generators
 

On Wednesday, 10 January 2018 08:14:53 UTC-5, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 8:06 AM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 5:12 AM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 8:31 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/9/18 7:42 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 7:14 PM, Bill wrote:
True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, Â* wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda.Â* $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html


Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00
less.Â* Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck
with the Honda.


I have the Yamaha.Â*Â* Works well.Â* Had to clean the carb this
year.Â*Â* To
much gelled crud.



It's interesting that the manual for the Harbor Freight Predator
generator recommends storing it with a full tank of treated gas
(Stabil or similar), and letting it run for a while to distribute
through the carb before shutting it down.Â* They allow recommend
removing the sparkplug, putting a tablespoon of oil in the cylinder,
replace the plug (but not the spark plug wire) and pulling on the
cord several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder.

They also recommend running it every 3 months will in storage.

They only recommend draining the gas for storage if the gas has not
been treated.


That's what the guy who runs the service shop that takes care of my
lawn tractor does...he picks up the machine, performs that service,
changes the oil, checks out everything, including the belts, sharpens
the blades, and brings it back. We push it into the storage shed.
When it is time to use it again, I reconnect the spark plug wires.


I know this may be unbelievable to you Harry but some of us have the
technical competence to perform everything your service shop guy does.
If you are unsure, all you have to do is read the owner's manual that
outlines the maintenance and service recommendations.



Why, that's just incredible! Next time the tractor needs maintenance,
I'll look at the manual first and *then* call the guy who runs the local
service shop so he can come by and pick up the machine.


Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 9:30 AM, John H wrote:
On Wednesday, 10 January 2018 08:14:53 UTC-5, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 8:06 AM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 5:12 AM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 8:31 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/9/18 7:42 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 7:14 PM, Bill wrote:
True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, Â* wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda.Â* $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html


Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00
less.Â* Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck
with the Honda.


I have the Yamaha.Â*Â* Works well.Â* Had to clean the carb this
year.Â*Â* To
much gelled crud.



It's interesting that the manual for the Harbor Freight Predator
generator recommends storing it with a full tank of treated gas
(Stabil or similar), and letting it run for a while to distribute
through the carb before shutting it down.Â* They allow recommend
removing the sparkplug, putting a tablespoon of oil in the cylinder,
replace the plug (but not the spark plug wire) and pulling on the
cord several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder.

They also recommend running it every 3 months will in storage.

They only recommend draining the gas for storage if the gas has not
been treated.


That's what the guy who runs the service shop that takes care of my
lawn tractor does...he picks up the machine, performs that service,
changes the oil, checks out everything, including the belts, sharpens
the blades, and brings it back. We push it into the storage shed.
When it is time to use it again, I reconnect the spark plug wires.


I know this may be unbelievable to you Harry but some of us have the
technical competence to perform everything your service shop guy does.
If you are unsure, all you have to do is read the owner's manual that
outlines the maintenance and service recommendations.



Why, that's just incredible! Next time the tractor needs maintenance,
I'll look at the manual first and *then* call the guy who runs the local
service shop so he can come by and pick up the machine.


Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.



It usually does. Alcoholics have two brains. One is the sober one, the
other the alcoholic one.

generators
 

On Wednesday, 10 January 2018 10:16:10 UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 9:07 AM, Tim wrote:
Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
I chuckle over the fact that you have a service department do routine
maintenance on a lawn mower. That's all.

BTW ... this is a riding lawn mower:

https://tinyurl.com/y7pd3wsr

This is a tractor:

https://tinyurl.com/y7r6buqs

You're welcome.

...

Not my pic but here’s my lawn mower / tractor

http://www.chatstractors.com/2012-we...right-rear.jpg



Two years ago with the JDeere compact tractor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiVbot4gxu4

You went 'International' with that footage when your wife was talking real estate on ABC's 'Chronicle'

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 9:37 AM, True North wrote:
On Wednesday, 10 January 2018 10:16:10 UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 9:07 AM, Tim wrote:
Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
I chuckle over the fact that you have a service department do routine
maintenance on a lawn mower. That's all.

BTW ... this is a riding lawn mower:

https://tinyurl.com/y7pd3wsr

This is a tractor:

https://tinyurl.com/y7r6buqs

You're welcome.

...

Not my pic but here’s my lawn mower / tractor

http://www.chatstractors.com/2012-we...right-rear.jpg



Two years ago with the JDeere compact tractor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiVbot4gxu4


You went 'International' with that footage when your wife was talking real estate on ABC's 'Chronicle'


Yeah. She got a big head for a while after that. Her first TV
interview. :-)

generators
 

John H
- hide quoted text -
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:07:59 -0800 (PST), Tim wrote:

Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
I chuckle over the fact that you have a service department do routine
maintenance on a lawn mower. That's all.

BTW ... this is a riding lawn mower:

https://tinyurl.com/y7pd3wsr

This is a tractor:

https://tinyurl.com/y7r6buqs

You're welcome.

...

Not my pic but here’s my lawn mower / tractor

http://www.chatstractors.com/2012-we...right-rear.jpg

Surely you call your local service guy to sharpen the blades on that thing, right?

....

Yes John. Mr. Makita is always at my disposa. One thing about the little guy is when he’s ****ed the sparks do fly!

generators
 

On Wednesday, 10 January 2018 06:16:54 UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)

I'll change the oil level as required by the service manual. I think it said it only takes about 400 ml. Same with the air filters...I'll inspect and clean them on a regular basis..depending on how much use the generator gets. I believe they also recommend starting and running it for 10 or so minutes every three months. The dealer gave me some gas but I don't know if he added Stabil. maybe I'll call him before the busy lunch time.

generators
 

John H Wrote in message:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 20:17:24 -0500, Keyser Soze wrote:

On 1/9/18 7:54 PM, Alex wrote:
True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:01:32 UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 5:47 PM, John H wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:


Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

I wish they'd had that when I bought my Honda. But I don't think
it'll operate in parallel with
another like the Honda will.


I read the owner's manual for it. It *will* parallel with another like
generator.

It also has the feature that I think is probably the Honda's best
feature ... the economy switch. For light loads you can turn it on
and the generator will become very quiet and fuel efficient.

Looks like a reverse engineered copy of the Honda. I didn't notice but
it must be made in China.
Finally pulled the plug and bought the Eu 2000i at lunchtime. The
sales guy had made up the order and assigned it to me when it arrived
yeaterday. I had been out there on Friday while stillout of power and
with another 20 hrs of same facing me. I would have bought the unit
with no questions then if one was available. Anyway, when we got
there salesman was looking after another couple. We all ended up
discussing the pros and cons of the Eu200i vs a bigger model. Then
another guy gets in on the discussion. Back and forth it goes with the
guy from the couple waffling as much as me. Crowd starting to gather
at the desk looking for parts or whatever. One other person trying to
help them. Finally I tell the salesman to cash me in on the 2000.
Got up to the desk and started waffling again so I tell him to order
me in an EG 2800 and I'd decide between the two. Go back and the
couple guy is frantically searching the internet on his phone for
advice and calling an engineer friend. I make the mistake of asking
the wife what she thinks. She just wants to get out so says buy the
200. I tell the salesman to ring me up..then he has to do the
pre-delivery inspection , adding of oil and gas and supposidly running
the unit. The poor couple. the other guy and the half dozen people
milling around the front counter are starting to give me dirty looks.
Anyway, salesman does his thing, tells me the unit is at the door
ready to go. Go up and I see the generator but no manual etc. One of
the guys milling around points to a package on the counter near the
cardboard box. I put the unit in it's box, toss in the manual and
wires with clips? into the box and get the hell out.
I won't do that at lunch time again.
"stillout"?
"supposidly"?

Poor sentence structure and capitalization, too.

What's today's excuse?


And Alex once again demonstrates he is just a little asshole.

Is someone who continuously points out spelling or grammatical errors 'just a little asshole'?


FAT HARRY is constantly sticking his foot in his mouth. And the
funny part is he doesn't even realize it.
--
x


----Android NewsGroup Reader----
http://usenet.sinaapp.com/

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 9:45 AM, Tim wrote:
John H
- hide quoted text -
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:07:59 -0800 (PST), Tim wrote:

Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
I chuckle over the fact that you have a service department do routine
maintenance on a lawn mower. That's all.

BTW ... this is a riding lawn mower:

https://tinyurl.com/y7pd3wsr

This is a tractor:

https://tinyurl.com/y7r6buqs

You're welcome.

...

Not my pic but here’s my lawn mower / tractor

http://www.chatstractors.com/2012-we...right-rear.jpg

Surely you call your local service guy to sharpen the blades on that thing, right?

...

Yes John. Mr. Makita is always at my disposa. One thing about the little guy is when he’s ****ed the sparks do fly!



I had one of those rear mowers for the JDeere for a while. Got it to
mow down overgrown grass and weeds to create a new horse turnout. It
was a pain though because I couldn't get it in tight spaces (like the
corners of the fencing). I took the rear wheel off it to make it more
maneuverable but all that did was make it scalp the grass when on
uneven ground. Finally bought one of these that did a super job:

http://cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/94406/gallery_Scag-beauty2_628x390.jpg

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 9:47 AM, True North wrote:
On Wednesday, 10 January 2018 06:16:54 UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)

I'll change the oil level as required by the service manual. I think it said it only takes about 400 ml. Same with the air filters...I'll inspect and clean them on a regular basis..depending on how much use the generator gets. I believe they also recommend starting and running it for 10 or so minutes every three months. The dealer gave me some gas but I don't know if he added Stabil. maybe I'll call him before the busy lunch time.



Make use of it. I bought a cheap little wagon that I put the Honda in
to transport it around the yard and I used it regularly to power
electric hedge trimmers, weed wackers and other electric yard tools.
Beats running extension cords everywhere.

generators
 

Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
I had one of those rear mowers for the JDeere for a while. Got it to
mow down overgrown grass and weeds to create a new horse turnout. It
was a pain though because I couldn't get it in tight spaces (like the
corners of the fencing). I took the rear wheel off it to make it more
maneuverable but all that did was make it scalp the grass when on
uneven ground. Finally bought one of these that did a super job:

http://cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/94406/gallery_Scag-beauty2_628x390.jpg

That Skag is a brute!
Mine is a finishing mower and not a bush hog. And I do the main of the yard with it and the tight stuff gets the push mower..

generators
 

John H wrote:
On Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:30:14 -0500, wrote:

On Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:17:57 -0500, John H
wrote:

On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 16:04:40 -0800 (PST), True North wrote:

Finally pulled the plug and bought the Eu 2000i at lunchtime. The
sales guy had made up the order and assigned it to me when it arrived
yeaterday. I had been out there on Friday while stillout of power and
with another 20 hrs of same facing me. I would have bought the unit
with no questions then if one was available. Anyway, when we got
there salesman was looking after another couple. We all ended up
discussing the pros and cons of the Eu200i vs a bigger model. Then
another guy gets in on the discussion. Back and forth it goes with the
guy from the couple waffling as much as me. Crowd starting to gather
at the desk looking for parts or whatever. One other person trying to
help them. Finally I tell the salesman to cash me in on the 2000.
Got up to the desk and started waffling again so I tell him to order
me in an EG 2800 and I'd decide between the two. Go back and the
couple guy is frantically searching the internet on his phone for
advice and calling an engineer friend. I
make
the mistake of asking the wife what she thinks. She just wants to get
out so says buy the 200. I tell the salesman to ring me up..then he
has to do the pre-delivery inspection , adding of oil and gas and
supposidly running the unit. The poor couple. the other guy and the
half dozen people milling around the front counter are starting to
give me dirty looks. Anyway, salesman does his thing, tells me the
unit is at the door ready to go. Go up and I see the generator but no
manual etc. One of the guys milling around points to a package on the
counter near the cardboard box. I put the unit in it's box, toss in
the manual and wires with clips? into the box and get the hell out.
I won't do that at lunch time again.

That 200 she wanted to buy must have been a little bugger, eh?

This is the engine it uses.
https://tinyurl.com/ybnn39ld

;-)

I grew up with the little Cox .049. Those things were indestructible.


I still have one somewhere. And an .o49 diesel airplane engine and an .049
outboard. My brother and his kids lived for a couple years in the house I
grew up in, so my .36 and .60 engines disappeared.

generators
 

9:40 AMBill
- show quoted text -
I still have one somewhere. And an .o49 diesel airplane engine and an .049
outboard. My brother and his kids lived for a couple years in the house I
grew up in, so my .36 and .60 engines disappeared.

....


I’ve got a box with a few .049 Cox and wen-Mac engines. They were a lot of fun. The fuel was a great paint stripper...

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 15:40:00 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

John H wrote:
On Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:30:14 -0500, wrote:

On Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:17:57 -0500, John H
wrote:

On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 16:04:40 -0800 (PST), True North wrote:

Finally pulled the plug and bought the Eu 2000i at lunchtime. The
sales guy had made up the order and assigned it to me when it arrived
yeaterday. I had been out there on Friday while stillout of power and
with another 20 hrs of same facing me. I would have bought the unit
with no questions then if one was available. Anyway, when we got
there salesman was looking after another couple. We all ended up
discussing the pros and cons of the Eu200i vs a bigger model. Then
another guy gets in on the discussion. Back and forth it goes with the
guy from the couple waffling as much as me. Crowd starting to gather
at the desk looking for parts or whatever. One other person trying to
help them. Finally I tell the salesman to cash me in on the 2000.
Got up to the desk and started waffling again so I tell him to order
me in an EG 2800 and I'd decide between the two. Go back and the
couple guy is frantically searching the internet on his phone for
advice and calling an engineer friend. I
make
the mistake of asking the wife what she thinks. She just wants to get
out so says buy the 200. I tell the salesman to ring me up..then he
has to do the pre-delivery inspection , adding of oil and gas and
supposidly running the unit. The poor couple. the other guy and the
half dozen people milling around the front counter are starting to
give me dirty looks. Anyway, salesman does his thing, tells me the
unit is at the door ready to go. Go up and I see the generator but no
manual etc. One of the guys milling around points to a package on the
counter near the cardboard box. I put the unit in it's box, toss in
the manual and wires with clips? into the box and get the hell out.
I won't do that at lunch time again.

That 200 she wanted to buy must have been a little bugger, eh?

This is the engine it uses.
https://tinyurl.com/ybnn39ld

;-)

I grew up with the little Cox .049. Those things were indestructible.


I still have one somewhere. And an .o49 diesel airplane engine and an .049
outboard. My brother and his kids lived for a couple years in the house I
grew up in, so my .36 and .60 engines disappeared.

Hopefully they're having fun with them.

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 10:19 AM, Tim wrote:
Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
I had one of those rear mowers for the JDeere for a while. Got it to
mow down overgrown grass and weeds to create a new horse turnout. It
was a pain though because I couldn't get it in tight spaces (like the
corners of the fencing). I took the rear wheel off it to make it more
maneuverable but all that did was make it scalp the grass when on
uneven ground. Finally bought one of these that did a super job:

http://cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/94406/gallery_Scag-beauty2_628x390.jpg

That Skag is a brute!

Mine is a finishing mower and not a bush hog. And I do the main of the yard with it and the tight stuff gets the push mower..



Yeah, the Skag was the best all around mower I've ever had. It was
rated for commercial, not residential use and that makes a huge difference.

When we sold the house in Duxbury our neighbor inherited it, the JD
tractor and the JD Gator. He's still using all three.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:16:50 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)


The real issue with oil, beyond hours, is condensation. Water can form
acids in the oil that eat your engine from the inside out and these
small engines are not sealed up like a modern car or outboard engine.
Every "breath" they take brings in moisture. (heat cool cycles)
Not running it is worse for that problem than using it all the time.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 08:57:04 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:


BTW ... this is a riding lawn mower:

https://tinyurl.com/y7pd3wsr

This is a tractor:

https://tinyurl.com/y7r6buqs

You're welcome.


I always thought it was funny that they called lawn mowers "tractors"
too.
Being a teamster, not a farmer, I thought this was a tractor
https://tinyurl.com/y7qctwdg

Either way calling a riding lawn mower a tractor is just massaging
some homeowner's ego.
I have one of those "lawn tractors" myself and the limitations become
apparent immediately when I drop my boat trailer on the ball. My golf
cart is stronger.
Say, maybe I really have a golf tractor ;-)

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 08:59:07 -0500, Keyser Söze
wrote:


You have horses...chuckle.

I bet one of his "1 HP" horses will drag your tractor backwards, mow
the lawn and fertilize it too.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 12:19 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:16:50 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)


The real issue with oil, beyond hours, is condensation. Water can form
acids in the oil that eat your engine from the inside out and these
small engines are not sealed up like a modern car or outboard engine.
Every "breath" they take brings in moisture. (heat cool cycles)
Not running it is worse for that problem than using it all the time.



True but it's almost 14 years old and still going strong. I don't
expect it to last forever. It's initial purpose was for hurricane
Wilma. When the contractors used it all summer a year later to power the
stone saws while installing the pool, I figured it would pretty much
sacrificed for the project. It's cost was chump change compared to the
cost of the pool project. It was so dusty and dirty with bluestone dust
your couldn't even see that it was red. But, cleaned it up. still runs
fine and generates electricity. Amazing little generator.

generators
 

Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
Yeah, the Skag was the best all around mower I've ever had. It was
rated for commercial, not residential use and that makes a huge difference.

When we sold the house in Duxbury our neighbor inherited it, the JD
tractor and the JD Gator. He's still using all three.

.....

My brother is big on X-Mark mowers. He had the biggest with the 36 or 38 hp Briggs. It’s a flying fool...

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 12:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.



I had a JDeere riding mower "tractor". Piece of crap. I bought it at
Lowe's or the Home Depot (forget which) and didn't realize that the
Deeres they sell are not the same as those from a JD dealer.

It had a design problem with the steering arms and links. If you backed
up while turning and hit a paver or rock, the damn thing would allow one
of front wheels to spin around almost 180 degrees so the inside of the
rim was facing outward. I'd have to jack up the front and force it back
into the correct position. Simple rack and pinion system with a "stop"
that was supposed to prevent the wheel from spinning around.

I contacted JDeere about it and that's when I learned the Lowe's/Home
Depot versions are not really JDeere mowers. A couple of years later I
was looking at the same model on display at Lowe's and noticed that the
steering linkage had been totally redesigned.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:41:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/10/2018 12:19 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:16:50 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)


The real issue with oil, beyond hours, is condensation. Water can form
acids in the oil that eat your engine from the inside out and these
small engines are not sealed up like a modern car or outboard engine.
Every "breath" they take brings in moisture. (heat cool cycles)
Not running it is worse for that problem than using it all the time.



True but it's almost 14 years old and still going strong. I don't
expect it to last forever. It's initial purpose was for hurricane
Wilma. When the contractors used it all summer a year later to power the
stone saws while installing the pool, I figured it would pretty much
sacrificed for the project. It's cost was chump change compared to the
cost of the pool project. It was so dusty and dirty with bluestone dust
your couldn't even see that it was red. But, cleaned it up. still runs
fine and generates electricity. Amazing little generator.


I am just saying it would be a shame to lose it over $3 worth of oil.

generators
 

John H wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 15:40:00 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

John H wrote:
On Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:30:14 -0500, wrote:

On Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:17:57 -0500, John H
wrote:

On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 16:04:40 -0800 (PST), True North wrote:

Finally pulled the plug and bought the Eu 2000i at lunchtime. The
sales guy had made up the order and assigned it to me when it arrived
yeaterday. I had been out there on Friday while stillout of power and
with another 20 hrs of same facing me. I would have bought the unit
with no questions then if one was available. Anyway, when we got
there salesman was looking after another couple. We all ended up
discussing the pros and cons of the Eu200i vs a bigger model. Then
another guy gets in on the discussion. Back and forth it goes with the
guy from the couple waffling as much as me. Crowd starting to gather
at the desk looking for parts or whatever. One other person trying to
help them. Finally I tell the salesman to cash me in on the 2000.
Got up to the desk and started waffling again so I tell him to order
me in an EG 2800 and I'd decide between the two. Go back and the
couple guy is frantically searching the internet on his phone for
advice and calling an engineer friend. I
make
the mistake of asking the wife what she thinks. She just wants to get
out so says buy the 200. I tell the salesman to ring me up..then he
has to do the pre-delivery inspection , adding of oil and gas and
supposidly running the unit. The poor couple. the other guy and the
half dozen people milling around the front counter are starting to
give me dirty looks. Anyway, salesman does his thing, tells me the
unit is at the door ready to go. Go up and I see the generator but no
manual etc. One of the guys milling around points to a package on the
counter near the cardboard box. I put the unit in it's box, toss in
the manual and wires with clips? into the box and get the hell out.
I won't do that at lunch time again.

That 200 she wanted to buy must have been a little bugger, eh?

This is the engine it uses.
https://tinyurl.com/ybnn39ld

;-)

I grew up with the little Cox .049. Those things were indestructible.


I still have one somewhere. And an .o49 diesel airplane engine and an .049
outboard. My brother and his kids lived for a couple years in the house I
grew up in, so my .36 and .60 engines disappeared.

Hopefully they're having fun with them.


Nope, they probably left them outside years ago.

generators
 

wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:51:43 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/10/2018 12:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.



I had a JDeere riding mower "tractor". Piece of crap. I bought it at
Lowe's or the Home Depot (forget which) and didn't realize that the
Deeres they sell are not the same as those from a JD dealer.

It had a design problem with the steering arms and links. If you backed
up while turning and hit a paver or rock, the damn thing would allow one
of front wheels to spin around almost 180 degrees so the inside of the
rim was facing outward. I'd have to jack up the front and force it back
into the correct position. Simple rack and pinion system with a "stop"
that was supposed to prevent the wheel from spinning around.

I contacted JDeere about it and that's when I learned the Lowe's/Home
Depot versions are not really JDeere mowers. A couple of years later I
was looking at the same model on display at Lowe's and noticed that the
steering linkage had been totally redesigned.


I inherited my FILs old Craftsman Lawn "tractor". It was made by
American Lawn Products that makes a lot of these things. (probably
your JD). He used it for 25 years before he bought a Troy Built (2011)
and gave it to me. It is still going but I needed to rebuild the deck
shortly after I got it. (replaced all of the moving parts and the
parts they move in)
I am really surprised the old Briggs engine is still going. I do give
it a quart of oil every year but I haven't done much else to it.
There was something wrong with the carb about 3 years ago but if I
left the throttle in one spot, it starts and runs OK so I haven't
touched it since. It may be OK now but why chance fate ;-)

generators
 

On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75 a
cut, or it did a couple of years ago.

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 2:20 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:51:43 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/10/2018 12:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.



I had a JDeere riding mower "tractor". Piece of crap. I bought it at
Lowe's or the Home Depot (forget which) and didn't realize that the
Deeres they sell are not the same as those from a JD dealer.

It had a design problem with the steering arms and links. If you backed
up while turning and hit a paver or rock, the damn thing would allow one
of front wheels to spin around almost 180 degrees so the inside of the
rim was facing outward. I'd have to jack up the front and force it back
into the correct position. Simple rack and pinion system with a "stop"
that was supposed to prevent the wheel from spinning around.

I contacted JDeere about it and that's when I learned the Lowe's/Home
Depot versions are not really JDeere mowers. A couple of years later I
was looking at the same model on display at Lowe's and noticed that the
steering linkage had been totally redesigned.


I inherited my FILs old Craftsman Lawn "tractor". It was made by
American Lawn Products that makes a lot of these things. (probably
your JD). He used it for 25 years before he bought a Troy Built (2011)
and gave it to me. It is still going but I needed to rebuild the deck
shortly after I got it. (replaced all of the moving parts and the
parts they move in)
I am really surprised the old Briggs engine is still going. I do give
it a quart of oil every year but I haven't done much else to it.
There was something wrong with the carb about 3 years ago but if I
left the throttle in one spot, it starts and runs OK so I haven't
touched it since. It may be OK now but why chance fate ;-)



My experience with Briggs and Stratton engines has been "iffy". Some
run fine, last a long time. Others are problematic.

Tecumseh engines always seemed to make consistently good small engines.

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 2:09 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:41:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/10/2018 12:19 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:16:50 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)


The real issue with oil, beyond hours, is condensation. Water can form
acids in the oil that eat your engine from the inside out and these
small engines are not sealed up like a modern car or outboard engine.
Every "breath" they take brings in moisture. (heat cool cycles)
Not running it is worse for that problem than using it all the time.



True but it's almost 14 years old and still going strong. I don't
expect it to last forever. It's initial purpose was for hurricane
Wilma. When the contractors used it all summer a year later to power the
stone saws while installing the pool, I figured it would pretty much
sacrificed for the project. It's cost was chump change compared to the
cost of the pool project. It was so dusty and dirty with bluestone dust
your couldn't even see that it was red. But, cleaned it up. still runs
fine and generates electricity. Amazing little generator.


I am just saying it would be a shame to lose it over $3 worth of oil.


Ok, ok. This spring I'll treat it to it's third oil change. Geeze! :-)

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.



Me too. He also takes care of the snow in the winter.
I just sit here on the computer arguing with Harry while looking out the
window. Life's a bitch, then you die.

generators
 

On 1/10/2018 2:23 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've
never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and
blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does
play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75 a
cut, or it did a couple of years ago.


That's because your bull**** runneth over.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:23:30 -0500, Keyser Soze
wrote:

On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75 a
cut, or it did a couple of years ago.

That is usually in the $100-150 a month range around here with a
weekly visit. In the winter they prune trees and such, in the summer
it is mostly mow and blow.
We have crews who try to line up as many customers in a row as they
can so they just start mowing at the corner and keep going. Usually
the crew is 6 or 8 guys and they bang out a yard pretty fast.
I am still not sure how he is making much money at it but they have 2
nice trucks. I think most of the money comes from the extras they can
tack on. They will do anything from pressure cleaning, sprinkler
repair to pretty extensive landscaping projects. Cutting the grass
just gets their foot in the door.

generators
 

Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75 a
cut, or it did a couple of years ago.


He does the yard weekly. $100. Lawn grows slowly in winter. But I have
roses he trims, and a few trees. The Black Alders are probably dead,
after the drought, waiting till spring to see if they come back. Probably
$4000 to remove them. Large trees.

generators
 

Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.



Me too. He also takes care of the snow in the winter.
I just sit here on the computer arguing with Harry while looking out the
window. Life's a bitch, then you die.




Depends if you get a good doctor. According to Harry, good doc means
eternal life. No need for religion.

generators
 

On 1/10/18 2:51 PM, Bill wrote:
Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75 a
cut, or it did a couple of years ago.


He does the yard weekly. $100. Lawn grows slowly in winter. But I have
roses he trims, and a few trees. The Black Alders are probably dead,
after the drought, waiting till spring to see if they come back. Probably
$4000 to remove them. Large trees.


$100 a week is within the range around here, some a little lower, some
little higher.

generators
 

On 1/10/18 2:51 PM, Bill wrote:
Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.



Me too. He also takes care of the snow in the winter.
I just sit here on the computer arguing with Harry while looking out the
window. Life's a bitch, then you die.




Depends if you get a good doctor. According to Harry, good doc means
eternal life. No need for religion.


Wait...you think religion gives you eternal life? Would you be
interested in monthly deliveries in perpetuity from Amway?

generators
 

On 1/10/18 2:33 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 2:23 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn
mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc.
Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've
never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and
blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does
play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75
a cut, or it did a couple of years ago.


That's because your bull**** runneth over.

Not as much as your horse**** runs over.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:26:53 -0500, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 1/10/2018 2:20 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:51:43 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/10/2018 12:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.



I had a JDeere riding mower "tractor". Piece of crap. I bought it at
Lowe's or the Home Depot (forget which) and didn't realize that the
Deeres they sell are not the same as those from a JD dealer.

It had a design problem with the steering arms and links. If you backed
up while turning and hit a paver or rock, the damn thing would allow one
of front wheels to spin around almost 180 degrees so the inside of the
rim was facing outward. I'd have to jack up the front and force it back
into the correct position. Simple rack and pinion system with a "stop"
that was supposed to prevent the wheel from spinning around.

I contacted JDeere about it and that's when I learned the Lowe's/Home
Depot versions are not really JDeere mowers. A couple of years later I
was looking at the same model on display at Lowe's and noticed that the
steering linkage had been totally redesigned.


I inherited my FILs old Craftsman Lawn "tractor". It was made by
American Lawn Products that makes a lot of these things. (probably
your JD). He used it for 25 years before he bought a Troy Built (2011)
and gave it to me. It is still going but I needed to rebuild the deck
shortly after I got it. (replaced all of the moving parts and the
parts they move in)
I am really surprised the old Briggs engine is still going. I do give
it a quart of oil every year but I haven't done much else to it.
There was something wrong with the carb about 3 years ago but if I
left the throttle in one spot, it starts and runs OK so I haven't
touched it since. It may be OK now but why chance fate ;-)



My experience with Briggs and Stratton engines has been "iffy". Some
run fine, last a long time. Others are problematic.

Tecumseh engines always seemed to make consistently good small engines.

Never had a problem with B$S. Have seen neighbors go crazy with Lawn Boys and Craftsman. Will never
have either of those. B&S carbs are pretty easy to break down and clean up. Many folks never think
to clean/replace their air filters.

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:27:59 -0500, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 1/10/2018 2:09 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:41:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/10/2018 12:19 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:16:50 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 10:19 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 19:33:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 1/9/2018 7:09 PM, True North wrote:
On Tuesday, 9 January 2018 19:51:52 UTC-4, wrote:
On Tue, 9 Jan 2018 21:48:33 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:



Harbor Freight has one they claim as quiet as Honda. $500.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-62523.html

Like most things at Harbor Fright this is a chinese knockoff but it
might be all anyone needs if it is just for a rare power failure. I
doubt you would want it if you were a camper or something you wanted
on your boat.

I see Yamaha has a neat looking copy of the Honda EU2000i for $50.00 less. Not sure if anyone deals with them around here so I stuck with the Honda.



Don, several companies have introduced inverter type generators due to
the popularity of the Honda inverter series. They probably are all very
good compared to a conventional, noisy, generator that has to run at
full RPM all the time.

If it makes you feel like you made the right decision, I've had mine for
over 13 years and it has gone through hell, especially when the stone
cutters for our pool installation used it for a full summer, 6-7 hours a
day to power the stone saws.

Still has the original spark plug in it. I took it out last year and it
still looks like new. Even the gap was to spec. I've changed the oil
twice in 13 years. I've stored it for long periods with gas and Stabil
in it. Other than last week (before the recent storm), it always starts
with 3 or 4 pulls. I mentioned here that when it wouldn't start last
week I warmed up the carburetor area with a hairdryer for a few minutes,
pulled the cord and it fired right up. It was about 5 degrees out, so
it wasn't unexpected.

I think you made a good investment.

The only thing I would question is not changing the oil more often and
this is old "don't fix it if it ain't broke" me.



Yup, I wouldn't recommend following my oil change schedule, but it
hasn't caused any problems yet. Doesn't burn any oil, and has never
shut down due to a low oil level. Maybe I'll give it a treat this
spring and give it it's third oil change. :-)


The real issue with oil, beyond hours, is condensation. Water can form
acids in the oil that eat your engine from the inside out and these
small engines are not sealed up like a modern car or outboard engine.
Every "breath" they take brings in moisture. (heat cool cycles)
Not running it is worse for that problem than using it all the time.



True but it's almost 14 years old and still going strong. I don't
expect it to last forever. It's initial purpose was for hurricane
Wilma. When the contractors used it all summer a year later to power the
stone saws while installing the pool, I figured it would pretty much
sacrificed for the project. It's cost was chump change compared to the
cost of the pool project. It was so dusty and dirty with bluestone dust
your couldn't even see that it was red. But, cleaned it up. still runs
fine and generates electricity. Amazing little generator.


I am just saying it would be a shame to lose it over $3 worth of oil.


Ok, ok. This spring I'll treat it to it's third oil change. Geeze! :-)


Be sure to use straight synthetic. No cheap **** for that generator!

generators
 

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 19:51:36 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:

Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.


How many times a month does your lawn need mowing in growing season?
Mine needs a weekly mow from the end of April through the middle of
November. Guy down the street has a crew hit his weekly, runs him $75 a
cut, or it did a couple of years ago.


He does the yard weekly. $100. Lawn grows slowly in winter. But I have
roses he trims, and a few trees. The Black Alders are probably dead,
after the drought, waiting till spring to see if they come back. Probably
$4000 to remove them. Large trees.

You must have union Mexicans there ;-)
I imagine you are right about the tree. They can get pretty costly to
remove. A lit of that is just "risk". They have to price in what
happens if they screw up.

generators
 

Keyser Soze wrote:
On 1/10/18 2:51 PM, Bill wrote:
Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 1/10/2018 2:14 PM, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:59 -0800 (PST), John H
wrote:



Pretty sad when you can't perform routine maintenance on a lawn mower.

Funny. The lady across the street has a John Deere riding mower. She
does all her own maintenance, including sharpening the blades, etc. Her
husband has somehow gotten totally out of the yardwork arena. I've never
seen him lift a finger to do anything in the yard. I'll go over and blow
her leaves for her, and he won't even say 'thanks'. Alcohol does play a role.

My father in law is 94 years old and he still sharpens his own mower
blades. He drops the deck at least once a month in season, hoses it
out, sharpens the blades and lubes everything.


Me, I j ust pay the mow and blow guy monthly.



Me too. He also takes care of the snow in the winter.
I just sit here on the computer arguing with Harry while looking out the
window. Life's a bitch, then you die.




Depends if you get a good doctor. According to Harry, good doc means
eternal life. No need for religion.


Wait...you think religion gives you eternal life? Would you be
interested in monthly deliveries in perpetuity from Amway?


Need religion as have not heard of a Doc good enough for eternal life.