Petrol generator Güde GSE 3701 RS
Güde GSE 3701 RS is a 4-stroke petrol generator with an OHV engine of 208 cm³ and 4.2 kW, rated output 2,800 W, synchronous generator with automatic voltage regulator (AVR), recoil start, 15 L fuel tank and up to 16 hours of running time at 50% load. Manufactured by Güde GmbH & Co. KG, Wolpertshausen (Germany), founded in 1979. Distributed in Italy by Krollit, official Güde distributor since 2007.
Important: this generator must not be used to power electronically sensitive devices such as laptops, smartphones or audio equipment. The synchronous generator with AVR does not produce a clean sine wave equivalent to an inverter generator and is not suitable for modern switching-mode power supplies.
- Rated output: 2,800 W
- Continuous output: 2,500 W
- Output voltage: 2 x 230 V / 50 Hz
- Output current: 11 A
- Engine: 4-stroke OHV, air-cooled, 208 cm³
- Engine power: 4.2 kW / 5.6 hp
- Running time at 50% load: 16 hours
- Fuel tank: 15 L (petrol, E10 compatible)
- Starting system: recoil start
- Voltage regulation: automatic AVR
- Protections: low-oil shutdown, overload protection
- Net weight: 42.2 kg
- Compliance: CE, Euro 5, TÜV Rheinland
Krollit logistics and support
Dispatch within 5–9 working days (7 days for Southern Italy regions). Ground-floor delivery with tail lift included. Technical assistance in Italian available for the lifetime of the product. Original Güde spare parts available from Krollit warehouse, Monteforte Irpino (AV).
Who uses the GSE 3701 RS and for what
Krollit customers use the GSE 3701 RS primarily in three settings: construction and road sites without mains connection, where it powers concrete mixers, site pumps, angle grinders and work lighting; farms and rural businesses in areas with unreliable grid supply, where it acts as a power backup for irrigation pumps, refrigeration units and electric tools; outdoor events and markets, where it supplies refrigerated displays, payment terminals and 230 V lighting rigs. The 2,500 W continuous output is sufficient for a 160 L concrete mixer (typical draw approx. 1,500 W) with headroom for a second light tool running simultaneously.
Who the GSE 3701 RS is for
| Profile | Suitability | Reason |
|---|
| Tradesperson, builder or farmer using traditional electric tools (inductive motors, resistive loads, lighting) | Suitable | 2,500 W continuous output covers concrete mixers, pumps, angle grinders and site lighting. |
| Outdoor event organiser with resistive or commercial refrigeration loads | Suitable | 16-hour runtime at 50% load and 15 L tank allow a full working day without refuelling. |
| User needing to power laptops, smartphones, hi-fi equipment or musical instruments | Not suitable | The synchronous generator with AVR does not produce a clean enough sine wave for modern switching-mode power supplies: risk of damage to electronics. An inverter generator is required for these uses. |
| Use in enclosed spaces (garage, shed, unventilated warehouse) | Not suitable | Internal combustion engine: CO emissions are incompatible with enclosed spaces. Outdoor use or well-ventilated areas only. |
Not suitable for: electronically sensitive devices (laptops, smartphones, audio equipment, medical instruments, UPS systems); use in enclosed spaces; applications requiring frequency stability within ±0.5 Hz.
Professional applications
Construction and road sites
With 2,800 W rated output and 11 A across 2 x 230 V sockets, the GSE 3701 RS simultaneously powers a 160 L concrete mixer (typical draw 1,400–1,500 W) and 500 W LED site lighting, with an operational headroom of approximately 300–400 W. The built-in overload protection trips automatically on current spikes, protecting the generator and connected loads.
Agriculture and rural areas
The 15 L tank with 16 hours of runtime at 50% load supports 1,000–1,500 W water-lifting pumps for a full working day without refuelling. The wheeled trolley with large wheels and foldable handle eases movement on unpaved terrain, with a net weight of 42.2 kg.
Technical specifications
Electrical output
| Output voltage | 230 V |
| Output current | 11 A |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Rated output | 2,800 W |
| Continuous output | 2,500 W |
| Number of sockets | 2 x 230 V |
| Voltage regulation | AVR (automatic) |
Engine and fuel
| Engine type | 4-stroke OHV, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 208 cm³ |
| Engine power | 4.2 kW / 5.6 hp |
| Fuel | Petrol (E10 compatible) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15 L |
| Runtime at 50% load | 16 hours |
| Engine oil grade | 15W40 / 10W30 |
| Engine oil capacity | 0.6 L |
| Starting system | Recoil start |
Safety and compliance
| Low-oil shutdown | Present (automatic cutoff) |
| Overload protection | Present |
| Voltmeter | Present |
| Protection class IP | 23M |
| Sound power level LWA | 96 dB |
| CO₂ emissions | 933.51 g/kWh |
| Compliance | CE, Euro 5, TÜV Rheinland |
Dimensions and weight
| Length | 605 mm |
| Width | 600 mm |
| Height | 542 mm |
| Packaging dimensions (L x W x H) | 680 x 480 x 490 mm |
| Net weight | 42.2 kg |
| Gross weight (packaging) | 47 kg |
| Güde article code | 40728 |
| GTIN | 4015671853332 |
Original Güde spare parts
| Code | Description | Note |
|---|
| 40728-01001 | Transport handle | Structural spare |
| 40728-01005 | Fuel tap | Replace if leaking |
| 40728-01007 | Fuel tank | Structural spare |
| 40728-01012 | Fuel cap | With integrated filter |
| 40728-01013 | Fuel cap filter | Replace periodically |
| 40728-01017 | Wheel | 2 pcs for trolley |
| 40728-01020 | Exhaust silencer | Engine spare |
| 40728-01021 | Brushes + holder | Normal generator wear |
| 40728-01022 | Generator (complete winding) | Main spare |
| 40728-01025 | AVR (automatic voltage regulator) | Replace if voltage unstable |
| 40728-01032 | On/off switch | Panel spare |
| 40728-01033 | 230 V socket | Panel spare |
| 40728-01034 | 230 V overload protection | Panel spare |
Frequently asked questions
What loads can the GSE 3701 RS power simultaneously with its 2,800 W output?
With 2,800 W rated output and 2,500 W continuous output, the generator powers simultaneous loads whose total draw does not exceed 2,500 W. Typical examples: a 160 L concrete mixer (approx. 1,500 W) plus 500 W LED site lighting, or two 1,200 W pumps running alternately.
It is advisable to maintain a 20% headroom below rated power to handle the inrush current of inductive motors, which can be 3–5 times the rated current for the first few seconds after starting. The built-in overload protection trips automatically if the load exceeds the limit, but does not protect against damage caused by repeated sustained overloads.
Why is the GSE 3701 RS not suitable for laptops and smartphones?
The synchronous generator with AVR produces 230 V AC at 50 Hz with automatic amplitude regulation, but the waveform can exhibit harmonic distortion and frequency variation beyond the tolerance of modern switching-mode power supplies found in laptops, smartphones and digital audio equipment.
Inverter generators (a different category) convert AC to DC and back, producing a clean sine wave with total harmonic distortion (THD) below 3%, suitable for all electronic devices. The GSE 3701 RS is not an inverter generator. For powering sensitive devices, Güde offers a range of inverter generators available through the Krollit catalogue.
What is the maintenance schedule for the GSE 3701 RS 4-stroke OHV engine?
Routine maintenance includes: engine oil change (0.6 L, grade 15W40 or 10W30) every 50 operating hours or at least once a year; air filter cleaning or replacement every 25 hours; spark plug check and adjustment every 100 hours; spark plug replacement every 200 hours.
Before each use, check the oil level: the low-oil shutdown automatically cuts the engine if the level drops below the minimum, but does not protect against damage caused by degraded or contaminated oil. Unused fuel must be removed from the tank if the generator will be stored for more than 30 days to prevent carburettor deposits. Original Güde spares (air filter, spark plug, oil) are available from Krollit warehouse.
Can the GSE 3701 RS be used as a backup power source during a mains outage?
Yes, it can be used as a backup generator for isolated loads by connecting appliances directly to the panel sockets. It must not be connected directly to the domestic electrical installation without an automatic transfer switch (ATS) and the intervention of a qualified electrician, in accordance with applicable wiring regulations.
Direct connection to the mains without a disconnection switch is hazardous to grid engineers working on the line and may damage the generator and connected appliances. For powering sensitive devices during outages (UPS function), this generator is not suitable due to the waveform quality reasons described above.
How loud is the GSE 3701 RS and where can it be used?
The declared sound power level is LWA 96 dB. Sound pressure at 7 metres is typically around 70–75 dB(A), comparable to a washing machine on high-speed spin.
Use of petrol generators is subject to local noise ordinances in most European countries. Most municipalities prohibit use in residential areas during night hours and restrict daytime levels. On licensed construction sites specific exemptions typically apply. The generator is certified Euro 5 for exhaust emissions. Always check local regulations before operating in residential or semi-residential areas.
Does the AVR on the GSE 3701 RS protect connected loads from voltage fluctuations?
