Be it for the love of outdoors or the necessity of having a secondary power supply at home, cost plays a big role in our decisions to buy a generator. How do we fulfill one or both of these needs without breaking the bank?
Firman Power Equipment offers a remarkable range of generator models. Thought relatively new to the market, they compare considerably well to most famous brands and have made a name for themselves in the market. Fitted with inverter technologies to be usable with sensitive appliances in the house to being just the old school type open frame generators, the solutions they offer transcend across the range of potential customers with their peculiar needs.
Here, we will preview 4 of their reputable generators.
1. Firman W03083
This one of the most popular models of the Firman Generators and the ultimate camping companion.
Features
Power
The Firman W03083 generator delivers 3000 watts of running power. Most home devices are sensitive and require ‘clean’ power with less than 5% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) to operate smoothly and to prevent any damage. That means they can’t operate with open frame generators unless there is an inverter to change dirty power to clean power.
Yet the Firman W03083 comes with the inverter technology making it suitable for most of the house appliances without risk of damage. At home it can run the most essential home appliances. In addition, it can still run small electrical machines such as drills, ACs and compressors.
Noise
The Firman W03083 operates at 58 decibels when at 25% load and is perfect for RV camping and other quiet outdoor activities. 58 decibels is slightly higher than a conversation over two drinking buddies. All the same it a noisy generator compared to its other peers in this range.
Double power with parallel capability
This is unique to this mode and if we need more power despite having a 3000 watts output, we can connect the W03083 with another to get up to almost 6000 watts of power using a simple parallel cord.
Size and Weight
With 26.6 x 18.9 x 19.3 inches dimensions, this generator weighs 94 pounds. It is portable, comes with inbuilt wheels and folding handle which means it can be literally dragged to anyplace power is needed.
Fuel efficiency
With a 1.8 gallon tank, this generator can deliver approximately 8 hours depending on the load. This means it easily last overnight for most domestic uses. It also comes with an ECO mode that delivers varying amount of power matching how much is needed which goes a long way in fuel efficiency.
Display and Alerts
This generator has a 4-in-1 data minder display measuring Volts, Hertz, indicates hours left and indicates low oil.
Environmentally Friendly
It is Canada emission certified and along with ePA in 49 states and CARB certification in 50 states
Control Panel
The entire control panel is located on the side and is pretty straightforward like in most Firman models. It has an additional USB port that is really good in charging small appliances like phones.
Warranty
The Firman W03083 comes with a 3 year warranty.
Specs
- Running Watts: 3000
- Starting Watts: 3300
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.8 Gallons
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Run Time: 10 Hours
- Power Outlets: 4
- Weight: 109 lbs
- Dimension: 26 x 18.9 x 19.3 inches
- Starting Method: Manual Recoil Start
- Engine: 171cc Engine
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
2. Firman W01781
The Firman W01781 is a camper's dreams come true. Speaking of camping, compared to its more famous brands in its class, it is dirt cheap.
Features
Power
The Firman W01781 generator delivers 1700 watts of running power making it one of the most ideal generators for camping. It has in inbuilt inverter with Less than 3% Low THD-Clean power which means it can run the most delicate of appliance be it at home or in the wild.
Double power with parallel capability
Just like the W03083, the W01781 comes with parallel capability to connect it with another W01781 to get almost double the power using a simple parallel cord.
Noise
Installed with ‘Our Whisper Series muffler’, it runs at 54 decibels, well below RV camping and national parks standards and regulations. This is barely louder than a conversation between friends. For its class however, it is still considered to be on the noisy side.
Size and Weight
With 21.7 x 15 x 18.5 inches dimensions, this generator weighs 54 pounds. Light as it is noiseless.
Fuel efficiency
It has a 0.9 gallon tank and can deliver approximately 10 hours of run time. It is installed with Eco Mode that help match engine run to power demands and this makes it even more fuel efficient.
Display and Alerts
It has 3 LED indicators and has a low oil shut off feature. The entire control panel is located on the side and is pretty straightforward like in most Firman models.
Environmentally Friendly
It is Canada emission certified, EPA certified in 49 states and CARB certified in 50 states
Warranty
- As expected, it comes with a 3 year warranty.
- Specs
- Running Watts: 1700
- Starting Watts: 2100
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.9 Gallons
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Run Time depending on load: 10 Hours
- Outlets: 3
- Weight: 54 lbs
- Dimension: 21.7 x 15 x 18.5 inches
- Starting Method: Manual Recoil Start
- Engine: 80cc Engine
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
3. Firman P03601
This generator starts to lean on the heavy duty side of the spectrum of the Firman generators yet posses unique features compared to the other two covered below.
Features
Power
This portable open frame generator delivers 3650 watts of running power and has the usual 120V AC outlets. It can be used at home in case of a power outage because it can run the most essential home appliances. Alternatively, it is ideal at a job site because it can power electrical machines such as drills and compressors.
When it comes to RV Camping, it is the best value for money compared to prices of generators in its class.
Noise
The Firman P03601 operates at 67 decibels for its power outage making it ideal for RV camping and other quiet activities. At home, it is perfect in case of that unexpected power outage. At a construction site, this generator is barely noticeable thanks to a muffler installed on the generator.
Size and Weight
With 24 x 18.1 x 19.9 inches dimensions, this generator weighs 110 pounds. It is and portable and though many may consider it a little on the heavy side, it can fitted with an external wheel kit. Unfortunately this kit has to be bought separately
Fuel efficiency
It can deliver almost 14 hours depending on the load on a single 5 gallon tank. For basic household or camping needs, it easily last overnight.
Roll cage
As indicated earlier, one of the places the P03601 generator can be used is at a construction site. The durable roll cage that comes with it ensures the generator remains safe even in these seemingly high risk places.
Display and Alerts
This generator has a 4-in-1 data minder display measuring Volts, Hertz, indicates hours left and indicates low oil.
Environmentally Friendly
It is Canada emission certified in addition to ePA certification in 49 states and CARB certification in 50 states.
Control Panel
The entire control panel is located on the side and is pretty straightforward. In addition, it is a one stop shop. Everything you need is there.
Warranty
The Firman P03601 comes with a 3 year warranty.
Specs
- Running Watts: 3650
- Starting Watts: 4550
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 Gallons
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Run Time: 14 Hours
- Outlets: 3
- Weight: 110 lbs
- Dimension: 24 x 18.1 x 19.9 inches
- Starting Method: Manual Recoil Start
- Engine: 208cc Engine
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
4. Firman 4550
The Firman 4550 generator is a class apart from its competitors. It is remote started and this technology especially sets it apart
Features
Power
The Firman 4550 generator delivers a whopping 3650 watts of running power making it one of the most ideal generators for backup power at home. This literally runs all the appliances in the house like the power was never out. It comes with more than 5 power outlets
Remote Start
we may need to stand closer than the 168ft the manufacturer states the remote can work, but either way this generator can be operated from the comfort of your house. No need running in the rain and darkness to look for the recoil start.
Noise
Running 4550 watts at 67 decibels is quite remarkable making this heavy duty beast perfect for RV camping and other quiet outdoor activities. This rate of power output means it can serve at the construction site equally well and better than the P03601 and W03083.
Size and Weight
With 27.2 x 19.1 x 20.5 inches dimensions, this generator weighs 132 pounds and comes with 8’ Heavy Duty wheels and a folding handle. Though considered heavy, it is equally easy to move it around.
Fuel efficiency
It has a 5 gallon tank and can deliver approximately 14 hours depending on the load. It is more fuel efficient than most of it competitors
Display and Alerts
This generator has a 4-in-1 data minder display measuring Volts, Hertz, indicates hours left and indicates low oil.
Environmentally Friendly
It is Canada emission certified and California CARB certified
Warranty
As expected, it comes with a 3 year warranty.
Specs
- Running Watts: 3650
- Starting Watts: 4550
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 Gallons
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Run Time 50% Load: 14 Hours
- Outlets: 7
- Weight: 109 lbs
- Dimension: 26 x 18.9 x 19.3 inches
- Starting Method: Remote Start
- Engine: 171cc Engine
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
5. Firman H03651
The Firman generators are revolutionary and the 4550 Dual Fuel generator is no different. It can use either gas or propane
Features
Power
The Firman H3651 generator delivers a 3650 watts of running power on gas and 3300 running power on propane. It comes with 3 power outlets
Dual Fuel
It comes with a 5 gallon tank and a 5.5 ft LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) regulator hose included in the kit. Propane bottles can be purchased separately but this complimentary feature give us options of either using gas or LPG of both.
Noise
It can run 4550 watts at 67 decibels outstandingly making this heavy duty beast perfect for RV camping and other quiet outdoor activities just like the other 4550 range of generators.
Size and Weight
With 27.6 x 18.1 x 20.5 inches dimensions, this generator weighs 135.5 pounds and also comes with 8’ Heavy Duty wheels and a folding handle. It is almost an identical twin to the remote controlled 4550s.
Fuel efficiency
It has a 5 gallon tank and can deliver approximately 14 hours depending on the load. Likewise, it runs a full 20lb propane cylinder for 11 hours at 50% load making.
Display and Alerts
Unlike most Firman 4550 generators, this one has a 3-in-1 data minder display measuring Volts, Hertz and indicates hours left. It lacks an oil indicator and this is one of its cons. It however has the low oil shut off feature.
Environmentally Friendly
It is Canada emission certified and California CARB certified
Maintenance
Like the other Firman generators, it is easy to set up using the user’s guide and easy to maintain as it comes accompanied with oil, funnels and a spark plug wrench.
Warranty
As expected, it comes with a 3 year warranty.
Specs
- Running Watts (Gas/LPG): 3650/3300
- Starting Watts (Gas/LPG): 4550/411
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 Gallons
- Fuel Type: Gasoline/Propane (LPG)
- Run Time (Gas): 14 Hours
- Run Time 50% load (LPG): 11 Hours
- Outlets:4
- Weight: 135.5 lbs
- Dimension: 27.6 x 18.1 x 20.5 inches
- Starting Method: Manual Recoil Start
- Engine: 171cc Engine
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
All the generators above like the other Firman generators are easy to set up using the user’s guide and easy to maintain as they all come accompanied with oil, funnels and a spark plug wrench.
All the generators have their control panels on the side, a feature more famous brands have been relocating to the front. The reason for the relocation is that control panels on the side can be easily damaged when moving the generator unlike if it at the front.
The other major issue than can arguably be brought against this remarkable products would be noise. Most customers feel they could be quieter, but this also comes because they are being compared to more silent brands, not necessarily because they are out-rightly noisy.
Firman generators are made in China by Sumec Group who are specialized in engineering construction. Though relatively new to the Canadian and the American market, Firman generators have already gained a strong reputation. Yet despite them being reliable and durable, they retail at a fraction of their competitors. At this competitive prices, it is safe to say the sky is the limit for the Firman Generators.