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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: elhuerto on November 20, 2011, 12:17:57

Title: Generator recommendation
Post by: elhuerto on November 20, 2011, 12:17:57
With no electricity on the allotment, any time I need to use anything electrical I have to run a 50 metre extension lead to the neighbour's house, which is a bit of a pain if I just want to drill a few holes etc. I was looking at getting a petrol or diesel generator but realized I know nothing about them. If anybody has a moment could they take a look at this model (description is Spanish but the specs should be quite obvious) http://www.ebay.es/itm/Generador-GREENCUT-AV3500TR-196cc-Trifasico-/170731784189?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_186&hash=item27c06847fd and let me know what you think. To start with it would just be for small power tools and maybe a compost shredder if my request reaches Lapland in time  ;D

Cheers!
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elvis2003 on November 20, 2011, 12:59:05
looking forward to replies to this,am after one for the husband for christmas,and also know nowt about them,dont want to spend a fortune but dont want to spend too little and get him a useless one...got £150 budgetted for him
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: Unwashed on November 20, 2011, 15:27:41
3.2 kVA is powerful enough to run anything that you can run off a 13A plug in the UK.  120V is safer for use outside so it's a shame it doesn't have that option, but if you only have 240V equipment then that wouldn't have been much use anyways.
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: telboy on November 20, 2011, 15:53:14
I presume the voltage produced is 120v AC?
;)
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elvis2003 on November 20, 2011, 15:59:55
would this one be suitable for lottie use?

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-fg2000-petrol-powered-generator
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: Unwashed on November 20, 2011, 16:05:16
Quote from: telboy on November 20, 2011, 15:53:14
I presume the voltage produced is 120v AC?
;)
No, like I said, it doesn't have a 120V output, the model shown only has a 240V output.
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: telboy on November 20, 2011, 16:12:37
Not much use in Spain then?
;)
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: jimtheworzel on November 20, 2011, 17:04:04
   WHY NOT BUY A BATTERY DRIL? if you want to drill a few holes-a lot cheaper than a generator
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elvis2003 on November 20, 2011, 17:05:10
He has a battery drill jim,but it doesnt ever hold its charge for long enough,plus,he will use a generator for all his other power toys,i mean tools
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: jimtheworzel on November 20, 2011, 17:48:09
it was just a thought.......jim
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elvis2003 on November 20, 2011, 17:50:50
and a very good one! much appreaciated  ;D
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: Unwashed on November 20, 2011, 17:51:41
Quote from: telboy on November 20, 2011, 16:12:37
Not much use in Spain then?
;)
Spain or otherwise, it's only useful if you have 240V equipment.

Why do you keep winking?
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elhuerto on November 20, 2011, 18:10:02
Thanks for the information - much appreciated!
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: Melbourne12 on November 21, 2011, 08:04:21
My generator is an elderly but reliable Honda, bought secondhand.  My greatest concern about cheap ones is the availability of spares, since they'll have Chinese "no-name" engines and generators.  Certainly it would be worth looking after it carefully to extend its life.

Other than that, the Greencut model in the original post would be fine.  It's got a 12v output if you've got batteries for electric fences.  The 3-phase 380v output is rather overkill, since presumably it'll mainly be used for single phase 230/240v tools.

Elvis's Machine-Mart one is less powerful, but would power most tools you're likely to use on a lottie, except possibly a larger shredder.  And who can resist the Machine-Mart catalogue? Especially at Christmas.

Or Northern Tools.  My choice would be http://www.northerntooluk.com/generators/generators-up-to-3000w/110v_230v-22kva-petrol-honda-generator_16504E.html?sortby=priceascending
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elvis2003 on November 21, 2011, 13:16:18
thanks melbourne,just what i needed to hear,doubt he will ever get a shedder so will stick with the machine mart one,although your honda sounds very nice! x
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: plainleaf on November 21, 2011, 15:23:25
i have several battery power tools: drill and saws
the secret to buying them is to get ones will long lasting battery and quick recharge time.
and make there are at least 18 v powered motors.
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: elvis2003 on November 21, 2011, 15:58:50
It would be much more expensive to replace all his toys,i mean tools than to buy a generator,and he really wants one
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: djbrenton on November 21, 2011, 17:07:53
Find your local repair shop and check what manufacturers they support. Otherwise you can find that the slightest fault becomes an uneconomic repair.
Title: Re: Generator recommendation
Post by: lincsyokel2 on November 26, 2011, 10:52:21
i used an £80 1200w cheapo chinese jobby, works fine, starts first pull, used it about 4 years now. itll power everything execpt my large circular saw, which is 2200w. The main use  of it is to power the butt pump, so i can water the lotty with a hose, thuis neatly circumventing the rules about not using a hose to water the lotty. One hose fills the barrel, another hose simultaneously empties the barrel.   ;D