If one understands its capabilities, and limitations, the 900-watt Harbor Freight 2-stroke generator can be an excellent tool for the money. Even a low end unit like this can feel priceless when the lights go out!
I bought my unit in early 2009, for $89.99 & tax, as I recall. This was also my very first generator, so I knew little about such devices.
In spring of 2008, there had been a couple of fairly serious storm related power failures in our neighborhood in North Knoxville, TN. I did not relish the experience of stumbling about the house with flashlights.
Thereafter, I experiment with emergency battery back-up power, so we could have household lighting, radio, TV, and, of course, ham gear on line. Except for the large AGM batteries, all parts of that system were obtained on the used market. (This system has since functioned flawlessly during multiple brief outages).
Back to the HF generator. My XYL asked me why I bought it. “Are you expecting the apocalypse, or WW-III? I told her it was for curiosity, and for the things I couldn’t anticipate. Later, in July & August, she borrowed it multiple times to power fans during outdoor fund raising yard sales. And, yes, I was rather smug with my inevitable “told you so”.
I actually bought the HF generator for fun, and to learn. I also wanted a minimal back-up power source for the lights, and fans, etc. should the battery system fail. It performed very well when tested with these. However, I used a Tripp Lite line conditioner with the laptop & rig.
I learned a great deal about generators, loads, gasoline engines, etc. using this little gem. I bought two additional used small generators from Craigslist (Coleman Pulse 1850, and Honda EX650), should I need them as back-ups, or loaners.
In June 2011, our area was hit with strong storm cells from the South. Trees downed on nearly every block. Power was out instantly to tens of thousands, internet down, telephone down.
Except for our house, and the flashlight beams bouncing here and there on the sidewalks, it was pitch dark. (Way to go, back-up system)!
We were lucky. Given our proximity to a substation & high tension transmission lines, our electrical service was restored in eight hours.
Others were without for days, to upward of two weeks. I loaned-out all 3 generators next day.
The lowly, cheap, crappy, shoddy quality 900-W Harbor Freight generator powered lights, TV, and a couple of fans for a young couple & two small children for 3 days. Immediately thereafter, for another fellow, it kept the lights, small TV, laptop, and fans going for another 8 days.
Thereafter, in late 2011, I purchased a 9 KW generator for our modest home. The battery system has since been upgraded a bit.
However, just this month, on July 5th, at about 5:45 PM, there was a less damaging storm, with less extensive power failures in the aftermath. In no time at all, I received several cellular calls asking to borrow my loaner generators.
The same little Harbor Freight generator completed a 3-day stint of near continual service, without missing a beat.
If treated well, and properly maintained, the HF generator is a useful, reliable tool for many low wattage applications. I have nothing but good regard for the unit. Thus, I plan to purchase two or three additional units for our neighborhood emergency response. 73s de KA4PNO |