Harbor Freight 800 watt generator - $79 or $89 with coupon

[RAV2]

I've been watching this generator for a couple of years:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=66619

This 39 lb generator is to be used as a emergency backup to my larger generator and can provide some comfort to others (my mom) if we have a power outage and I'm using the larger one for my home.

I was waiting for the generator to go on sale (non-coupon) and then use the 20% off but I found it in the coupons provided in the magazines.

(I actually used the $89 coupon and then found a $79 coupon).

This generator is $149 on the web site and $129 in the store.

There is a lot of info on the pros and cons of this unit (Amazon, Cabelas, Northern Tool):

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/8376

http://www.amazon.com/TG1200-Portabl...DateDescending

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...3480_200313480

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...box.jsp.form23



I had to return the first unit (bad voltage regulation) but the second one appears to work well with my initial limited trials. This one holds about 62 hz and 124-127 volts under a 500 watt flood light load.

I'm going to perform more extensive testing over the next few days and break the unit in.

When complete with my trials, I may pack it up with some of this gas:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...?keyword=36521

This would be the ultimate "bug out" emergency kit.

[jlm]

How loud is this when it's running? I mean, all generators are loud, but it's 2-stroke, and I've never met a 2-stroke engine that wasn't really unpleasant to my ears. How does it compare to a weed whacker or lawn mower engine, noise-wise?

[dbhost]

That's a great price on that...

I have a friend that has the 6K watt diesel generator from them and has been abusing it on hunting trips for years... Of course he drives a Dodge Cummins Diesel truck, and his wife's car is a Diesel Jetta, so I guess the fuel issue is pretty simple...

Considering fuel consumption for run time... I could stand to fill up a 5 gallon Jerry can of diesel and take it with me if a storm comes into the gulf... Should have had one after Ike, could have gotten the well pump back in operation where we bugged out to...

[scmhogg]

RAV,

What magazine was the coupon in?

Steve

[Zappacat]

When complete with my trials, I may pack it up with some of this gas:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...?keyword=36521

This would be the ultimate "bug out" emergency kit.

Craftsman 40:1 2-Cycle Fuel Mix as linked to above appears to have a rebate. When I click on "Mail-in rebate (Details)" it the resulting popup form doesn't say what the rebate value is. Anyone know what the rebate value is? Thanks in advance.

[RAV2]

That's a great price on that...

I have a friend that has the 6K watt diesel generator from them and has been abusing it on hunting trips for years... Of course he drives a Dodge Cummins Diesel truck, and his wife's car is a Diesel Jetta, so I guess the fuel issue is pretty simple...

This is a 2 cycle gasoline engine - 60 cc.

[RAV2]

How loud is this when it's running? I mean, all generators are loud, but it's 2-stroke, and I've never met a 2-stroke engine that wasn't really unpleasant to my ears. How does it compare to a weed whacker or lawn mower engine, noise-wise?

This unit is amazingly quiet!

In my trial, I had it sitting in front of me on my bench in the shed. I was sitting on a stool in front of it as I tested devices set on the bench.

It's got a good size muffler and it was less than 1/4 of the volume of a weed wacker when running at 500 watts.

In fact it was so quiet, I did not need to wear the hearing protection I keep in the shed when doing this type of work on other engines.

(The 10 minute trial was so quiet that I began to feel the affects of CO building up in the shed and decided to stop - kinda cold so I had the door closed).

More testing to follow.

[RAV2]

RAV,

What magazine was the coupon in?

Steve

Popular Mechanics - always found in the back (ad) section.

[RAV2]

Added links to reviews to the first posting.......

[RAV2]

Quick summary:

First generator lost it when I put a 1500 watt heater load on it. I expected the heater (on low) to be around 750 watts but it was more. Generator breaker did not trip and then it would not handle a load.

2nd generator was run-in for 5.5 hours using a 500 watt flood light (actually 460 watts). Run in, inspection showed a crack in the generator housing.

3rd generator was inspected (wiring), china spark plug junked and a HF recommended champion was installed, unit was run for 2.5 hrs (partial tank) at 460 watts and load tested up to 600 watts. Looked good.

WD40 into the head (fogging), packed some 2 cycle oil, a small power strip, 2 extra new gapped plugs, and 2 cans of the gas mentioned in first post of this thread. Plastic bagged the unit, tossed out the styrofoam, packed all of the items into the box, reinforced it with strong tape, sealed and stored the 'bug out kit' in the basement for some future disaster. Total cost $101 plus tax.