Is this a good generator?

[TruReef]

I have an opportunity to buy this generator at half price through my brothers job. I have never bought one and don't know the ins and outs of generators. Can anyone tell me anything about this brand/generator? I would use it to run a fridge, possibly a space heater, and tank equipment in case of a power outage..

http://www.usesmartertools.com/GP3500.asp

 

[DownwardDawg]

I've never heard of that brand, but it's plenty big enough to do what your wanting to do except maybe the space heater while the tank and fridge are being ran. What is the size of the space heater? (watts) A 1500 watt heater will draw 12.5 amps. That's half your load capability right there. Your lights on your tank draw 6 amps (assuming what's in your signature is correct) Your up to 18 amps already and this generator is only rated at 23-25 amps, depending on how accurate the HP listing is.

1 HP = 746 watts
Watts/volts = amps

 

[snorvich]

Heating and cooling use a relatively large amount of energy. If you are trying to run only circulation pumps, a tank heater, and powerheads you should be fine.

 

[TruReef]

thanks for the reply's, idk how big the space heater is off the top of my head, and it's only a what if. As long as the tank and beer are ok, I'm fine with that!!!! & sig is correct.

 

[DownwardDawg]

thanks for the reply's, idk how big the space heater is off the top of my head, and it's only a what if. As long as the tank and beer are ok, I'm fine with that!!!! & sig is correct.

You could enjoy cold beer, stare at your beautiful tank, and watch TV with a fan blowing on you with no problem at all.
After Hurricane Katrina, I hooked up a 6,250 watt generator and ran 2 refrigerators, 1 deep freeze, 57" tv and DirectTv box, a handful of lights, and at least 8 fans in the house and never had a problem. (I'm probably leaving off some stuff) :beer:

 

[ReeferVinnEE]

If you want something really good, I would suggest Generac.

 

[tkeracer619]

Half off is about $200 for that generator. If its in decent shape I would say its pretty good for the price.

It uses a knock off honda motor. They seem to hold up pretty good even though its not the real thing.

I have no personal experience with that particular generator but IME the honda knock offs work good enough for what you plan on using it for.

 

[Lorenz725]

I agree not like you are going to run it every day on a job site. For what you need it for should work just fine.

 

[btingle85]

Looks like a good deal. You should def be fine running your tank equipment and a fridge. I wouldn't put too much more on it than that for long periods of time

 

[fishgate]

For $200 it is ok. But I did see that it only outputs 120 volts. That is limiting if you ever wanted to install a transfer switch and plug it directly into your house's circuit box. Plus coming from a contractor, it could have a lot of hours on it. But again, for $200, probably worth it.

 

[brycerb]

I woull buy something bigger. Yea it might be a good deal, and it will work for what you want, but after a while you will want to hook up more stuff and it won't do it. I have a 7500watt and am happy with it. It runs the microwave, tv, coffee maker, well pump, fridge, and I can even vacuum clean. When your out of power for a couple weeks, you'll appreciate it. bigger is better.

 

[TruReef]

Half off is about $200 for that generator. If its in decent shape I would say its pretty good for the price.

It uses a knock off honda motor. They seem to hold up pretty good even though its not the real thing.

I have no personal experience with that particular generator but IME the honda knock offs work good enough for what you plan on using it for.

Thanks, this is what I was looking for. I had never heard of this brand and wondered about a no name motor like this, and it will be a brand new unit for $200...