Stephill vs Honda generators

[drunkensailor]

I want a generator. It isn't for regular use, I just want something that will let me use power tools, and to get me out of occasional trouble with flat batteries. It will stay locked up away from the boat; no need to bother with storage, although within reason the smaller the better.

 

I thought about one of the suitcase generators, but to be honest I think I'd be paying for quietness and a smooth output when there's no reason to. The tools I want to use won't mind.

 

Saying that although I want to spend as little as I can, I do want quality and it needs to be something you can get spares for. So I've narrowed it down to these three:

 

Honda EC2000

 

http://www.edgetechnology.co.uk/honda/hondaec2000.htm

 

Stephill SE2400

 

http://www.edgetechnology.co.uk/stephill/stephill_se2400.htm

 

Pramac E3200

 

http://www.edgetechnology.co.uk/pramac/pramac_e3200.htm

 

So which one would you buy? Anything up to about £400.

[Marky_Mark]

Have you considered " Kipor Generators, i use one, light, economical, very quiet and great value for money

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-KIPOR-IG-2000-Petrol-Generator-Brand-New-SILENT-/120595859607?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Tools_Generators_ET&hash=item1c1412c897

[WotEver]

So which one would you buy?

Probably the Stephill - they have such a good reputation. However, any of those three would be good. How about asking Edge which one they'd recommend?

 

Tony

 

Have you considered " Kipor Generators...

But OP said he wanted "reliable"

 

:::coat:::

[drunkensailor]

Looks nice, but you can't tell from the photos! Can you get spares? How long have you had it?

[luctor et emergo]

Have you checked the power rating of your powertools? A 1.6Kw genny might struggle to run a lot of powertools. I have a 3Kw genny, which works hard when I use the 2Kw angle grinder heavy. I'm not sure about the exact percentage, but you should always allow for a higher Kw rating of your genny, over your expected consumption.

[drunkensailor]

Probably the Stephill - they have such a good reputation. However, any of those three would be good. How about asking Edge which one they'd recommend?

I must admit, I am leaning towards the Stephill. Especially as I've just found somewhere that's selling them for £270.

 

As to power ratings, they will all cope with my tools, I've already checked. But thank you.

Edited September 15, 2010 by drunkensailor

[Marky_Mark]

Looks nice, but you can't tell from the photos! Can you get spares? How long have you had it?

 

 

About 2 years, used most weekends for a few hours, only had 1 minor problem and got part delivered within 24 hours, Kipor used to make a model of Honda Generator for Honda

[Chris Pink]

 

So which one would you buy? Anything up to about £400.

 

They're all virtually the same, same engine, similar electrical spec slightly different amounts of power being claimed or attempted. try asking Edge which they recommend.

 

I'd also rather a Kipor over these, if only in consideration of my neighbours but I'd probably want one from somewhere where i could enforce the warranty. There's the occasional duff one.

 

I would be interested to know if there were any reports on the SDMO inverter generator. or the Clarke, Sterling or Hylundai ones on a quick google.

[drunkensailor]

Within reason, I'm not bothered about the noise levels. It's going to be so little used I don't think anyone could reasonably be upset by it.

 

Looking at their catalogue, I see a local plant hire firm uses the Stephill as a rental generator.

[bottle]

Depending on use, it may be cheaper to hire and if it goes phut they will give you another one.

[drunkensailor]

At £22.50+vat per day, plus hanging about for delivery and collection I am **sure** it would be better to have one of my own.

[bottle]

It was just an idea but at those rates you would be in profit with ten days use.