It depends on the machine. My 1940s vintage Jacobs had the blades replaced in 1999, but it was partly because I wanted to go to the newer style of governor that had fewer moving parts (and the original blades were over 50 years old by then, and showing it). It may need new brushes this fall, after 30 years of running, but the bearings are all good. I grease it once or twice a year, touch up paint on the wooden blades, and check bolts etc., twice a year. Many newer machines of similar output are lighter built and need more maintenance, but the quality machines should last 20 years or more with twice a year maintenance. Don't believe a company that says "no maintenance required"!! They all need it, even if it is just to check all the fittings and connections! The main thing that I am concerned with for my generator is hail damage. A high wind with hail would be like shooting buckshot at the wooden blades, so I shut it down if a hail storm is forecast. Otherwise, wind blown debris hitting the machine, the blades, or the tower could cause damage. Haven't had any lightning damage to the machine, although I have lost the diode in the controls a couple of times, but it was a cheap repair and not part of the original generator.
The problems that I have seen with modern current machines have been tilt-down tower failures either during installation or when lowering or raising one for maintenance, or bearing failure, or physical failure of magnets or windings where part of the actual generator/alternator came apart and damaged the rest of the rotating parts in the machine. I am thinking of putting up another machine, and had been looking at a tilt-up tower, but I am no longer thinking of that style--I will go with either a fixed guyed tower or a self supporting tower, when I can afford it.
Jim
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