I was shopping for an inverter when the salesman at QRS ( http://www.qrs.in) told me about this option. I have occasional need for power at a farm that we have outside the city. This would fit both needs. I went for the keystart option model since my older parents have to use it while I may be at work.
This powers a bunch of our appliances including TV, lights, fans etc (Not A/C). The key-start is easy once you get used to which switches need to be set and which knobs need to be pulled. Maintenance is negligible and this thing runs on both petrol and kerosene. To get cleaner emissions, petrol can be used in main tank, but I would not use it too much because of the cost.
Petrol to start and Kerosene to run makes this an ideal choice for homes where noise can be a concern. I ended up buying both. A small capacity (600 VA) inverter for small powercuts and the generator for long-duration outages. The generator has also helped with functions as well as away-from-home use
Key Start
Backup Recoil Starter Starting System
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) (Kerosene run) – 9.1
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) (Petrol Starting) – 0.95
Continuous running hours (Hrs.) – 7.3 HRS
Rated Output (VA) – 1000 VA
Maximum Output (VA) – 1300 VA
Dry Weight (Kg) – 81 KG
L x W x H (mm) - 890 x 431 x 686
Oil Alert
Fuel Gauge
Pros
Sleek profile with limited sound
Can power about 1000-1300 W at a time.
Proper sine wave output. Better than the modified square wave from invertors. This is great for appliance life.
Can be transported in a car, autorickshaw etc (need minimum 2 people to lift)
When your self-start battery is dead or low on power, you can use the recoil starter
If installed with a cut-off swich, the generator shuts off automatically when power comes back
Cons
Cannot be kept indoors due to sound and smoke. The smoke could have poisonous Carbon Monoxide!!! - Try a work area which has grills and can be locked. Turn the exhaust portion of the generator towards outside.
You use the same amount of fuel to power 1 bulb or max capacity.
This could be costly on fuel if you want it to run overnight to power just 2 or 3 fans and bulbs
Does not turn instantly like an inverter, you need to turn a knob, pull a lever, hit a couple of switches and turn a key.
Pulling the recoil starter is not easy for the elderly
Additional cost (Rs. 3000+) involved in installing a cutoff switch and wiring for ensuring smooth operation
After 9 months of use, I’m very satisfied with my purchase. I had spent about 40000 including all other costs for wiring, cut off switch, labor etc. I take this to my farm to pump well-water in dry seasons. I have used this at home during extended powercuts. We have use this for get-togethers and functions that happpen outdoors. Make sure that you have space to install this in a near-outdoor-but-covered setting before you buy this. Also, be prepared spare about Rs. 3000 for wiring changes and cut off switch.
Look for a lower capacity model (it wont be as quiet) if your power needs are lesser.