Most often, people determine the portability of a generator based on the generator weight. However, even the portable generators weigh differently, like the varying weights of larger standby generators. This article contains the factors that determine the weight of a generator and how it varies with each brand.
Factors That Influence a Generator’s Weight
The size of the generator is directly proportional to the weight of the generator. The power requirement varies depending on the application. Therefore, the weight of the generator depends on your requirement. However, certain other factors, such as the brand and the model of generators, also influence the weight of your generator.
The Power Capacity
The power capacity has a direct relation to the weight of a generator. Usually, the portable generators have an average power capacity of 500 – 17.5 kW. The standby generators produce even more power needed for residential and commercial applications. Generators with a higher power capacity should be larger with a bigger engine. So, standby generators are not light in weight or portable. However, you can power up a lot of electrical appliances with a larger generator. For example, the Honda EB10000, which gives a peak wattage of 10000W, weighs 403 lbs. This is almost 14 times the weight of its respective 1 kW counterpart.
The Components
Generators have the main components necessary for the operation, including the fuel tank, engine, alternator, etc. The other essentials consist of the frame, the starting mechanism, the cooling fan, and the exhaust system. The components vary with the make and model of the generator. Some manufacturers have special technology established to build lightweight generators. The type of material used has a significant effect on the weight of the generator. The overall weight of the generator can be lightened with certain lightweight and sturdy materials like aluminum. However, the suitability of using such material depends on the application, cost, and nature of the generator.
The Presence of Fuel
Whether you have fuel inside the generator or not makes a significant difference in the generator weight. When the manufacturer states the weight of the generator, they exclude the fuel weight. So if you need to move your generator with fuel in it, especially for portable generators, you should consider the fuel weight to get an idea about the portability.
Different generators use propane, diesel, or gasoline as their fuel. Although the capacity of the fuel tank remains the same, the weight of the fuel depends on the density of each fuel type. Due to the varying density, propane weighs about 4.2 pounds per gallon while diesel weighs about 7 pounds per gallon, and gasoline weighs 6 pounds per gallon. So, your generator will weigh accordingly to the amount of fuel you add to the tank.
Type of Generator
Various types of generators have different weights depending on their source of energy and the application. Larger generators are used in construction sites as the main power source with a 100% load capacity. These generators are built to withstand the heat, wear, and tear for a long time. Therefore, they are constructed with a sturdy and robust structure with high-density material. This makes these generators heavier than the usual ones. They should be moved with machinery and vehicles all the time.
How Much Does a Standby Generator Weigh?
An air-cooled standby generator weighs between 350 and 600 lbs. So, you will need proper lifting equipment to transport it. It would help if you never lifted the generator by the roof as it will damage the generator and even void the warranty. Always lift it with lifting pipes inserted through the respective lifting holes. Ensure that the lifting cables do not contact the roof of your generator. When installing a standby generator, ensure the necessary distance from your house as they cannot be moved easily once you place them. Here are some of the common power ratings of generators and how much they weigh.
| Power Rating | Weight |
| 20 kW | >500 lbs |
| 22 kW | 550 – 650 lbs |
| 100 kW | 3500 – 4010 lbs |
| 300 kW | 5000 – 5500 lbs |
How Much Does a Portable Generator Weigh?
The typical portable generator weighs between 50 and 250 lbs. But depending on the model, this may change. The average weight of a portable generator is around 105 pounds. Here are some of the popular generator models and their respective weights.
| Generator Brand and Model | Generator Weight |
| Westinghouse Wgen7500 | 200.6 lbs |
| Wen 56200i | 48 lbs |
| Champion 3400 Dual Fuel | 95.7 lbs |
| Honda EU2200i | 47 lbs |
| Honda EU3000iS | 130.7 lbs |
| Champion 75537i | 94.8 lbs |
| Yamaha EF2000iSv2 | 44.1 lbs |
| DuroMax Hybrid XP12000EH | 224 lbs |
| Generac IQ2000 | 46.5 lbs |
| DuroMax XP4850EH | 122 lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Kohler Generator Weight?
This depends on the power capacity of the generator. A Kohler generator with a power output of 20 kW will usually weigh around 485 lbs.
How Much Does a Honeywell Generator Weight?
- 16 kW: 448 lbs
- 20 kW: 451 lbs
- 22 kW: 526 lbs
How Much Does a Generac Generator Weight?
Most Generac generators weigh more than 500 pounds. The larger portable generators weigh over 550 pounds, while the smaller ones are usually around 70 – 80 pounds.
How Much Does a 25 kW Generator Weight?
A 22 kW generator will weigh around 510 pounds which is about 231 kg. But this may vary depending on the brand and model of each generator.
How Heavy Is an Inverter Generator?
The normal portable inverter generators used for outdoor activities can be carried about easily. They are around 60 pounds and can produce up to 2000 W.
How Much Does a Predator 2000 Generator Weight?
The Predator 2000 inverter is a portable, lightweight generator. Its carrying weight is only 54 lbs and has a compact design. This makes it the best solution for quick trips and light use to power up all your small electronics safely.
How Much Does a Honda 2000 Generator Weight?
The Honda 2000 W generator weighs slightly over 47 pounds. Hence, it is very light and more convenient for moving around. The inverter technology makes it easy to store and transport.
Conclusion
Now you have an overall idea about how much portable and standby generators weigh. So, it will help you pick the most suitable generator for your application. Ensure your generator’s weight is within the acceptable range for the respective type of generator. If not, you will be paying for something worthless that is simply a bulky weight.
Continue your research in finding the best generator by comparing Honeywell vs. Generac generators.