Quiet generators

BFL13 wrote:
Apparently there are only about seven makers for engines that go in these portable generators, so several brands will have the same look and specs depending on who makes them and sticks the brand labels on.

I understand that Ford makes the PowerMax gens for them, and looking at a collection of gens on Amazon, you can see several identical models of assorted brands including a Westinghouse.

It is like some years ago, when buying stick-house stoves or washing machines. Lots of different brands all made in the same factory! :)

Ford has NOTHING to do with "making" generators/small engines not now and not before now.

Ford NEVER made a "small engine" even when back in the day they sold Lawn and garden tractors. If you wish to bet, I do still have a 1977 Ford Lawn and garden tractor. It has a 10HP KOHLER engine and the tractor WAS built by JACOBSEN and you could often interchange parts between the two brands. Ford around late 1970s sold off their Tractor division to New Holland and by agreement New Holland was allowed to "use" the Ford name FOR A SHORT TIME after the sale.

What you might see is the Ford name stuck on the side of a generator but it IS NOT MADE BY FORD.. It is LICENSED to PULSAR PRODUCTS per HERE.

Pretty much the SAME for WESTINGHOUSE.

I HAVE explained this to "Mex" and others on this forum but the jist of this is that the "Westinghouse" that we all grew up with no longer exists and the CONSUMER PRODUCTS you see branded with the "W" name/logo are simply LICENSED to other companies to use.

So, in both cases of the "W" and "F" generators they are simply rebadged CHINESE IMPORT GENERATORS.


Pretty much every "W" division was sold or spun off until they got down to their Nuclear Power division and their consumer TRADE MARKS/NAME.

The current "Westinghouse" that still exists is OWNED by TOSHIBA and STRICTLY only does COMMERCIAL NUCLEAR POWER PRODUCTS and is pretty much sinking Toshiba to the point they are considering selling off their more lucrative business units just to stay afloat..

The consumer "W" trademarks/name was spun off and currently still operates and that is where you find "W" branded TVs, generators and other small fry stuff.. ALL of it is simply rebranded IMPORT items (The Trademark/name Company does not manufacture anything).

Pretty much most if not all of the gens you see ARE Chinese clone copies and are imported under many brand names, which is why so many of these gens look similar.

Keeping in mind only the Champion brand is the ONLY import company which does sport some service centers and parts support in the US.

Comes down to parts and service in reality, IF you are squeamish about warranty (of lack of) then no name brands are not for you and you are better off spending more money upfront for Honda or Yamaha.

If you don't mind the idea that there may be little to absolutely no warranty/parts support and willing to take a risk that you will never need to repair your gen for lower upfront cost, then the cheaper no names just might be your ticket.

But do not buy other brands (not Honda or Yamaha) assuming that the name plastered on it means it is better or has better support.. If you do, you might be highly disappointed if it breaks especially under warranty..