Hello to all,

I am posting here in the hopes of getting some opinions from knowledgeable people who know far more then I.

I’m currently looking at two generators to replace my old and tired genny. The two generators I’m considering are the Lifan Platinum 8500iEPL 7500 running watts, 8500 surge watts priced at around $1,500.00 and the Champion 41537 7500 running watts and 9375 surge watts priced at around $1000.00. Both utilize brushed alternators with copper windings and both have AVR, the difference however is in the THD for each unit.

The Lifan generator states 100% Cooper windings and welded magnetic plates to produce clean, dependable energy or what they call “Low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) technology, which produces “Clean Energy” with a Sine Wave Distortion of 5% or less at full load"

The Champion also has 100% copper windings but after speaking with them I found out that THD for this model can range up to 20% depending on load.

As I stated earlier I’m looking to replace my old generator that is used only as emergency back up for running essentials like furnace, well pump, a few lights, fridge and water heater (managed load). I don’t use it to power any computers or flat screen TV’s as the cable usually goes out along with the power.

My question is do you think the Lifan is worth the extra $$ or will the Champion suit my back-up needs? Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. Now I know they aren't a top brand like Honda but I have a limited budget and these were two that got good reviews and had some decent features.

Thanks to all.

 

Reading the literature on Lifan generators I wouldn't trust their claims. It's an example of the worst in bad-translation marketing where you don't really know what they are claiming, and they probably don't know either. Example: What they call their Total Harmonic Distortion System--just what is it and what technology does it use? Just going by the clever (not) name it sounds like a bad thing rather than an improvement.

Champion is likely made on the very same assembly line as Lifan (which is a huge Chinese motor manufacturer) but at least they are HQ in the US and as you've already found out--you can talk to them.

Then again--I'm biased. I dumped a Lifan generator for a nearly identical Champion just for the silly reason that I spoke with a Champion tech and was impressed with his knowledge & willingness to share info with me. I lost $100 in the swap but it's worth it to me to be able to get help when needed.

 

I think I would choose Champion for the reason you stated. I recently purchased a Champion
7500/9500 because of the price and the great customer service dept. the techs.
really know their product and are eager to help.
Yes they are made in China, but unless your willing to lay out some serious cash for a Honda
or it's like than you have made the right choice.
I have a Duromax 4400 which i have owned for the past 3 years and have no complaints, the
only reason i want to a larger unit is because the 4400 does not have enough power to operate
my submersible well pump, which draws 8.0 amps, and needs at least 20 or so amps to start the motor. If you try to operate the pump with a undersized unit it can ruin the the pump, so I'm
told.

 

Yeah I'd follow most of the excellent reviews online and go with the Champion. I only the have the 3500/4000, but it's a fantastic generator. Quiet, efficient, starts first pull and runs great. Also, before you buy ( if your a member) check bjs wholesale club, I think they have it listed for $699.....https://m.bjs.com/product?url=%2Fcha...duct.248604%3F
Good luck !