Occasionally, there is a storm like this in May after the leaves come out, and similar problems result.
22 inches when I was in 3rd grade. I've seen snow in Vermont in every month but July, including June and August in the last couple decades.
We had numerous New England October storms like this one in recent years, 2005 most recently. This one was just had more snow. 2005 really sucked because Jen had moved up to VT a few months earlier and I had told her that we didn't get much snow until late November or into December. She was scheduled to get new snow tires put on after work the day the storm hit. Needless to say, 6 inches of wet snow wasn't a fun drive for a Florida girl. 1991 was probably closer to this storm in damage.
Diesels are way more efficient fuel-wise than gassers.
And, in a pinch, you can run them on any old vegetable oil. The exhaust will smell like MacDonald's french fries. They'll even run on lamp oil AKA #1 Kerosene.
If you can find and accommodate a small one.
Absolutely, Bill. My genset of choice is the Detroit 2-71 with Delco genny, used by the railroads and Ma Bell for years. They aren't portable like those little Hondas or the generac kits, but they're pretty much bullet proof and should last a lifetime. 2 cylinder diesel, 1200 rpm, they use a gallon or so an hour. And they'll burn veggie oil or pretty much any type of waste oil provided you filter the chunks out. This is because they use a positive displacement fuel pump instead of an injector pump. They're rated at 40K hours use before an overhaul is needed, too.
They come in 12.5 or 20KW versions. 240v 3 phase, 220v/110v single phase. You can get the basic unit and build it up yourself which is great for many of us hands-on types who like to tinker. Even the 'pay-someone-to-do-it' types can play, it just costs about double ($5-$6K and up for a unit with fuel tank, power panel, etc vs. $2-$3K for the base unit). There's a place out near you Bill, called Affordable Power that carries these generators.
It's the perfect replacement for you, Steve, though I'd agree with Johnny about the cost of gas vs replacement of that old rig you have. At least the 2200 lb base weight wouldn't bother you.
An oil change will set you back a bit though, as they use something like 18-20 quarts of Delo 40w. Unless you use it a lot, you shouldn't need to do one often. But if you want a set capable of running your fridge, lights, heating/cooling units, radio gear and will last for life, these are the way to go. You can even get a fuel heater for colder climates.
