looking for specific generator

[uemjg]

I'm looking for either a propane or gasoline generator (around 10kw) that has 2 main features:

1. Electric start

2. Auto idle control

I've only seen a couple of different brands, but I hope to find one with a "name brand" engine.

[TomC]

I don't believe I've seen an idle control on a gas (gasoline or propane) genset.  Onan, Kohler, Yanmar, Generac, Caterpillar, Powertech and others make 10kw gas generators.  Make sure it is water cooled and operates at 1800rpm-will much happier with it and will be very quiet.  Good luck, TomC

[uemjg]

I have a couple of models, but they don't generally operate at 1800 rpms and not water cooled...so those 2 other features would also be nice.

[wg4t50]

In the generator world you have many  choices for proper generators.
You can have either a good easy to live with unit that runs at 1800 rpm when it is running  OR you have a less desireable 3600 rpm with the idle circuit, these are not very desirable for numerous reasons, noise, short life, noise added cost of upkeep. Gasoline is better than LP Gas for a RV generator due to cost of operation, diesel is much less then either. 

Being in the generator business for 40+ years, I also tried the gasoline, then LPG, then finally had enough of it and built a 12.5 kw diesel unit up, ran it as long as I had the bus.
Some areas you really do not want to cheap out on, I feel the generator is not where you want to cheap out, better go with cheap tires, cheap oil, cheap anywhere else.
MY Opinion & FWIW
Been there, no thanks again.

[Jeremy]

What is 'Auto idle' or 'Idle Control'? My petrol generator has what it calls 'smart throttle', where the generator chooses what speed to run at depending upon the load. But that is pretty common I think so I'm guessing 'idle control' is something different?

Jeremy

[Len Silva]

If your generator runs at varying speeds depending on the load, then it is an inverter type machine.  The standard type generator must run at a constant speed regardless of load to maintain the proper frequency.

[robertglines1]

I personally think your being realistic and trying for best for your application.  Your building a Older MCI from pictures and don't want the gen set to equal half the finished valve of bus.  I have a 7.5 LP unit that is in a RV box it is a 3600 rpm unit air cooled. being LP it will outlast a gas engine. Not that much more noisy that the quiet diesel I have seen in fact I have been around some real noisy ones real! So do the math and get what you need. The 7.5 unit runs my entire coach  provides 52amps of power=more than you can get at most camp grounds.  I bought it with 34hrs on it from a generator supply house (traded in for larger unit for police command center)  Total investment tank and all less that $2000. Runs everything in 45ft all electric coach.  I agree a fine new top of the line diesel gen set is first choice.. Sometimes we have to make decisions.   Safe ones!      PS the gas gen set I have in 89 has been in use for 6 yrs and is doing great.  One friend has a factory diesel gen set coach that has original gen set in it 92 yr 350 total hrs on his. Bus will rust down around it if it last 10,000hrs    Choices   safe ones

[oldmansax]

I think Lin is right on the idle feature. FWIW I have an Onan 6.5 gasser in my MCI. It's very quiet. I can talk at normal volume standing beside it & can hardly hear it at all inside. It runs at 1800 RPM continually.

TOM

[Jeremy]

If your generator runs at varying speeds depending on the load, then it is an inverter type machine.  The standard type generator must run at a constant speed regardless of load to maintain the proper frequency.

Yes it is. So 'idle control' is like an on/off switch - either idle or constant speed, rather than variable speed as with the 'smart throttle'?


Jeremy