Is There a 'Cheap' Way/Place to Buy a 240V Petrol Generator?

[Deactivated] on 10/10/2015 - 17:11

I'm weary of the power going out here when there's a storm. So I've been thinking about buying a generator. I want something that's not obscure, has got some quality about it (i.e. not from Aldi), reliable, low fuel usage compared to some others, easy to find parts to fix it myself (like carby diaphrams for example.)

I manage to fix a lot of things myself. So a service manual would be nice too, but that's probably stretching reality too far. ;-p

I've been looking at the smallest ~$1000 Honda - like caravaners use. Quiet, small… I like how if one isn't enough output, you can buy a second one, link them together. But, they cost something like $1200 each. So I can see how two cheaper, separate ones, could do nearly the same thing whilst saving a lot.

Anyway, is there a cheaper way/place to buy generators?

And does anyone know about the parts/service manual side of things?

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • boonanza on 10/10/2015 - 20:15

    I bought one off ebay and I'm very happy with it, the only problem is it's a bit big for camping which is what I bought it for but for a backup at home it's perfect.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-GENPOWER-4200W-Max-3000W-Rate…

  • [Deactivated] on 11/10/2015 - 00:18

    Looking at low power, and low usage cheapies.
    Bunnings and many others sell a 700w 2-str for as low as $70 sometimes. I use this type rarely, but it works well, and I've run a small bar heater, bar fridge, angle grinder 100%, 550w drill 100%, and a 680w LG refridgerated air-cond (works 100%), also an old 650w microwave (useless but ran).
    So for emergency or camping, fridge/freezer, lights etc this is cheap and uses 4Litres/10h from memory.
    Probably sell easy at $50 later.

    Not fancy but light, small and cheap.

    An offroad forum reported this level of gen as reliable, longlasting, but bring two on long bush trips, so when they stop, just throw them out.

  • Euphemistic on 15/10/2015 - 11:59

    What do you want to run on it? Work out the load, then you will work out what size you need, then you can look at price.

    In general the more you pay the more power you get. If you want to run your house off it it will be very expensive. Even if it's only the fridge you will need a decent size generator.

    How often does your power go out, and for how long? It would be a lot cheaper to buy a couple torches for light, a camping stove for the kettle, a phone/laptop charger to suit your car and keep your fridge shut if it's only for a few hours at a time a couple of times a year.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join