Mitsubishi generators - any good?
Kristen
discussions on Google, and I know most people really like the Honda
generators. But I found what looks like a good deal on a Mitsubishi
MGE-5800-ROC for just under a grand. The dealer claims their quality
is on par with Honda and Yamaha. The manufacturer keeps jumping up
and down about how quiet and fuel-efficient they are.
It seems to have nice features (though I haven't been able to
determine whether this model has auto-idle, which we might not want
unless we can disable it, or what the RPM is,) but I'd like to know
what you guys think of the longevity of this brand and how well it
starts.
http://www.mitsubishi-generators.com/products5.html
(also see the Features and General Info sidebars)
Thanks!
Kristen
Dave R.
> Hi, I've done a lot of reading of past emergency-use generator
They are both great generators and well built but they are a little
expensive. I have an 8000 watt generator with a Honda 13 hp engine for
sale, it has less than four hours total run time on it. I purchased
for Y2K and never got to use it. I fire it up for about 8 to 10
minutes once each month with a 250 watt load,and add new fuel each
time just to keep the unit in peak running condition. I paided about
$1700 for it, and will let it go for $950... E-mail me if you are
interested. Thanks, Dave R
Scott Berg
I bought an MGE-6700 last fall. I had researched all the brands, did
a web search, etc. I also talked to a small engine mechanic I know
to get his opinions. I use the generator for home backup since we
have flaky power and I have a sump pump that HAS to run after
a rainstorm.
The Mits has an outstanding engine. It is on a par with other top of
the line units like Honda and Yamaha.
The engine is quiet. The 13hp Mits generator makes MUCH less
noise than my 8hp snowblower. At no load, it's less noisy than a
central air conditioner.
The unit is HEAVY, as all the good quality ones are. Get a wheel kit
from the dealer. I built my own and ended up deciding I saved little
money and had to spend an hour assembling it.
The unit does have an auto-idle with a disable switch. This is a good
feature for some applications, but I would disable it for home backup
power.
Consider how you want to plug stuff in to the unit. Some stores
now sell extension cords with the 30 amp plug on the generator side
and a multi-receptacle box on the other. I built my own, which is easy
but you have to be careful to get the wiring correct.
A few months after I bought my unit locally (Milwaukee), I saw a
great deal on a mail order place (see link below). They were selling
the same unit plus electric start plus shipping for the same I paid for
the unit with manual start and sales tax. I'd check them out.
I just checked, and the 5800-ROC is shown for $957 + shipping
even though the list price is $2,270. This place also installs the
tri-fuel adapters (use propane or natural gas or gasoline) which
gives a lot of flexibility for $332.
http://www.southwestfastener.com/default.htm
A bit of general advice: If you are able to save a few bucks by shopping
around, spend it to get the next larger size unit. You can destroy a
generator by pulling too much power, but not too little. Also, you
get more flexibility in what you can run. Electric start is also nice, and
the recoil start rope is still there for a backup.
I hope this helps.
Scott
"Kristen" <ran...@metrocast.null> wrote in message
news:3c9b4d6b...@news.metrocast.net...
George Ghio
currently runing my cement mixer. This motor is 13 years old and always
starts. My Honda is 15 years old and always starts. My Bogged &
Stricken Vangard motor is three years old and has had 2 valve grinds a
new fuel tank and needs to be over filled with oil to run.
An interesting thing to note is that most of the motors on hire
equipment out here are Robins.
In answer to your question Mitsubishi make a good motor.
George
In article <3c9b4d6b...@news.metrocast.net>, Kristen
Bughunter
"George Ghio" <gh...@netconnect.com.au> wrote in message
news:260320022307090736%gh...@netconnect.com.au...
cl...@snyder.on
<gh...@netconnect.com.au> wrote:
>I own a Mitsubishi motor that has run a generator, a pump and is
>currently runing my cement mixer. This motor is 13 years old and always
>starts. My Honda is 15 years old and always starts. My Bogged &
>Stricken Vangard motor is three years old and has had 2 valve grinds a
>new fuel tank and needs to be over filled with oil to run.
>
>An interesting thing to note is that most of the motors on hire
>equipment out here are Robins.
And the Robin is a Fuji - AKA Subaru
>
>In answer to your question Mitsubishi make a good motor.
>
>George
>
Their small engines are pretty decent - but their automotive stuff
leaves a little to be desired - but definitely getting better. The old
MapZ engines were JUNK, the 2.6 Hemi was a timebomb, and the 3 liter
Chrysler used was a bomb with a flakey fuse.
Philo
condensation and that when valve seats were ground, valve stem clearance to
tappet wasn't properly adjusted.
I've owned various B&S for over 30 years. If I needed a new one today I'd
buy a short block [cast] and build it myself.
Note that most "medium" duty and all rental stuff has life expectancy of <10
years. It's not meant to be rebuilt.
<cl...@snyder.on>; <ca> wrote in message
news:9OGgPLHFWRhAAB...@4ax.com...
Bughunter
It has run "almost" problem free for 6 years.The only problem that it has
was
caused by my own carelessness..
This last year, after very heavy use (10hr/day) it seized.
I pulled off the head, which is very simple to do and found a lot of
carbon on the top of the piston that was interfering with the
valves. Once the carbon was removed the engine ran like brand new again.
It is especially simple to remove the head to get access to the valves
because they use a stainless steel head gasket. No gasket replacement is
needed
when you remove the head.
I was very impressed with the simplicity and quality of this engine.
Propane runs very clean so I don't think my carbon problem came from that.
I had overfilled the engine with oil while in a mad rush to complete
a critical construction project. It smoked a bit for a couple days until I
realized that
I had overfilled it with oil. I suspect that this mistake was the cause of
the carbon build up on the piston.
I like the Vanguard series engines and would buy one again.
The short blocks are no bargain. I priced them when I thought I might need
a replacement. I found that I could buy a complete engine for less.
I even found a complete generator on sale for just $200 over the price of a
short block.
"Philo" <Ph...@nothereyet.org> wrote in message
news:ua2b5n5...@corp.supernews.com...
George Ghio
Mitsubishi build to B&S specs. My Mitsubishi is a great motor the
Vanguard is truly Bogged & Striken. Will never buy another.
In article <ua161r3...@corp.supernews.com>, Bughunter
George Ghio
great machine electric start and all.
George
In article <9OGgPLHFWRhAAB...@4ax.com>, <cl...@snyder.on,ca>
wrote:
George Ghio
rust in the fuel tank. It will not run unless over filled with oil. It
cokes up if run at anything less than full throttle. the carby neddle
and seat are worn out after 12 months. The fuel tap broke the first
week.
BOGGED & STRICKEN
Never again
In article <ua2b5n5...@corp.supernews.com>, Philo
cl...@snyder.on
<gh...@netconnect.com.au> wrote:
And from what I understand, the Vanguard is a Mitsu
