New "value" gen-sets from Wacker

Diesel Progress North American Edition, May, 2007

Wacker Corp., Menomonee Falls, Wis., has expanded its portable generator line to now include four "value" models. The new the GV 2500A, GV 3800A, GV 5600A and GV 6600A gen-sets are designed to appeal to the more price-conscious contractor or do-it-yourselfer, offering simpler features than Wacker's premium line of 2.5 to 9.7 kW portable gen-sets.

Power ratings for the four units range from 2.5 kW for the GV 2500A to 6.6 kW for the top end GV 6600A. The new GV series gen-sets were developed to complement Wacker's premium portable gen-sets, providing only the necessary features needed for job-site applications such as powering electric pumps, breakers, drills, concrete vibrators, saws, lights or heaters. The gen-sets can also be used to provide temporary power for homes, small businesses and job trailers, the company said.

With production slated to begin this spring, Wacker has secured a third-party manufacturer to produce the GV sets to its exacting specifications. The four generators are each equipped with Honda's GX series gasoline engines, which incorporate an automatic engine control designed to reduce engine wear, noise and fuel consumption. The GV 2500A gen-set is powered by a 163 cc single-cylinder Honda GX160 engine rated 5.5 hp at 3600 rpm. Honda's 242 cc GX240 engine rated 7.4 hp at 3600 rpm is installed in the 3.8 kW GV 3800A set, while a 337 cc GX340 engine rated 11 hp at 3600 rpm powers the 5.6 kW GV 5600A. The GV 6600A gen-set is equipped with a 389 cc Honda GX390 series engine rated 7.4 hp at 3600 rpm.

The engines in each of Wacker's GV series gen-sets are paired with a Sawafuji alternator. According to Wacker, the alternator has a maintenance-free design and a separate excitation winding and automatic voltage regulation (AVR) for optimized voltage regulation and tool starting. Operating at 60 Hz single-phase, 120 V/240 V is available on the three larger sets and 120 V on the GV 2500A. This is supplied through two 125 V 20 amp ac GFCI outlets used throughout the line, along with dual twist lock receptacles on the three larger units.

A simplified control panel also provides an easy-to-read fuel gauge, main circuit breaker, engine on/off switch and voltage regulator switch. The full assembly is housed within a steel wraparound frame, including the 7.4 gal. (4.5 gal. on the GV 2500A) steel fuel tank, which Wacker said provides long run times between fills.

Dimensions for the three larger units are 28 in. long, 21.6 in. wide and 20.2 in. high. The GV 2500A gen-set offers a smaller 24.5 in. long, 17.2 in. wide and 19.3 in. high footprint.