[ftp]

I was offered a second hand Honda 5kv generator today but with little history for £350.
I've had a quick search on the net and hondas seem very expensive. I can buy lesser known brands new for the same price. What i want to know is : are any of you using these cheaper brands and having no trouble or is it worth the extra for a Honda?

[*Derek*]

You can't beat the honda. I've Honda 13hp genie and 11hp washer. A lot of generators have same engine and as just labelled over with suppliers details. Go by engine not supplier.

[ftp]

Bit of a heafty lump aren't they? Maybe easier to plug into the custys supply in the long run.

[Chris Galloway]

Bit of a heafty lump aren't they? Maybe easier to plug into the custys supply in the long run.

But you cant if they are not in, unless you want to work weekends or in the evenings.. Also they may not want you plugging in.

[ftp]

True, what are you going to do Chris?

[Chris Galloway]

True, what are you going to do Chris?

Get a gen, but i cant afford to get one now, as i need a towbar and trailer first!   

Other than that, make an appointment to do them when they are in   

[ftp]

I think the latter option is more attractive to me at the moment to be honest. Thats about sixty kilos of motor to strap into my trailer. Maybe best to see how things go first, if there is enough demand maybe i'll go for it. At the moment it's a lot of dosh to compete with a guy up a ladder.

[Chris Galloway]

I think the latter option is more attractive to me at the moment to be honest. Thats about sixty kilos of motor to strap into my trailer. Maybe best to see how things go first, if there is enough demand maybe i'll go for it. At the moment it's a lot of dosh to compete with a guy up a ladder.

Personally i dont want to go up a ladder with a bucket and scooping device (argh no hands!) Not safe in anyone's eyes. Thats why i think this is a great idea, it can also be used for conservatory valets, or cleaning inside cars, end of tenancy cleans for example ... think of the uses you can put it too, its not "just" there for gutters.

but again you have to market it's use properly. Im always asking customers if they want their gutters, fascias, and soffits cleaned. and you can do those when its raining \o/ and they are better money than windows

But yes, too much money to pay out for at generator for me atm, i'll stick with doing it when they are in 

[john tomkins]

These seem to win awards from caravanning etc,
www.wolf-online.co.uk/specialoffers.asp don't know if they are meaty enough for the guttervac

[ftp]

Need 5kva which is about £700 new. Phone call to make sure someones in sounds good at the moment.

[Chris Galloway]

Need 5kva which is about £700 new. Phone call to make sure someones in sounds good at the moment.

Poleman said this would work

www.generators.co.uk/briggsstratton/gens/proplus4500.php

better check to see if he actually got it, and it works ok.

[paulscotney]

No good turning up to a job and the generator doesn't work. Hondas always work that is why they cost more. Mine starts first pull everytime. My Briggs and Stratton Petrol pressure washer starts between 4th pull and whenever. Can't wait to get a Honda pressure washer when the B and S is a bit deader. 

[Mr H]

If the customer is going to be out and there is no other power supply and you don't want to hire a generator then just leave them an extension lead. Many homes have cat flaps they can be left behind so you just pop your hand in and connect up or most modern windows can be lockedslightly open with the lead fed through and wrapped in a carrier bag if its likely to rain. but ALWAYS remember to use a trip switch circuit breaker as you are using very powerful electrical equipment out doors......

Regards
Mr H

[Kevin R]

If the customer is going to be out and there is no other power supply and you don't want to hire a generator then just leave them an extension lead. Many homes have cat flaps they can be left behind so you just pop your hand in and connect up or most modern windows can be lockedslightly open with the lead fed through and wrapped in a carrier bag if its likely to rain. but ALWAYS remember to use a trip switch circuit breaker as you are using very powerful electrical equipment out doors......

Regards
Mr H

Great until a fire starts - their electrics could be well dodgy !!!

[Chris Galloway]

Shouldn;t use a domestic extension unless its correctly rated, should go direct from the mains socket with the correct rated plug and extension, for the above reasons... i doubt your insurance or theirs would cover such a problem.

[matt]

when i was a carpenter and needed power outside and they were going out, i would pop over the night before with a power breaker plug and extension lead ( this was a homemade lead, it had a outside socket on the end of it and 10 M of cable )

they would pop this though a window or letterbox

i would then pick up the lead when i called in to collect payment

only downside was, if the power tripped off, it was a pain in the rear


job done

[*frank cannon]

basically if you are going to go into this line of business there is no half measures and you could need to invest 6/7k on the equipment to do the job,then if you are unlucky you may need further investment on a larger vechile...like someone said above a massive investment to compete with someone doing the jobs off ladders.....ps I have got the omnivac and whatever people tell you on here THE POLES ARE HEAVY.

[Kevin R]

basically if you are going to go into this line of business there is no half measures and you could need to invest 6/7k on the equipment to do the job,then if you are unlucky you may need further investment on a larger vechile...like someone said above a massive investment to compete with someone doing the jobs off ladders.....ps I have got the omnivac and whatever people tell you on here THE POLES ARE HEAVY.

Its a learning curve Frank. I use the Omnivac poles several times a week for the whole day. I used to find them heavy, now I have developed a good technique I don't. Just like when I started wfp, but I soon got used to that too.

[matt]

a waterproof outside socket now 4 quid in lidl's by all accounts ( just seen it mentioned on another forum )

[jeff1]

basically if you are going to go into this line of business there is no half measures and you could need to invest 6/7k on the equipment to do the job,then if you are unlucky you may need further investment on a larger vechile...like someone said above a massive investment to compete with someone doing the jobs off ladders.....ps I have got the omnivac and whatever people tell you on here THE POLES ARE HEAVY.

Its a learning curve Frank. I use the Omnivac poles several times a week for the whole day. I used to find them heavy, now I have developed a good technique I don't. Just like when I started wfp, but I soon got used to that too.

I agree with kev
Although I don't use the gutter vac, I do use the lance and at first it was very heavy and dare I say? it has to be heavier than your vac poles as it has a high pressure hose running through the full length, after a while you gain a technique that enables you to use them without all the weight bearing down onto your arms and also causing you any back pain.