Will This Power Our Off Grid Homestead Or Did We Throw Money Away?

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[@ianclark8934]

I used to buy Champion. The company offers good support/parts, but nothing beats a Honda for quality, sound, gas consumption, weight/clean power. It's a once in a longtime purchase and worth the extra money.

[@phuongvo3051]

Building your house with your own wood, mills your own woods , with your own tallent and you both working hard couple , I could see there is a bright path to success ❤

[@donaldshields2483]

Looks like a nice generator I don’t know anything about generators but so keep up the good work and I will keep watching god bless

[@RickP654]

Hello Greg & Katie, I hope you haven't damaged your engine running low or empty on fuel. Please remember to always check the oil on brand new equipment with a gasoline engine. Also, if you do smoke your engine on a brand new generator, chances are the warranty will be voided because you didn't fill it with oil first. I hope this helps you with future purchases envolving gasoline engines. God bless you and keep you safe.

[@waddeym]

The wood chipper was definitely a good investment for you. Cover the mud, use it for compost, and clean up the saw mill area all at the same time. A suggestion on the generator, I would run it on propane as much as possible. Propane doesnt dirty the engine as much as gasoline and propane does not go bad in long term storage and if you can get bulk propane deliveries, you could install a large tank that would supply many hours of runtime.

[@thomasjay975]

good idea on the propane. U can even bury the tanks so they aren't intrusive.

[@jameswulzen590]

good advice.

[@markholmes1346]

I’m glad the generator is working for you guys, great news! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@lauraquigley6403]

Good morning Katie & Greg & Fur babies! Can’t wait to see what you guy’s are doing today! I am glad Greg finds milling as a way to relax after work. Plus, it has benefits to the homestead! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Blessing’s

[@bay9876]

Pure sine wave output with low DB Noise would be the best generator. Wood Chipper has been the best machine for ground work around the house. Nice and drier with hardly any mud. Any hardwood chips could be used for a smoker as an added bonus. The goats first choice for ground cover.

[@curtfunk2370]

A little trick to get something awkward out of a box. Open the box, flip it so the opening is on the ground - then just lift the box off. Used to do that for CRT computer monitors that were a pain to get out of the box. Works on generators too.

[@user-ld1qg6xg5m]

It's admirable what you are doing, A lot of rookie mistakes are being made. THINK SAFETY FIRST ! If the brake isn't working, make some chocks for the rear wheels. You have vibration in the chipper that is shaking the whole tractor, if you are on an incline it can roll away. MOST IMPORTANT... If it clogs up, SHUT OFF THE TRACTO,R, Disconnect all controls and take the strain off. My friend lost his grandson who stopped to unplug with the tractor running, He put his hand in to unplug it, it had tension on the pto and chewed him up. It pulled him in and he was dead instantly. My friend noticed the tractor was running. went to see what's going on.... you can finish the story. I'd hate to see your next video about becoming a widow.

[@chuckolson5825]

I can’t say for sure but I do believe that all generations that are now on the market have oil level control. This prevents them from blowing up.

[@synyunlee3888]

U should build a roof covered your saw mill like the other Utube guys, that way your machine will last longer

[@mlutke4067]

That tractor & chipper is one of your BEST investments!!! Yaaaayyy for wood chips & less mud!! So happy the generator worked!! 😎

[@georgeyboyhowe1685]

turn the yellow switch to the picture of the fuel

[@jtmack77]

Dig a pit with a drain on hillside. Insert noisy generator, cover for sound dampening. Plus it will maintain 54 F ground temperature.

[@vincentcotnoir1356]

Pretty sure the generator was stopping because of the safety switch for oil, keep the generator level and always full of oil, and once again, don't screw the cap to check the oil. You see at the moment you add some oil it was running ok ;) Happy to see that it will be good for you .

[@leaiverson8302]

You need class 5 gravel to solve the mud problem. Wood chips will degrade over time and become part of the problem. We had the same problem with our long driveway. It took two layers of class 5 and it worked fine. Keep up the great work. We really enjoy watching your videos.

[@rolandtb3]

Ah, wood chips, drier ground finally. Backup power and charging for those grid power failure days, cloudy, overcast and snowy days. Also useful for running tools. That generator is loud. Moreso as outside noise travels. Insulated shed coming.

[@mocktheday9322]

So much noise ... unbelievable. Glad you got it going.👍👍

[@kopenhagenkid]

Nice Looking generator Greg and Katie

[@fredl.mcbride5569]

🛐 4 the new Generator working out!! From South Carolina👍 totally enjoy watching you two making it happen!

[@Volusia1]

That Champion generator has an automatic low oil shut off. All those features in power equipment are smart for those that don’t service their equipment but can be a pain in the a#%!!!

[@tombrown-ng6nc]

that was funny watching the goats. they sometimes act like they are dogs. wood chips is a great idea to combat the mud plus as they will also compost into dirt. like your channel!

[@garyhaines6632]

In order to quiet it down you need to put a berm on the two sides facing the house!!! The berm needs to be at least one foot higher than the motor!

[@BNewfoundland]

Just love the chipper- Keep this up in a couple of years you will be very rich soil.

[@mullima]

I have this exact Champion generator, and I've been using it for about 3 years. It's totally reliable. The trick is, I've never used gasoline in it, only propane..... gasoline left for any length of time will gum up the carburetor. Also, you'll be way happier if you spend the $30 bucks for the wheel kit.

[@CrustyAbsconder]

It is very likely that any generator is shipped with some oil in it, but no enough oil, and that during transportation, the box is placed upside down and all that oil gradually seeps into places oil should not go. It could take weeks for the oil to drain back down out of those nooks and crannies where it doesn't belong.

[@kd2eat]

Oh man, hard start with that Champion. Glad to see you got it running! We just had a bad power outage, with frozen pipes and all. I just installed a generator inlet and picked up a generator for our house in case the grid lets us down again. Here's hoping we all have many years of trouble-free running with our generators!

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

Damp and icy wood can suddenly thaw in the chipper and condensation can make chips stick together making a clog. Remember that frosty chips are slick for vehicles and shoes. Worst when packed into mud then frozen. 8000watts at 120 volts is 65amps, so watch the rpm when only running to charger.

[@FrugalBuilding]

I would forget about the 10 gauge cable and go with 4 gauge. Then you can draw the full 60 amp capacity from the generator to run your home or charge your batteries.

[@keenansells3827]

I just love your goats. They act like dogs

[@53221carvel]

We have a generator like that one. When the oil is on the full it is actually on the lower side. We have to make sure it is on the full line or a tad above it or no run.

[@richardwhite4277]

@26:00 in video your home is looking really nice / bathrooms , kitchen and all LOOKS GREAT !!!

[@oleman490]

My son used my first champion 4000 and burned it up;;;still have the second one;;;;oil sensors sometimes give troubles if not level;;;when unit is level no problems;;;glad to see ya got er runnin;;;;;gee I had to go lay down and rest watchin all that wood chippin;;;but made it back to see ya playin with the kids;;;lol;;;ya got me plum work out watchin today;;;;lol;;;glad to see she kicked in and started producing;;;just like them goats ya got feed em to keep em runnin;;;;thumbs up and keep em comin

[@TheHavasu_77]

I have to say it again, I absolutely LOVE how you guys use everything, even the wood scraps, to make your homestead better. The wood chipper was definitely a game changer!! I’ll be praying that your other generator purchase comes through just as nicely. It’s always lovely seeing you guys, and much love to you from Arizona! ❤😊

[@mehmet284]

havasu are you Turkish

[@TheHavasu_77]

@@mehmet284 nope, American.

[@mehmet284]

@@TheHavasu_77 ohw ok you have turkish name hava is sky and su means water

[@TheHavasu_77]

@@mehmet284 cool! Now I know what the name of my town means! I live in Lake Havasu City, Arizona USA! I do know that that name was derived from the fact that the Havasupai native Indians are here!

[@mehmet284]

@@TheHavasu_77 ok so it is native ok greetings from the netherlands thnx for repling

[@Volusia1]

I’ve had a champion generator for 12 years used on job sites weekly. Never had any issues with it ever. I change oil twice a year and adjust overhead valves once every two years. That has an low oil auto shut down which can be a pain on occasion. Especially if generator is set up on unlevel ground.

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Katie and Greg. For not wanting to spill the beans, you have a mess to clean up. Did you know that many times, manufacturers put fun facts in their booklet they include with the equipment? Many parts of a pine tree are edible. Have good days!

[@davidrogers5343]

refine Wood looks simply fine to me for building in the woods or anywhere need to save money. need to slow down and smell the roses.

[@twx8626]

Renew yourself. Indeed, this generator is very noisy at night. It will sound louder than a tractor. Lower the noise. Solder an exhaust pipe. Car exhaust silencer. and a fuel tank from an old car / or from a car lot after an accident.. to reduce noise you do need to build a BOX + double walls

[@peterthrupp3133]

Love the antics of your goats.

[@randycornell9796]

If you can read !! It probably said what to do before you start it. Sometimes manufacturers don't ship engines with enough oil in them if at all.. It pays to Read the directions on things like this.. Just from my experience.. Hope it works for you guys!! Stay safe my friends.🤓👍🤓👍Randy.

[@alantorrance6153]

At 26.47 you measured the oil level after twisting the Bunny Oil Stick into its hole. DO NOT do that. Measure from placing the stick into the receptacle, but DO NOT TWIST. You will get an incorrect high reading. If you check your manual, you will probably find an instruction "to leave the oils stick unscrewed when checking the oil level". It looks as if that "Bunny stick" goes in about 1cm. That will be the amount of oil level you need to make up. It is a lot in a small engine. READ YOUR INSTRUCTIONS, even if you think you know them. Do not be know-it-all-smartypants. Your bad starting could be due to low oil level.

[@brendafarrow3117]

Aaa friends , we’re in Michigan & had the same muck as u’s . We built a ( like old fire trails)cedar corduroy driveway. Then wood chips & driveway carpet ( like rail road ) chips on top . It’s lasted for 30 years so far . Keep the videos coming, good job

[@dorothyallen3614]

Great job guys on the wood chips! As far as the generator, you must check the oil at all times, most will not run without oil, but you should know that, working with other generators. Best of luck.

[@waynehall8131]

Great job gonna be awesome, that's my favourite kind of building, just a suggestion,put lots of thought into how to build an lay out the work benches before you start, thanks for sharing 😊

[@carlcartwright9863]

Love it! One suggestion: crushed gravel is the better long term solution….

[@ThisOffGridLife]

Definitely

[@elmerwright8662]

I think you'll have a nice place you all are doing a great job. I love watching your videos.

[@blklbluvr]

I’m thinking check the oil and then you did. Most of these larger generators have a low oil shut off.

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Greg and Katie

[@patmoreau1380]

Hey guys, I had a 4500 Champian and for some reason it had to be perfectly level for it run. Good luck and hopefully everything will go well for you. You guys are still rocking it.👍👍👍

[@richardwhite4277]

@23:10 school bus and goat shed have to go to get the view you want / and lose chicken cope and then you can a beautiful front yard with a view of the mountains minus some trees LOL

[@rjaquaponics9266]

sink holes, along with mud holes are in your future. The ground will not dry out. The wood chips will look good orginallly, but change to ugly later.

[@hallenw]

I have that exact Champion generator. I run it on propane only. I use a trickle charger to keep the battery maintained. Powers my whole house, including AC!

[@Silent_runner]

Nice work on the driveway with wood chips Greg is getting pro at spreading them out. And very good at doing wood on the mill. Katie we saw quite a bit of you going back and forth chipping. And the new generator will help your homestead alot pity you can't have more panels for solar on your roof of your house you might have a clear view of the sun. And silence thanks for the latest video Katie super editing and always a smile from you when talking looking forward to this next challenges you have in store.

[@ThisOffGridLife]

😊

[@mariemcgillen7401]

needs to level and i think they have a low oil shut off so that might be what happened there

[@dropshot1967]

I saw you screw the dipstick for the oil back in, but there are motors and generators that measure the oil level by inserting the dipstick but not screwing it in. That will always be mentioned in the manual.

[@Tanks-Link]

You guys will definitely need to build a sound box, we built a sound box for our 10 K and if you build them right they work amazing. Mine is a Generac and for $45 you can put a remote start switch on it that will work like 100 feet away so ours is nowhere near our cabin

[@truthserum8326]

Thanks for the wood chips to get rid of mud tip. I needed that!

[@jamesharris7868]

Look how much you cleaned up by chipping that mess of off cuts you did an awesome job Katie 👍

[@willwipf7030]

It runs about seven hours at 50 amps on a tank of gas , about 32 to 40 hours on propane,till it gets cold than the propane tank freezes up

[@timryan6335]

Champion as a safety feature that’s turns off the engine when there’s not enough oil

[@cedricbroussard8738]

Thank God I was starting to worry 😟 😰 but it works 💪

[@CrustyAbsconder]

Obviously the goats need a playground with a ramp to go up and something to do at the top and a separate ramp to go down

[@rg1599]

I love my Woodland Mills chipper.

[@1944chevytruck]

Awesome its nice when a plan comes together....

[@leighdowns9928]

Hey Sorry I have a confession! I didn’t pray for the generator to work good thing you didn’t need them, good luck with it. Cheers from NZL

[@ronaldclark2624]

Thanks for sharing! The wood chips work well. Ron PTL USA

[@garysparks2681]

I don't know - but you might want to consider using the tractor to move that big snow pile over the edge of the lot. Seems like it is in a rather strange place to be sitting while a melt is going on.

[@karenriggle5435]

We have a big Honda generator since then our son took an old 12 horse gas motor off of an air compressor added 2 12 volt alternator and it cut the gas usage and time it takes to generate power for our battery's

[@KSAdventures72]

blade is done, when I saw you sharpening them with a handgrinder I knew that would happen ... and your wood is frozen .. if you wannna cut frozen wood the "teeth" need to be set further out .... I had a mobile sawmill for 7 years and cut a LOT of lumber at client's ... :)

[@andredionne7769]

regarde si tu as un sensor sur le moteur si parfois elle arrête et veut pas repartir l huile est sale et change l huile met de la synthétic elle va duré plus lompgtemps l.huile10w30 castrol

[@debbievogt9881]

Those goats are smart. I think they can learn to sharpen those saw bands

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

This was a very needed work and determination...I was thinking about it remembering an area I lived in and where the roads where not paved by the city...it was a city neighborhood area...and rain season was like walking through a mud river and in the dry season it was like a desert air...😩 dusty, very dusty air... and to pave the street we got together in their street and ...payed...a lot of money... for the pavement....and what a difference it has been...such a relief...and watching your video I could feel your relief... 👍 a way better for you 💫

[@ThisOffGridLife]

It will be a good day when we can get gravel here!

[@sharonyonker4688]

Nice wood , I thought it was going on your home.😊

[@donnawade2225]

its called low oil shut off purpose is to save your motor if you don't check your oil very often

[@randyblanchard4200]

The generator has to be perfectly level. Always. And also change the oil.... I think...50 hours..check manual.

[@susiemurphy1476]

Hooray! Let the power flow!

[@hombredeacero3131]

Congrats on your new purchase hope it’s everything you wanted it to be.

[@herbrotter]

Salutations & Greetings Katie and Greg, As you have gotten heckled here on KZbin of not using gravel, please add me to the list. As one who hates dealing with mud, this is my recommendation once you wonderful folks can make the move financial. This is based upon on the conditions of this video and previous ones through the build. Stone sizing is based here, your neighbor south of the border. I would use #1 stone (2-4 inches in size) to establish a firm base on all the traffic areas and areas that are prone to water buildup as the first tier. This might sound overkill by many here on the Tube, however, the bottom tier is the most important, especially in your property. Think of it as the footing for the foundation wall. Depending on the supplier’s size of the that material, you might need to 2 layers for the first tier. Of course, you need to remove the wood chips to start on the dirt and need a roller compactor which most rental shops should have the small motorized double drum version that you walk behind to it. If they do not have #1 stone, #3 stone (1/2 to 2 inches in size) would work as well. At least 3-6 inches deep for this layer depending on your supplier’s size to establish this tier. Same as before with the wood chips and compaction. Let the first tier sit for a while before you add the next tier. Settling will occur naturally and that will vary on the time of year when it is installed. Then I would do one final roller compaction on it. For the final tier, #57 stone (3/4 inch in size) which will also be your primary drainage layer. This will get install over the first tier (3 inches the minimum) and other areas that did not receive that tier (as much as you think that will work). This can easily be installed with a plate compactor or the roller compactor if you still have it. In addition, with #57, you have many options to finish it. Keep up the excellent build and craftsmanship. 😃

[@ronaldlincoln2935]

sweep your wheel rails on your mizer and you will have less undulation...just a tip

[@blaxtarr]

Glad you all shared that about your generator and Invertor/Chargers. I have the same generator issue with my SunGold system. It will not accept the generator power input. I will have to get another new generator later when I can afford the expense. Thanks for sharing.

[@heatherd3660]

Play time with the goats…too cool! ❤ Their wee tails were wagging! 😂 Glad the generator worked after some tense moments…hope it earns it’s keep! Another great segment…cheers.

[@ThisOffGridLife]

They are feeling the spring excitement

[@larrybell4599]

Happiness is a good generator!

[@laruedouglas7972]

Good Saturday Morning. Are you building a barn for the animals? With the moisture on the wood could have helped clogged it up. The goats are so funny 🤣 to watch. Make sure you have enough oil in your generator.

[@wadeprior5203]

Good morning my friend how you guys doing today hope it's a barn I hope it's a barn alright you guys are doing a great job keep up the good work all right and God bless you guys 🙋🔥💯😀😀💙🐱😻😻🐶🐶🏡🤑🥀🍀🏠💛❤️❤️

[@teresarumley8694]

Well done ❤❤

[@salutations5749]

I'm raising my Glass for the Win !!! I know how frustrating equipment of all sorts can be. Take care !

[@willwipf7030]

I have the same generator I ran it for 1003 hours straight except for changing oil and switching it over to propane every night,it's a little loud but it's definitely a great running machine,still use it for welding outside the shop,

[@gracelomas9548]

That should do the trick guys 👍 have a good weekend bless

[@edwardmeno3365]

Hi guys Benn following for a little while now! I appreciate how are your cottage and real the content is! Thank you! That new generator is just fine. The brand is not the best but if you learn how to properly run it and maintain it will work for you. Yes I will continue to pray for you but not just for ease of experience but for your JOY in discovery and PEACE IN ADVERSITY.

[@carolfaberpeake857]

So many things to deal with!!! Congrats!!

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Good to see you Hank & Tommy, it is great to see that old Scratcher back in the Game. Looking forward to the Ole’ Ferd Vidja, I like my old 7.3 and that is a Nice Rig for the Farm. I’ll catch you on the next one

[@Darklrd0]

definitely not me creating lyrics and singing using the soundtrack in the beginning of the video lmao

[@lynnemac1402]

So pleased for you that the generator worked. That chipper is so good and you get a lot of use out of it. Your goats are so funny, I dont know the breed but considering that they look like they have big tummy they can really run and jump lol. I love watching you at work with the saw mill it is so amazing and very interesting to watch x

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I was just talking to coworker about why we are going d.c. electric off grid. And just having one smaller inverter for skill saw, welder, or whatever. I am just going with boat fridge, freezer, and stove. More a fan of cutting vertical than horizontal. The weight of wood don't pinch blade. I need to get a gas generator for power hunger tools.

[@offgridrooster]

If at first you don't succeed try and try again! ☮️🙏☯️

[@janetestis1472]

Good job!

[@stephenoshaughnessy2279]

You definitely want to protect that from the elements. A small shed will do the trick. Putting something to dampen the sound would be good. The chips were a great idea. The goats are hilarious.

[@markdaugherty6378]

35 amps with 10 copper gauge wire might be a good place to start, maybe you should verify that before opening the champagne. Love your channel and enjoy seeing your companionship and hard work on the homestead. More of the goats and Juniper.

[@stevenfrazier8939]

They never ship with oil, you always have to add it. the unit tells you to add oil before starting.