Choosing a Russian-made gasoline generator

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a gas generator, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• Power. The more powerful the generator, the more electrical appliances it can power and the more fuel it consumes. Models up to 1.5 kW are suitable for trips to nature, a short stay in the country. Options up to 5 kW are capable of powering a small country house. Devices from 5 to 15 kW are capable of supplying electricity to a sufficiently large cottage, to ensure the operation of construction tools. Devices more powerful than 15 kW are suitable for industrial use.
• Engine's type. Gas generators are equipped with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. The first one consumes fuel more economically, but works unevenly, needs frequent cleaning due to the formation of oil carbon deposits in the cylinders, and makes more noise. The four-stroke motor is more stable, less dirty, more powerful, quieter. However, it is more expensive and consumes a little more fuel.
• Cooling. Generator motors can be air-cooled or water-cooled. The first option is much cheaper. However, it is noisier because of the constant operation of the cooling impeller at high speeds, it often overheats. The second option is more expensive, but it is able to maintain the desired temperature longer and works quieter.

Volume of the tank. The larger the volume of the gas tank, the longer the device will be able to work offline.

Start. Can be manual or from a starter. The second option is more expensive, but makes using the device much more comfortable.

Build quality. All components of the device must be assembled with high quality. Anywhere nothing should play and leave.

Price and manufacturer

You should also pay attention to the price and manufacturer. Options should be preferred middle price category

The manufacturer must not be unknown. This guarantees a relatively high-quality assembly and the absence of defects.

Expert opinion
Torsunov Pavel Maksimovich

Before buying, you need to carefully inspect the generator for defects. If possible, it is worth starting it and see if the engine is working normally. This will avoid further trouble.

Differences between generators

These two classes of generators differ in their principle of operation. Both are powered by an internal combustion engine, but if in diesel generators (DGS) the mixture is ignited due to compression, then in carburetor (gasoline) - thanks to an electric spark produced by a special ignition system.

Gasoline engines run on gasoline (sometimes gasoline or gas, in which case they are called dual-fuel), and diesel engines run on diesel fuel.

As a consequence, motors have different characteristics:

What varieties are used today?

Design features subdivide modern models of gas generators into the following types:

• Inverter (or with AVR function).This type of biogas plant is more expensive than the usual one, but the stable voltage of the gas generator will save a lot of money for its owner. The form of the voltage graph at the output of such a unit has the form of a pure sine. The quality of the BGU is also ensured by using not a two-phase, but a three-phase motor.
• Portable - the most budgetary models weighing up to 35 kg and a power of about 1 kW. They can be both four-stroke and inverter versions.
• Frame - more suitable for domestic use. Their difference is their large dimensions (about 60 cm in length) and significant weight (more than 40 kg). Heavy-duty units are equipped with wheels and folding handles.

Which company is better to buy a gas generator

The manufacturers of the USA and Germany hold the palm, they offer the best price-quality ratio. The criteria for selecting companies in our list were the popularity and experience of the company, the availability of products for sale, service, the quality of the materials used.

Here's what the top five gasoline power plant leaders look like:

• Champion - stations of this brand are actively used at housing and communal services facilities and departments of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in the absence of electricity. The company's motto is "work without interruptions and jumps". The products are designed for both professionals and individuals, property owners. It is very popular, in particular, due to the fact that it was developed taking into account the operating conditions in Russia, at low temperatures.
• DDE is a manufacturer of large and small construction, automotive and garden equipment, dating back to 1965. It started in the USA, and now it occupies one of the first places in its niche in terms of sales. There are both powerful and weaker generators in its lineup. The models are equipped with everything necessary for use. The equipment is assembled in China, but its quality does not suffer from this.
• Huter is one of the few companies offering power plants above 6 kW. Products that meet European quality standards are produced under this German trademark. They are included in the TOP-5 sales in the Russian market, which is associated with adequate prices for many models and affordable service.
• Fubag is another German company in our ranking that does not have cheap models available, the price for them in 2017 starts at 20,000 rubles. Its power plants have become popular due to their simple operation, large fuel tanks, acceptable noise level, and compact size. She has models both open and in a casing.
• Briggs Stratton is an American brand with factories in China. Under it are mainly air-cooled power sources. Unlike many other companies, this firm uses its own motors.

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Possible malfunctions

Huter generators are a fairly reliable technique that can work without interruptions for a long time. But there are some points to consider when using them. Basic maintenance recommendations are outlined in the User's Guide. If you do not follow them on a regular basis, repairs or replacement of individual parts will be necessary. There are several among the most common problems.

1. The engine will not start. The first step is to check if there is a blockage due to insufficient oil level. If it is replaced irregularly, the equipment works with increased wear. When blocking, if the engine is stationary, you just need to raise the oil level to normal, after which the generator will start without problems.
2. When starting manually, the motor will not start. If the usual effort when pulling the cable does not work, you can simply change the position of the lever that adjusts the closing level of the choke. The higher the ambient and motor temperature, the more it should be shifted to the right.
3. In cold weather, the generator will not start. To restore its performance, you need to bring the equipment into a warm room for a while. In the presence of ice in the chambers of the engine, the wear of the equipment during start-up in the winter increases significantly.
4. Not enough oil. The problem can be avoided by measuring the level with a dipstick after every 12 hours of operation and refilling if necessary.
5. There is no spark. The spark plug is covered with dark carbon deposits, has external damage, the interelectrode gap is not correct. The problem is solved by replacing this item. The spark plug can be removed by removing the high-voltage wire and then using the key.

The following video provides an overview of the Huter DY3000L generator.

Manufacturers

If you do not limit yourself to the cheapest electric generators, then you should pay attention to the Japanese brand Elemax, whose products are distinguished by reliability and stability. Recent product line modernization allows Elemax products to be classified in the premium category

For the complete set, Honda power plants are used. To some extent, this brand can be attributed to companies with Russian production - however, only at the assembly level.

For the consumer, this means:

• decent quality parts;
• savings;
• debugged service and repair service;
• a wide range of specific models.

Purely domestic products of the Vepr brand are becoming more and more popular from year to year. There is already every reason to equate it with the products of leading foreign firms. Moreover, only a few companies can boast of the same rate of product range expansion and identical quality. Versions with an open design and with protective covers, with the option of replenishing the welding machines, are sold under the Vepr brand. There are also models with ATS.

Traditionally, Gesan devices have a very good reputation. The Spanish manufacturer prefers to use Honda motors to complete its products. But there are also designs based on Briggs end Stratton. This firm always provides an automatic shutdown system; it helps a lot, for example, when the voltage in the network drops sharply.

Products under the Geko brand are also popular abroad. They are quite expensive - and yet the price is fully justified. The company positions the bulk of its products as high-quality offerings for home use. But the separate Geko generators can be used for serious work as well. It is also worth noting the active use of Honda engine kits.

Made in France, SDMO gas generators are in demand in many parts of the world. This brand boasts the availability of models of various capacities. Kohler motors are often used in the manufacture of goods. The cost of such equipment is not high, especially against the background of the Gesan, Geko described above. The cost / performance ratio is also pretty decent.

Among the Chinese brands, attention is drawn to themselves:

• Ergomax;
• Firman;
• Kipor;
• Skat;
• Tsunami;
• TCC;
• Champion;
• Aurora.

Among German suppliers, such advanced and well-deserved brands are significant:

• Fubag;
• Huter (conditionally German, but more on that later);
• RID;
• Sturm;
• Denzel;
• Brima;
• Endress.

Varieties

Gas generators for summer cottages offered to the modern user are classified according to the following indicators:

1. Engine type;
2. The number of phases;
3. Generator view.

Engine types

Power plants are of the following types:

1. Two-stroke. These units are used in small power plants (up to 1 kW) with a small resource - up to 1 thousand hours. They can only function for a short period of time, therefore they are recommended for intermittent use. The motors are lightweight and small in size, due to which they are successfully used in mobile power plants;
2. Four-stroke.These installations are more efficient and reliable, their service life can reach 10 thousand hours. They are used in gas generators with a power rating of 10-15 kW. Four-stroke units are the best solution for a summer cottage.

Generator types

A generator is a module that converts mechanical energy into electrical current. Depending on the type of device, all gas generators for summer cottages can be classified into two types:

1. Synchronous;
2. And asynchronous.

Synchronous units are distinguished by high quality of the generated current and the ability to withstand extreme loads, the indicators of which are 4 times higher than the nominal ones. They stably maintain the voltage in the network and are not afraid of short circuits. Most professional power plants use just such devices.

Asynchronous generators do not cope well with peak loads, they are less reliable, but more economical and easier to maintain. A feature of this type of device is a high level of protection against environmental influences. Its disadvantages include the low quality of the generated current. These units allow you to connect household appliances and various types of electrical equipment that do not use high starting currents.

Phase installations

Before buying a gas generator for a summer residence, you need to decide on the characteristics of the network and the phasing of the devices.

Depending on the number of phases of the power plant, there are:

• Single phase. These units are designed to power the majority of household appliances using AC voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Only single-phase consumers can be connected to them;
• Three-phase. These generators can be used to provide electricity to devices operating under voltages of both 380 V and 220 V. The scope of their use is quite wide: they are used in industrial production and the construction industry, and also sometimes find application in modern cottages with a three-phase power system.

Benefits of Quiet Diesel Generators

Of course, if you need a powerful power plant for a thousand kilowatts, it will not be possible to ensure quiet operation. Most silent power generators are intended for private homes and institutions, small industrial or construction sites.

Low noise level allows you to install a diesel generator both outside and inside a residential building. It is not necessary to allocate an entire room for the unit, thereby reducing the usable area of ​​the dwelling. It can be mounted in the basement, subject to certain rules. So, the room must have forced ventilation and its own sound insulation.

Silent diesel generators overview

Today there are many developments on the market, both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Diesel generators differ in power, functionality, dimensions and other features. There is also a certain difference in the noise level.

Let's take a closer look at some of the popular models.

• Kipor KDE9000SS3.

  A six-kilowatt three-phase diesel unit designed to serve small private households. You can connect a standard set of electrical appliances. The electric unit is equipped with a soundproof casing and a silencer. The 30-liter tank is enough for 10 hours of battery life. It is the quietest diesel generator.
  The declared noise level does not exceed 51 dB.

• SDMO Pacific T8K-IV.

  Silent diesel generator. The scope of application is similar to the previous model. This device can be used as the main or backup source of electricity for a small house. Power - 6.8 kW. The package includes a soundproof casing.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Eisemann T8010DE.

  Diesel three-phase mini-power plant. The active power of the device is 6.4 kW. This generator has a long battery life.At half load, this is more than five days between two fuel fillings.

It can be seen that the noise level of all the above models is in the range of 50-60 dB. This indicator meets all existing standards.

Prices and characteristics

Other models of low-noise diesel power generators are under development. Their power can reach several hundred kW - of course, noiselessness in this case is relative.

Useful Tips

When choosing, it should be borne in mind that the quietest diesel generator makes noise at the level of 50 dB. This level is safe. For comparison, human speech produces the same decibels.

The “noise” of an electric generator is the result of the engine's operation and the efficiency of exhaust extraction. If the noise is higher than stated, the problem should be looked for in one of these systems.