What are the best generator brands in New Zealand?

Whether it’s to back up your home, your farm or just provide some tunes and a charged phone when you’re away from an outlet, a generator can be a valuable tool that pays for itself in the convenience and reliability it provides. But, with so many options out there on the market, it can become tricky to figure out which generator is not only the best, but more importantly the best for your application.

Some generators do better in certain situations or applications, which is why we’ve gone through the trouble of taking a look at the main brands available here in New Zealand and highlighting which of their models are worth taking a look at – even if we don’t sell them ourselves.

Stocked by OMC

Briggs & Stratton

Experts in engines, Briggs & Stratton understandably do a great job at making quality generators too. Some of their standard/industrial models are class leaders but they’ve also developed a range of inverter generators that are reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Dunlite

Made in Australia, Dunlites are widely recognised as a leading brand that offers full service and support across New Zealand. Their standard/industrial models use Honda engines and range between 2.3kW and a whopping 16kW output. With firefighting specific models, their hard-wearing capabilities are extended across the lineup which makes them a great choice for extended outdoor uses. They also make PTO generators that can turn your tractor into a portable power plant.

Honda

World-renowned for their engine technology, Honda unsurprisingly make some of the most efficient generators available for home and commercial use. More expensive than Dunlite or Briggs & Stratton models, they are class-leading across the board – especially in their efficient, quiet and reliable inverter range.

Sincro

Sincro make a wide range of generators for use in mining, marine and construction, but there’s only one PTO generators of their we stock at OMC – “The Beast”. A 110kVA custom-made PTO generator it’s known for its fuel efficiency and the ability to provide mains power to your property within minutes.

Kohler

Regarded for their larger, industrial-sized generators, we choose to stock:
Kohler 14KW standby generators
Kohler 20 RESC - 3 Phase
Kohler 20RESD Single Phase Generator - New Model
Kohler 6VSG 24/36/24VDC Generator
because they’re reliable and suitable for the majority of homeowners and small business owners we meet.

Kohler Generators

Kohler makes a range of home standby generators, with their LPG/Natural Gas versions being particularly popular in New Zealand. These generators are made in the USA and will not only provide full backup power when required, but will actually add value as a chattel to your home or business. Kohler gas standby generators were born out of the powerful, relentless hurricanes affecting south eastern USA and are often fitted with auto-start kits so that the power will come on automatically after just 10 seconds.

Sincro PTO Generators

Sincro are European made PTO generators providing a reliable, superior quality unit with a special gearbox system that allows lower Tractor rpm and lower fuel burn at an affordable price. These feature a Digital Auto voltage regulation system for mains quality power output These PTO units typically range from 60-110 Kva and can be customised with 3 Phase hard wired mains cables, and different 3 phase and 1 Phase plug/outlet options to suit your individual needs. Particularly popular with dairy sheds and farms, these are fully serviceable with backup parts available.

Dunlite PTO Generators

Dunlite PTO are a lower cost unit, sold by us for 15 years with a proven track record fully supported from Dunlite Power Equipment in Melbourne, these PTO generators providing a reliable, unit at an affordable price. These feature a Digital Auto voltage regulation system for mains quality power output. These PTO units typically range from 60-100Kva and can be customised with leads and outlets 3 Phase and 1 Phase to suit your individual needs. Particularly popular with dairy sheds and farms, these are fully serviceable with backup parts available.

Yanmar Super Silenced Industrial Diesel Generator Sets

Japanese legends for reliability, Long Life, these are a low rpm, water cooled and super silent rated these units are excellent value for money in the Diesel category, used in applications of 500 Hours per year or more these are popular in off grid support and applications of total power supply, remote power supply for work sites, Holiday Houses, Farms, Pumps and Centre Pivot Irrigators in remote locations etc.

Yanmar are the pioneers of Diesel Inverter generators, available in 1 Phase and 1Phase/3 Phase supply in sizes 6.6Kva – 45 Kva range. These units offer extremely good value and outstanding value for money.

Kohler Diesel Industrial Generator Sets

Made in France to strict EU standards, the units are available in Silenced and Open Sets with base mounted long run fuel tanks with John Deere, Kohler and Volvo motors. Kohler provide a One Source responsibility for the system and accessories. All sets are Prototype tested, Factory built, and production tested built to ISO9001 in a accredited facility with a 2 Year 1000-hour warranty for standby applications and available in the 16Kva – 250 Kva range in 1/3 phase applications.

Not stocked by OMC

Polaris

Polaris may be better-known for their off-road vehicles, but their inverter generators come in at a nice price point when compared to Briggs & Stratton. Their most popular model is the P3000IE.

Ryobi

Very cheap compared to the generators we stock at OMC (under $500 at some chain outlets), the tradeoff you make when opting for a cheaper brand from a retailer is its reliability and the ability to service it down the track.

AEG

Reasonably priced, with a small limited range of 2 models AEG petrol generators use Yamaha engines and feature electric start switches and ergonomic handles which make them easier to transport. Again, however, it’s worth doing your research into these models because after-purchase support and replacement parts may not always be available.

Kipor

Very cheap and all Chinese made, compared to the generators we stock at OMC (under sold at various Big Box stores and some chain outlets), the tradeoff you make when opting for a cheaper brand from a retailer is its reliability, longevity and the ability to service it down the track and also poor resale value

Figuring out which generator you require can be a little confusing, but it certainly doesn’t need to be difficult. To give you a great idea of which kind of generator you need, head to the generator section on our website, or feel free to get in contact with us to find out more detail.