Up
For sale is a military surplus 5 kW rated (can put out 7.5 kW) generator MEP-017A. It was made by Onan. Unlike some junkier military surplus generators you see sold on ebay, this one has not been repainted by the seller with spray paint, it looks good simply because it sat in a nice military warehouse most of its life. I tested it at 7.5 kW and it works fine at 50% above rated load. For more details of my testing, see below.
This is a bulletproof generator made to survive rigors of military life and stupidity of poorly trained operators. It has air filters, fuel filters, oil filters, etc. See more details below. This unit cannot be compared to cheap stuff sold at box stores. It is also relatively quiet.
It cost $3,900+ 20+years ago, it is still basically in a new condition.
It is good for homeowners because of its reliability, lighted panel, ease of starting even in foul weather, and safety features. It can be installed with the exhaust piped outside. Please observe all safety and use a licensed professional if you are thinking of installing it indoors, exhaust is deadly. It is good for contractors because of 3 phase capability, all weather capability, good intake air filter for dusty conditions, and ability to handle heavy loads. With this generator, you can buy cheap powerful 3 phase electric motors and run your shop equipment with them. You'd save a bundle on a phase converter.
It was overhauled at Toole Army Depot when it had 5 hours, and mothballed 3 months later. A confirming record of preparing this genset for storage can be found in the tool box of this generator. A military manual is included. Please do me a favor and read it completely before starting this generator. This generator is not a toy and needs to be treated with respect it deserves.
As of right now, it has only 65 hours on the hour meter.
Technical data:
This generator will serve someone for years. It is unlikely to break down because of its numerous safety features: circuit breaker, low oil, high temp, overspeed etc shutdowns. It will shut down rather than break down.
After filling it with fresh 5W30 oil, I gave this generator thorough testing. It runs at frequency of approximately 60.3 Hz. It vibrates very little. I load tested it at 4.5 kW, 6 kW, and 7.5 kW using resistive loads (various heaters). It held up just fine and frequency did not deviate by more than 1-1.5 Hz. All indicators such as battery charge rate, oil pressure etc are fine. The last picture shows the instrument panel while running.
This generator is very easy to start. I was testing it in relatively cold weather (30F or so).
Shipping. Item is in Lisle, IL 60532. Local pickup is free. I have a hoist. Shipping is responsibility of the buyer, but I will help. This generator weighs 490 lbs and can be shipped on a pallet via common carrier. To save you substantial money on shipping, I can deliver it to a shipping company within 30 miles for $50, instead of having them pick it up on my driveway. If you arrange to pick it up at your shipping company terminal, you will save a bundle. I can build a crate for $60. For an example of my crating job, click here. Delivery within Chicagoland can be done at 50 dollars within 30 miles, $100 dollars between 30-50 miles. Buyer unloads.
Freightquote is an excellent business and I recommend calling them on the phone. Explain that the shipper will drop off the item at the carrier terminal (within 30 miles of lisle, IL 60532). It will make shipping much much cheaper.
What is not included: the jerry can is not included. It is mine. Batteries are not included. The casters are also not included. I added them for ease of moving it around in my garage and concrete driveway. If you plan on using this for construction, put it on larger casters. If you want the casters, the charge is $20.
Please look at high quality pictures by clicking on thumbnails below.
