Russ Johnson
Equipment Expert
After being in the service department for 25+ years, I can personally vouch for the 120 volt system. They don't depend on as many variables to run properly. A 12 volt DEPENDS on the battery, battery cables and connections, the charging system on the engine,which, in itself is a source of many variables, the ambient temperature,a cold battery is weaker,like a baby depends on a mothers milk. With a 120 volt, you've got a durable generator and a belt. As long as the engine runs at the specified speed and the belt is tight, the rest is exactly the same ( motor, transformer, fuel pump, etc.). Let the voltage drop off for any reason, and a 12 volt could fry a transformer or solenoid coil. The electrical components on a 120 volt are also less expensive to replace when the time comes. I have seen 10 year old 120 volts running just fine. As a side note, you guys with 12 volt systems, as a part of your maintenence program, when you do your tune ups ( once a year), check the brushes in your motor if they are accessible. If the carbon brush wears out and the copper wire hits the rotor it could burn out the motor. Brushes are cheaper than motors. Much cheaper.