Bookmark us and come back to visit sometime... 55 Preparedness Items  21 Popular Preps  People Are Buying Preps On This List One of the most basic preparedness items is a generator. They do a great job for short-term power outage situations and many people have them. What many people ignore however is generator maintenance – which is crucial in order to be assured that during the next power outage, it will be ready to run. Imagine firing up your generator in the middle a winter snow storm only to discover it doesn’t start?! Here are the important maintenance considerations for your generator: Gasoline is formulated to only be optimum for about a month. After that, gasoline molecules react with each other and will eventually become sticky varnishes that can clog fuel filters, fuel lines, and carburetor jets. If you have a tank of gasoline that has not been used in a reasonable length of time (e.g. months), the gasoline will cause problems with the fuel delivery system and prevent proper operation of the engine.

This is particularly true in generators because they often sit unused for quite some time. One solution to this problem is to remember to shut off the fuel valve while the generator is still running, and let the generator run itself out from fuel starvation (which will probably take a minute). Puppies For Sale ColchesterSince the valve isolates the gas tank from the carburetor, once the generator uses up that remaining fuel you will know that the delivery system and carburetor is cleared of all fuel and that there is nothing left to gum up the works over time.Homes For Sale Arcadia Drive Tuscaloosa Al Another solution (to fuel shelf life) is to add a gasoline fuel stabilizer additive that extends the fuel life up to a year or more. Tofino T Shirts

This will also inhibit the fuel from gumming up when it’s sitting idle in your generator. There are two commonly used fuel stabilizers, both of which work well. PRI-G Fuel Stabilizer (A bit better, a bit more expensive) STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer (Most popular, costs less) A major problem with long term storage of a generator, besides the fuel deterioration, is corrosion of the engine and generator bearings when the lubricating oil becomes stagnant around the bearings. A fix for this problem is to run the generator every 90 days to cause the lubricating oil to get mixed up and the bearing surfaces coated with oil. It is also a good idea to operate the generator engine until is reaches normal operating temperature. Water is created during the combustion process and if a generator is started and then shut down while the engine is still cold, the moisture remains in the cylinder and valve areas, promoting corrosion. If the engine is warm when it is shut down, most of the moisture evaporates before the engine cools down.

Additionally, if you have a generator with a battery (electric start), by running it once in awhile you will keep the battery charged up. While some generators are designed to automatically shut off if the oil level runs low, there are many generators that will not. If the oil runs out, you will destroy your generator engine. This is easily prevented by habitually checking the oil level! Simple – but many people don’t think of it… Okay, with that said, are there any additional suggestions regarding generator maintenance or best-use practices? Equipment / Engine Driven Welders / Bobcat 250 (Petrol) Structural Steel WorkStand-Alone GeneratorRuralRepairMaintenanceFabrication StickNon-Critical AC TIGMIGFlux CoredDC TIGCutting and GougingAir Plasma Cutting with Optional Spectrum ModelsAir Carbon Arc The industry’s most popular welder/generator is getting better. Building on its exceptional value, the new Bobcat is:Quieter to operate.Designed for ReliabilityMiller welder/generators are the most rugged, durable and long-lasting in the industry.

We manufacture them to exceed requirements for extreme working conditions and they are hard-working from the core:Copper windings and iron generator components for a quality-built machine.Lugged - not soldered - heavy internal leads for better field durability.Superior cooling technology for maximum performance and engine life.Super-tough armour to protect the welder/generator from accidental impact.Lift hook integrated into the centre frame, which bolts to the machine’s base for greater durability.Long RuntimesLarge 45L fuel capacity means many hours of run time before refuelling.Versatile AC & DC Weld OutputProvides quality welds on all types of metals. DC is smooth and easy to run while AC Stick is used when arc blow occurs. Multi-Process CapabilityMIG, Stick, DC, AC, TIG.Smooth Generator PowerRevolutionary ten degree skewed rotor design optimises generator performance.Typical equipment which can be run includes hand tools, circular saw, air compressor and flood lights.Auxiliary Output*2 X 15 Amp Sockets.RCD.1 X 32 A 240 V 1PH 60 Hz.* Generator auxiliary power is 60Hz, and intended for operating equipment associated with welding, such as angle grinders, drills  and floodlights.

Some Australian 50Hz equipment incorporating induction motors, such as pumps, fans, air compressors, refrigeration or air-conditioners, may not operate correctly and could be damaged. Refer to appliance supplier or manufacturer to confirm suitability.3 Year WarrantyWelder/generator is warranted by Miller for 3 years, parts and labour. For details, refer to the Miller warranty statement. Engine is warranted separately by engine manufacturer. Spec SheetsBobcat 250 (Petrol) Spec Sheet MR907500001-1 [Kohler Petrol Engine] Significant improvements in sound level and quality offer better jobsite communication, making for a safer working environment.The engine has been rotated toward the front to create efficient airflow and quieter operation. Now you can start the job earlier and work around hospitals, businesses and residential areas. Check it out on YouTube.Takes up less space on trucks and trailes - leaving more room on your truck for other equipment and tools.Exclusive engine and generator packaging design operates cooler and more efficiently.