TQ 1200 Watt Generator, Walmart $150 special.

[paulm]

I mention this in another thread, but I broke down and bought one.

No doubt this is not a top notch genset, but what do you get for a $150. I see other nice Honda systems, but $1000 is out of the question for me, so better than doing without.



1000 watts / 1200 max. 120 VAC
10 amps 12 VDC
2-stroke 63 CC
1.01 US Gal capcity
4.5 Hours run-time
15'x16'x13'
Dry weight 55lbs. even I can lift it.

I thought it would sound like a chain saw, but no way, sounds like a 4 stroke. I'm sure they make quieter ones, but it's not bad at all. Hooked up my 7" 10 amp skill saw, and yes it slowed down but then reved -up and handled the saw, but I really will have to try it under load. ( I cut up a lot of skids at the campground last year)

I really wanted a straight 12 volt charger, but when I took it apart, there's 2 windings, 110 and 12. No way to boost the 12 volt, would need heavier windings in the stator.

Won't run your A/C, but run the camper and it's system will charge the batteries at 25 amps. ( sounds dumb, making 120vac to charge 12 volts, but amps are the killer)

http://easterntools.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=72

[markopolo]

$150 - 1000 watts Sounds like a good buy.

I happened to price the Honda EU2000i locally today - $1,799 going on sale for $1,699. The Kipor 2000 is $1,299 locally.

[markopolo]

I see the TQ's on the local Walmart shelves now.

The 21 amp model (next one up from yours) seems like a bargain at $299.

The TQ:



A Coleman



A Boliy (different than mine)

[paulm]

Kind of looks like they all have the same motor/generator.

I'm sure the 4 strokes are quieter than my 2 stroke, but surprisingly my 2 stroke is rated at 65dB @ 3m.

Recently Canadian Tire had a 4 stroke, 1000 watt on for $399, doesn't sound like a great bargain.

[markopolo]

They have the Coleman at Rona. Rated 64 or 67 dB, I can't remember which.

The TQ's have the best price. The photo's above look pretty much the same to me. Different options, but same basic product.

I checked Walmart here twice after you first mentioned the TQ. They didn't have them then. They have both models now. Too late for me, I already bought one. It has to be the best value available now.

[paulm]

Recently Canadian Tire had a 4 stroke, 1000 watt on for $399, doesn't sound like a great bargain.

Just noticed Canadian Tire has this 1000/1200 watt, 4 stroke for $199 this week.

[denman]

Hi Guys, ...I got the 1200 watt one too from Walmart, replacing an 880 watt one I had from Princess Auto @ ~ $130- , ...this one is considerably better ; seems better on fuel and quieter than the 880. Eventually I want a little diesel gen but meanwhile this I can carry around with the little suitcase handle and about 40 pounds allows me to carry it in my camper roof box.

[kenking]

I's been a while since anyone posted on this, but I bought the 1200 from Northern Tool...on sale for $139. I like it, it does what I wanted. It could be quieter, but it isn't that bad really. I did see the other day that they now offer them at $129! Told my wife I'd buy another just to have it if I wasn't spending everything I make on bills and gas

[VernM]

The only caution I'd alert you-all to is the quality of the 120 volts, both in modified sine wave (I expect) and voltage regulation. The things you pay for in the more expensive ones are AC that is clean enough for your computers, computer printers and solid state TVs. And, I'd bet if you put a volt/ohm meter on the output both under load and lightly loaded, there is a lot of swing away from the desired 120. I know a Coleman I once had would be putting out anywhere from 100 to 140 volts, depending on load. That'll be hard on things like air conditioners, etc.