is flooded with deals on generators now, that's how I got mine.
My understanding is it goes 1. Honda GX, 2. Subaru, 3. Honda GS/GC
My brother has a 6500 watt generator with a single cyl. robin/subaru engine. It was a re-manufactured unit, but it starts on the first pull every time. I'm not sure who made the generator part though.
Have a 2000 Inverter Honda....awesome generator, reduces rpm's when no load, sniffs gasoline.....very reliable and always starts on one pull....and best of all....ver very quiet.......
We have a Subaru engined Coleman that has done well so far. Always starts first pull. It isnt as quiet as a Honda but is quieter than Briggs and some others.
After Katrina a reputable small engine dealer told a large local refinery that the Subarus were as good as Hondas for less money. He had a shop full of both with no reason to lie. The refinery bought some of each I believe and the Subarus are still keeping with the Hondas.
After Katrina a reputable small engine dealer told a large local refinery that the Subarus were as good as Hondas for less money. He had a shop full of both with no reason to lie. The refinery bought some of each I believe and the Subarus are still keeping with the Hondas.
- Thread starter
- #12
This is good to hear. Thanks...