Cheap, cheap generators

Cheap Cinese made ones for sale at the Caboolyure Sunday markets just north of Brisbane. Prices from memory start around $250. 1KVA was around $350. Seem to be OK and as the guy on the stand said, if they die, buy another, cheaper than getting them fixed. Don't know about reliability or warrenties as I am not in the market for one.

Probably depends on your intended use.

To be used every 2nd weekend to power big and or vital things like laptops . . . may not be the best choice.

A couple of times a year to run some lights etc . . . be the business I think.

Thinking of doing that myself.

G'Day Melissa,
It is good of you to let everyone know, as I'm sure someone will want one. I've had a bit of exposure to them, with three of my mates buying one each, all from the same supplier. One of them works like a charm, with no problems, one works when it feels like it , and the other one kicked over once, on the first start, and never worked again. It's off to the supplier for repairs or replacement. For that sort of money ... two out of three is probably not bad odds. My mate's view is that ... if they get 12 months out of them ... their laughing. My view is ... I want a reliable unit that I can depend on, at any time and well over 12 months from now. That why I bought a Honda and payed a lot more to have that reliability. IMHO
Regards,
Bazza.

Hi
Melissa, my brother bought one similar to the one at bunnings from repco
He ran his trailblazer fridge on it but after a couple of hours the fridge
kept on cutting in & out, rang trailblazer & was advised to run the fridge
through a battery & charger because of currancy fluctuation with the genny
Friar

Also, I believe these are two-stroke (read smokin').
Run one of these near neighbours in the bush and you'll make enemies pretty quickly... IMHO People go bush for peace, quiet and clean air!

I had a 950w version for 12months, in warrantee workshop for most of that time until the Shop (Glenfords said enuff) got me muni back. Importer and distributor a total waste of time.

Hi All
I have had a honda for years always starts and is quiet
Remember most things in life you get what you pay for so if you get a good quality one it will last years and if you sell it it is still worth something

Fair difference though in paying $1600 for a Honda gennie, and $300 for a chinese knock off . . . especially if its only used a couple of times a year.

The old man has one and we use it regularly up here in Darwin, not trouble yet, it's only used to run a couple of lights and fans (it;s hot OK). You can fix the noise problem by fitting another 20m extension cord.

JohnH

Melissa what i ment was a small electric battery charger not less than 5amps
to charge a battery then run the fridge on 12volys not directly from the 240volts
I would not run a computer of this generator due to the power fluctuation
Friar

ive had a cheap chineese genny for nearly 12 months can not fault it at all.
quiet economical cheap.
as for you get what you pay for i laugh at the people who spent $1100 for the same thing i spent $300 for.but thats me lol. back by popular demand
:-)

I prefer expensive generators as this generally means less people use them! And those that do use them generally have a clue and bring a 30 metre extension cord and walk it away from the campground.

Seen too many clueless people lately that have their geney roaring away in the middle of a somewhat tranquel campground :(

Cheers,

Glenn.