Lutian LT3900 3.8kVA Gasoline Generator Detailed Review

It’s been three years since I last reviewed a power generating set. Viz; Harbor Freight Storm Cat 800w/900W portable generator. Funny enough, the gen still works till date.

Going forward from then, I’ve used a 2.8kVA Tiger generator and was supposed to choose between Sumec Firman and Haier Thermocool generators for this recent buy, but was somehow caught with Lutian instead.

My decision to go for Lutian gasoline power generating set was hugely influenced by Konga‘s nation-wide free delivery eShopping bonanza. I was able to save some bucks on it, as the want for a gen-set was just a side attraction and never atop my scale of preference.

So, this review is coming just after a month of active usage. I’ll update the page as soon as there’s new issues, solid assertions, recommended maintenance advice and etc.

About Lutian Gasoline Generators

Lutian, just like Elepaq and Elepon power generating set are new to the African market and trying to gain some level of acceptance by high-bough companies and/or major industries.

They’re imported from China and comes with some level of guarantee as their fake replicate model isn’t infiltrated the Nigerian market yet.

Lutian Machinery Co.,Ltd, though newly introduced to the Nigerian populace has been in machinery production business for more than a decade, and has shipped various power generating sets to several countries of the world.

In this first review of a Lutian-produced power generating set by 3ptechies, We’re going detail our view on their products, our personal experience and possible recommendation for early adopters.

Introducing Lutian LT3900E 3.8kVA Petrol Generator

Lutian LT3900E gasoline generator is an R classified (220V 50Hz), 100% copper made, air-cooled, 3.5kVA rated power generating set from Lutian Machinery Co., Ltd.

It features an electronic key starter for simple, quick-starting , a high quality automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for the safe-running of voltage sensitive electronic equipment and an oil alert system that indicates low oil levels by triggering an automatic switch off (of the machine) to protect the engine.

Other intriguing features that’s shipped with this power generating set includes: an easy-to-read display unit that indicates volt/amp meter, running frequency, and an automatic circuit breaker that shuts down the generator in critical situations such as over-load, bad connections, malfunctioning equipment and etc.

Lutian LT3900E 3.8kVA generator also features: a Pilot Lamp function that indicates the proper working of the machine and a Fuel sediment cup that stops dirt and/or water molecules from getting into the carburetor from the fuel tank. There is also the 12V/8.3A D.C output unit that comes in handy for the charging of car and/or inverter batteries.

As usual with most consumer generators, it is equipped with a rope-pull mechanism (Recoil) for starting the power generating set manually. There is two wheels also for balance and quick movement of Lutian LT3900 generator from one point to another.

Lutian LT3900 3.8kVA Generator Technical Specifications

Here’s the technical specifications for the LT3900E model of Lutian standard gasoline power generating set with electronic key starter.

• Size {L x W x H (cm)}: 725*445*450
• Weight/Color: 65kg/Black
• Phase: Single Phase
• Engine Type: 4-Stroke, Air Cooled, Single Cylinder Engine.
• Engine Coil Material: 100% copper
• Engine Ignition Type: Transistor Magneto
• Alternator Type: 2-pole, Brushless, synchronous, self exciting, 100% Copper Enameled Wire.
• Engine Starting System: Electronic Key Start plus Recoil (Manual Rope-pull Start).
• Voltage: 220V
• AC Frequency: 50Hz
• A.C Output: 3.8kVA max and 3.5kVA rated
• D.C Output: 12V/8.3A
• Fuel Type/Fuel Tank Capacity: Petrol/15 Liters
• Lube. Oil Capacity: 0.6 Liters
• Noise Level at about 7 Meters: 67dB
• Other Features: pilot lamp, built-in automatic voltage regulator (AVR), oil alert system and circuit breaker.

Coupling and First Use

As usual with our reviews, unboxing or in-the-box section is normally discussed, but for a large machine as this, we’ll look beyond unboxing to discuss about the requirements for best performance.

While coupling, the most difficult section we met was fixing the battery unit as there isn’t a credible screw-base unit built for it. We managed to firmly fasten the battery base with a single bolt, nut and washer.

Another basic need was the use of SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30)  4-stroke premium quality engine oil that’s certified to completely meet or exceed the U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service classification (SF/CC, SG, CD).

We found one that’s produced by Pertamina and retails for about ₦12,000 ($35) per 5 liters storage can. Lifted the machine sideways to fill to gauge.

We used the manual rope-pull starter for first use as the battery unit shipped with it was completely down. Our overall first impression was positive as the noise-level wasn’t as loud as our previous machine.

Lutian LT3900E Petrol Generator’s Noise Performance Test

We decided to check the noise performance of Lutian LT3900E 3.5kVA rated gasoline generator on no-load vs load vs heavy-load basis.

The test was carried out at distance of 0.5 Meters or thereabout and published at YouTube. You can watch the full video below and drop your opinion in the comments section.

Note that the video capture position can influence the noise-level as being in the exact direction of the exhaust pipe would normally output a louder noise than when standing by the side.

Use/Maintenance Advice

Since Lutian is a budget brand when compared with Sumec Firman, Honda and Haier Thermocool counterparts; we’ll advice you run it below its rated power output.

We strongly discourage against operating above the rated power or ever exceeding the maximum power. The use of manufacturer’s recommended engine oil (SAE 10W-30 viscosity motor oil) is highly advised and users should never ignore the maintenance schedule specified in the generator’s user manual.  

Finally we strongly recommend you use one heavy load at a time as models like Lutian has not been tested to limits by independent tech reviewers. Following this template will ensure longevity and prevention of frequent wear and tear on this unit.

Pricing and Availability

While major distributors can place bulk orders for Lutian petrol generators from their official website at chinalutian.com, direct consumers can shop directly from tech stores around.

It retails for a price between ₦72,000 and ₦82,000 on Konga, Jumia and few other online shopping malls. Port Harcourt shoppers can buy from the tech stores beside callus miller, 2nd artillery, Port Harcourt, R/S.

Our Review of Lutian LT3900 3.5kVA Rated Petrol Generator

After our first impression (discussed above), we went on to test this unit with some household appliances connected and was satisfied with the overall price Vs features performance of Lutian LT3900 gasoline generator. 

It conveniently powered our Polystar 1.5hp (housepower) floor standing mobile air conditioner (AC) unit, Haier Thermocool 180 Liters double-door refrigerator (HRF180EX), Philips pressing iron, Midea micro-wave oven and few other heavy items all tested at “1-at-a-time” basics.

With this, it will be proper to assert that Lutian LT3900 petrol generator can conveniently and effectively power electric loads not exceeding 3.5kVA. 

While we are highly impressed with the oil alert system that steadily monitors the oil-level in the generator’s crankcase and automatically shut down the engine if or when the oil-level falls below safe limits, we are somehow disappointed with the positioning of the oil filler, as it makes it hard to refill oil conveniently without a long (or special trunk) funnel.   

Another ill-feature of this unit is the air cleaner’s waste hole that stains the floor with excess oil released. A tiny container holder underneath the hole would have done a better job by holding the excess oil until they’re cleaned up with a towel or rag.

In all, the price Vs features ability of this model is great and can come in handy for those on budget. Other-wise Honda, Sumec Firman and Haier Thermocool generators gives more value for money.

Update: Comment from Sodiq.

The battery base is designed to fit beside the alternator. You will have to completely remove (or cut off) that black stud under the alternator to fit in the battery properly. It was installed to protect the alternator during shipping. Just slide in the base and you will see the matching holes. The bolts and nuts are in the box.