Ever wondered who builds the best generator engines? We've put them to the test - now it's time to crown the winners.
A generator is only as good as its engine. Sure it might be packed with the most innovative features, large capacity fuel tanks, noise-reducing casing, remote starting and more. But when it comes to the crunch, if the generator's engine isn't up to par, its performance won't be either. Read more about best generator engines.
There are a number of generator engine names out there - many of which you will have heard of - like Yamaha and Honda - plus a few you might not have. Because each manufacturer specialises in a different class of engine, there's not really one engine that's better than all the rest across all types. It comes down to the particular type of generator and how you use it.
To find out who scoops top honours for each generator type, we put a range of different generators to the test. Here are the results:
Best Engines For Inverter Generators
Yamaha's MZ80 engine is sheer brilliance. The power behind Yamaha's 2000w generator, the MZ80 boasts the best energy output and fuel efficiency compared to other generators its size. Its only 79cc vs competitor's 98cc sized engines, yet the Yamaha produces as much if not more power than its rivals. Perfect for inverter generator applications.
But let's not forget Honda's GX100. Also providing the power behind the brand's 2000w generator (Honda EU20i), the GX100 is an engine you can rely on.
Best Engines For Petrol Trade & Backup Generators
Honda wipes out the field with its famous GX390 engine. This little beauty is a feat in engineering, combining super tough durability and exceptional power output with fuel efficiency and quiet performance. It's pretty legendary and on any standard 8kVA trade generator worth its salt, you'll find a Honda GX390. The best Australian Generator Manufacturers such as Gentech, Powerlite and Dunlite use the Honda GX390 in their all-purpose petrol trade generator models.
Special mention here also to Generac. The American designed and built generator, Generac OHVI engines stands alone as the only one specifically designed for generator usage. They pride themselves on being the market leader for home and business back-up generators and build their engines to handle demands for prolonged periods when required.
Best Engines For Diesel
Kohler; One of the best generator engines. These guys really know how to build a diesel engine with maximum power, long term performance and heavy-duty construction. It's no coincidence, then, that these are the engines chosen for mine-spec generators from the likes of Gentech and Dunlite.
Also highly commended is the Yanmar engine. This Japanese manufacturer has been building engines for more than a century for a massive range of applications, from seagoing vessels to agricultural equipment and generator sets. Powering Pramac's three-phase generators, Yanmar diesel engines are really built to last. Designed with Yanmar's proprietary direct injection technology, maximum combustion efficiency is achieved. Again, your best Australian Generator Manufacturers such as Gentech, Powerlite and Dunlite use Kohler and Yanmar Diesel engines in their Diesel gensets.
Best engines for Large Diesel Stationary Generators
Yanmar also feature here, but for number one spot, we couldn't go past Perkins. Get to know this name because they are leading the way in diesel engines for stationary generators and have been doing so for the last 80 years. They have no less than nine classes of diesel engine, from the compact 400 series to the super-powered 4000 series. Pramac and Powerlink Stationary generators use the Perkins 1000 series, which delivers compact, efficient power and reliability. You'll find Pramac and Powerlink stationary gensets, powered by Perkins engines, providing backup and prime power to commercial buildings and on industry job sites all over country. These are some of the best generator engines you can choose from.
Do you agree on our list of champions? Tell us what you think!
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
