Coleman Powermate 5,500 Watt 11 HP Portable Generator PMA525500

Coleman Powermate 5,500 Watt 11 HP Portable Generator PMA525500 Description

This Tecumseh powered 11hp Coleman Powermate portable generator boasts 5500 watts of continuous power and 6,875 watts of maximum power. The unit has a 5 gallon gas tank which provides up to 9.5 hours of run time at 50% load. The overhead valve engine provides improved fuel efficiency, longer life, less noise, and easier maintenance. The Premium Plus 6,875 watt generator has an easy start engine with a run stop switch offering seamless operation. The Premium Plus 6,875 generator has cast iron sleeves on the engine to provide extra protection from wear and tear. This generator has a control panel with four 120-volt outlets and one 120/240-volt locking outlet with circuit breaker protection allowing for portable power anywhere you need it. Enjoy the ease of the patented Cordkeeper which keeps cords plugged into the outlet. This generator is backed with a 2 year limited warranty. It is supported by the Powermate Corporation toll-free 24/7 consumer hotline 800-445-1805.

Features

•     5500 running watts/6,875 max watts
•     Tecumseh 11 HP engine
•     5-gallon tank provides 9.5 hours run time at 50% load
•     Includes pneumatic wheels and handle kit
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

This review is from: Coleman Powermate 5,500 Watt 11 HP Portable Generator PMA525500

Works great., October 26, 2011 By Walter Sigona "Walter" (Arizona)
(REAL NAME)

I bought one second hand from a friend in 2005. I figured I could use it if the power went out. I never needed it, but I would go out and start it about every other month. I let it sit for about 4 years without starting it. All the gas evaporated it sat so long. I figured that it would be hard to start. I added some gas and it started right up.

most reliable, August 19, 2011 By rcase8

I have had one of these 5500 watt generators for about 8 years. it is the most reliable piece of equipment I have ever owned. Always starts on at least two pulls. I was especially pleased with it after hurricane Ike when I was 6 weeks without power. This thing ran as long as 14 to 15 hours on a single tank of gas. I worked 12 hour days then and I would shut it off in the morning to check the oil and fill the gas and go to work when I came home after 12 hours of work and 2 hours driving time it was still running and providing power. My only complaint is the sound level it is very annoying after several weeks of listening to it. So I did some research lately
and found a bigger quieter muffler on line and installed it myself it didn't make it Honda quiet but it took it from a scream to a rumble I can withstand. I find it helpful to block in the gas and let it die by running out of gas when it is going to sit for a long time. I also changed to a full synthetic oil recently I haven't had a chance to use it since but I am sure it'll do fine.I would recommend this to a friend, but I would also recommend the muffler change.

works like a champ!, May 9, 2010 By J. Hefford
(REAL NAME)

I have had one of these is my garage for 3-4 years and never used it until a few days ago when we had a major power outage. Was about to get it started on the second crank with a little starter spray. This thing is LOUD (!!!) but does the job. Four 110 outlets and a 220, so you could run a refrigerator, lights, and whatever else you need. Most of the time, it's not a big deal to go without power for a few hours but you never know when you're doing to have an extended blackout. When that happens, this is really nice to have!

Power company on wheels, March 2, 2010 By Thomas Kaim "MrMou2U" (Lee, NH)

I've had the 5000 watt version of this generator for 8 years. The first six years it stayed in its unopened box as the power only went out for a day or two at a time and I was unaware how great it worked. Last year here in NH we had a severe ice storm and after two days of running down our supplies of water and wood for the woodstove, I decided to unpack the 6 year old Coleman Generator. I added oil and gas and it cranked right up, then tried running a few things with an extension cord. Having never used a generator, I found it just incredible that I could have power like this - ultimate power tool!

Long story short: the power outage lasted another 6 days (8 total); an electrician in-law helped me tie the Coleman into my sub panel; I had almost every convenience (phones and cable tv were out but hot showers, heat, microwave, laptops, lights were all available); fill up the unit at 11 pm and still running at 10 am.

When the oil gets to a level that is still ok but about halfway down on the dipstick, the unit starts to waver and then will quit running - go out there and add more oil and gas and it cranks right back up.

As I write this we are on the 5th day of another outage due to the Feb 25th 'Snowwicane' This time I cranked up the Coleman right away and I am able to run everything except my kitchen electric range and the clothes dryer.

The Coleman model that I have uses a 10 hp Tecumseh motor that seems to be extremely reliable and starts on the first pull every time.

The only con that I can think of is that adding oil requires a funnel and while the dipstick says not to over-fill, it doesn't indicate how many ounces need to be added when it is half full - seems like that would be easy to add onto the dipstick. Oh, and it's pretty loud.

My wife and I both resisted using the generator initially but now we're looking at a bigger one with electric start so that we'll hardly notice if the power goes out.

Highly recommended.

Good homeowner security for power outages, March 14, 2008 By Thomas H. Lawler (Everett, Wa)
(REAL NAME)

I actually purchased one of these generators shortly after Katrina hit the gulf in prep for a natural disaster with an extended power outage. I've not had one yet where it lasted long enough to need it, but my brother ~10 miles away had one for a full week in Dec 2006 (and luckily had a generator). In Dec 2007 another county in my state had power out for a full week due to a main transmission tower coming down, so those things have shown me no one is invincible to power outages. The hardware stores quickly ran out of generators each time a crisis came, so if you're smart you'll not wait for the crisis to come before considering getting prepared.
When I began shopping for a generator, I quickly found the minimum power/price ratio is 10watts/$1. If you want one with features like electric start or over 8,000 watts (which is where electric start becomes standard), expect the price ratio to be more. I actually got this thru Costco who sold it for $550. They recently quit selling this unit (at least locally for me), so don't necessarily expect it there.
As far as it's performance goes, I just ran it for a couple hours to break it in with some space heaters plugged in for a load. It started for me within 2 pulls. I'm sure some would say it's pretty loud, but noise becomes of little significance to me after the power has been out for 24+ hours and I'm becoming concerned with things like the food in the fridge going bad, etc. This unit comes with 25 amp circuit breakers, so it actually can put out the continuous 5500 watts they say it can (whereas I've seen other generators labeled like "5200 watts" but have 20 amp breakers, so if you run the math 240V*20A=4800Watts). Since a generator like this weighs over 100 lbs, having the wheels so you can move it like a wheelbarrow saves your back. Otherwise the product description tells the rest and I see nothing unexpected to report.
If you're going to store a generator like this for long periods, they recomend doing the following before storing it to minimize problems: Use gas additives to minimize varnish buildup, close the gas valve and drain the carb of gas (or burn all the gas out of it), pour 1 tablespoon of oil into the engine thru the spark plug hole, and slowly crank the engine till it's on the compression stroke (so the valves are closed).
Since I'm pretty sure this can power anything I'd need in my house, I have no fear of a power outage lasting over 24 hours.

Yamaha YG2800i 2,800 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)

Yamaha YG2800i 2,800 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) Description

The Yamaha YG2800i inverter generator is a lightweight generator that's easy to move around the jobsite - without 2 or 3 men or a backhoe! The YG2800i and its inverter system features Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), delivering clean power so you can use it confidently for powering computers, solid-state appliances with built-in computer functions or microcomputer-controlled power tools. Other features include Economy Control electrical governor for improved fuel economy and reduces sound levels, 16-pole alternator and 24-coil starter, cast iron cyliner lining and GFCI protection. The YG2800i is ideal for equipment and tools that require stable frequency and voltage. 1-year limited warranty.

Features

•     2,800 Watt Maximum AC Output/2,500 Watt Rated AC Output
•     Inverter System with Pulse Width Modulation
•     USFS-approved Spark Arrestor
•     Economy Control electrical governor - Engine speed matches electrical needs which improves fuel economy and reduces noise.
•     CARB Compliant

Manufacturer

Less noise, light weight and clean output...power anything with microcomputers or sophisticated electronics. Inverter System with Pulse Width Modulation - Industry-leading system that produces higher-quality and cleaner electricity. Results in pure sine wave as clean or cleaner than commercial power and can operate products with built in microcomputers. “Economy Control” electrical governor - Engine speed matches electrical needs which improves fuel economy and reduces noise. Sixteen-pole Alternator, Twenty-four Coil Stator - Eliminates conventional two pole rotating field & massive stator for reduced weight, compact design and an exceptional power output to weight ratio. Cast iron cylinder lining - Provides optimal heat dissipation, consistent performance during continuous use and long engine life.

Oil Watch Warning System - Automatically shuts off before oil level is low and cannot be re-started until oil is added. Prevents engine damage and costly repairs while enhancing long-term durability. Specially designed muffler - Offers a compact design, reduced weight and noise. USFS-approved Spark Arrestor - Offers quiet operation and keeps sparks from exiting exhaust system, reducing chance of fires caused by an errant spark. AC Non-fuse Thermal Breaker - Protects AC circuit in case of an overload for added durability and peace of mind. DC output - Provides both AC and DC output and enables battery charging. Tool Kit - Makes service easy.

This review is from: Yamaha YG2800i 2,800 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)

Small, efficient, reliable, June 5, 2011 By A. Murillo "Tony" (Sparks, NV)
(REAL NAME)

Very impressed with this little powerhouse. Bought this new 6 yrs ago. Compared heavily to the Honda 3000EU. No regrets. The Honda was significantly more expensive. Goes with the Honda, brand strength and reliability. I'm a big Honda fan.

Decided that the Yamaha was built well and, though not as polished and finished as well as the Honda, has enough brand recognition and enough features, at a lower price point.

My use was camping, hunting, light construction. For my camper keeping lights lit and batteries topped off worked well. One issue is that my air conditioning would put too much draw and kill the generator. Not sure how many amps the draw was, but that was the only situation where it didn't handle the pull.

Still use it regularly, camping and hunting with no complaints. I really like the cage structure where the ends are handles and it packs very well where you can stack boxes on it. The choke works great, max pulls when cold is two. (very appreciated)

I usually run premium fuel, though it runs perfect on 87 octane as well. I most like the surge function when powering larger amp draw and the inverter function to power laptops and finer electronic equipment. I feel safe using anything with this generator.

I fully expect to be using this same unit 20 yrs from now.

FANTASTIC PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, February 10, 2011 By trgo (Parrish, Fl.)

This is a very impressive piece of machinery.

It has "low idle" ... for low noise (60dBA) when at idle, (67dBA when at full load) is an inverter unit with true sine wave power computer & TV ), and has a large gas tank for long run time.

These units have occasionally sold new on E-Bay for $999, with free shipping.

I was lucky to find one locally, with less than one hour of use, for $700.

I also own a 6500W Honda electric start unit, and a Honda powered 3500W Porter Cable unit,( at separate locations) but this YG2800i Yamaha is unique, in that it is small, can be carried, is quiet, and is very efficient.

So far so good, September 7, 2010 By yamahagenerator123

It is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. And noise is more than I expected in the non-economy mode, but not unbearable.

Added oil and gas and it started in one pull. Very nice. I did not plug anything electrical yet. Waiting for the next storm.

Adding oil is difficult as the handle bar is in the way. I had to turn the generator to its side and use a small kitchen funnel, still with difficulty to fill the oil. There are some errors in the manual for example one intro paragraph claims it's a diesel, although several pages later it explains that its gas, required octane ratings etc.

Great generator, June 14, 2010 By Dennis Hevener
(REAL NAME)

We needed a medium-duty generator primarily for backup power for a small data center. We were impressed with the quietness of the Honda EU2000 inverter-generator, but chose this because of the larger fuel tank, lower price, higher output, and more rugged look. We have not been disappointed.

It sounds a little louder than the Honda, but is still way quieter than most small engines.

Inverters rarely put out a perfect sine wave, but this one is clean enough to run all of our equipment, including one piece that shuts down when operated from an auto battery and a "modified sine wave" inverter.

It was used for a ham radio field day -- a simulation of emergency operations. It ran 5 transceivers, 5 computers, lights, fans, coffe pots and the like. This is the first time it had been used except to test it in our data center. We ran it for 10 hours, then shut it down to change oil (always a good idea to prolong the life of a new engine) and fill the fuel tank. It ran about 16 hours on a tank -- it was at idle unless a couple transmitters were going at once.

After the 16-hour run, one of the motor mounting bolts had come completely off, and another was loose. So keep an eye on that. We used Loctite and hopefully that will take care of it.

Here is a PDF version of the manual:

[...]

Reliable, easy, lightweight, September 10, 2008 By P. Knapp (San Diego)
(REAL NAME)
We bought this generator to power our RV and have had absolutely no trouble with it for 5 years now. It runs our AC unit and that is what we wanted. It is super easy to carry around, I can do it myself and I'm a medium sized woman. We did not buy a bigger one because of the extra weight and have never been sorry. If I need to use the microwave or the electric water heater, I shut off the AC and run the other stuff. It is pretty quiet when compared to other generators in camp and it starts up easily every time, no matter how long it has been. We usually find it takes a fill up on fuel after about 7 hours of running and does fine if you have to run it continuously for days at a time. We would buy it again, and recommend it to other campers.

Excellent generator, June 12, 2008 By Peter Schiller (Freedom, NH United States)
(REAL NAME)

I bought this generator from Amazon about five years ago in order to build our house. It supplies plenty of power to start and run 15 amp saws, compressors, etc. Because our house site is about a quarter mile from the road and one of our neighbors was difficult, it took nearly 18 months for us to get power from the grid. During that time I would have to estimate that the generator ran for 2000-3000 hours. Today we use the generator just for emergency backup; it can handle two refrigerators, the circulating pumps for the heat, lights and the TV, all at the same time without any problem. This generator is relatively quiet, quite efficient, and very reliable. When we run it at slow idle, which is all we need for backup, it only consumes about 6 gallons of gas per 24 hours. Even after all of the hours that it has run, after sitting for six or more months without being started, the generator still starts with ease. I would buy this generator again without reservations.

Great tailgate and emergency generator, December 14, 2007 By M. R. Reynolds (Tulsa, OK United States)
(REAL NAME)

I have owned the non-GFI exact twin of this generator for about 5 years. I use it for tailgates and as an emergency generator. This little dynamo ran continously for four and one half days this week due to an ice storm taking out power in Tulsa for around 250,000 customers all week. The generator was barely powerful enough to run my clothes washer and it couldn't get my gas dryer started. No biggie. It easily ran my gas furnace from a pig tail off of a switch, refrig., small TV, crock pot, laptop and a couple of small curly Q low wattage lights using heavy and not so heavy extension cords. Basically covering all of my emergency power essentials. This was using the economy setting on the generator. The generator had electric power to spare. In the early morning it even ran my Mr. Coffee. I only had to fuel it twice a day. All week long during the ice storm my friends were either freezing or scrambling to find a loud, heavy, low quality junk generator at a hardware store. Not me!

Great portable power, December 5, 2006 By Norm (Southern Illinois)

If you want a generator that you can carry by yourself, this is a good choice. It is designed to be light and quiet and meets those goals quite well. I think if you figure the Kw to pounds ratio, this unit will compare favorably to most of those out there. I don't know why someone would try to hardwire one of these to a house. For that, you need a much larger unit. I actually chose the consumer model, EF2800. It came with a longer warranty. I also did not want the GFCI because I've had problems with those types of devices tripping on the starting current for a freezer.

performs well, October 11, 2005 By Quick Smart (Elgin, Illinois United States)

I've been using this generator for one year without any problems. In the field, it powers delicate gear like mole and kino lights for video production, which require clean power.

Starts easy, runs quiet.

Just don't get it., September 14, 2004 By J. C. Gomez (New Port Richey, FL USA)
(REAL NAME)

You know what, I just don't get it. Why on earth would anyone spend over a thousand dollars on something without really knowing what they were getting.

You have the first reviewer that complained about not being informed about the need for a transfer switch. Well, I hate to say it, but you don't NEED a transfer switch. You only need a transfer switch if you want to connect it to your home's breaker panel. You must do that regardless of generator in order to meet the latest code standards. You could just as easily run extension cords. They also mentioned about not knowing the NEMA code for the locking plug. Off the top of my head, I believe I was told it was a NEMA L5-30. Funny, I was able to get the information. A quick call to Yamaha would have answered the question.

Then you have the person that complained about the generator not being 240V. First, no where do the specs read that it outputs 240V; it only specifies 120V. Second, the NEMA L5-30 is only for 120V up to a maximum of 30 amps. Third, you could always hardwire a cable from the transfer switch to a male plug for the generator. That's just one solution . . . there are others. Fourth, I clearly read on the website that Amazon would not accept returns.

I would agree that providing a manual online would be nice, but dinging Amazon or Yamaha for an individual's failure to adequately research a purchase is not the fault of Amazon or Yamaha. I called Yamaha with questions and they gladly answered.

All I'm saying is be fair with your review.

Porter-Cable H650IS-W 6,500-Watt Contractor Portable Generator

Porter-Cable H650IS-W 6,500-Watt Contractor Portable Generator Description

The Porter-Cable H650IS-W 6,500-watt Contractor Portable Generator comes with a powerful 13 HP Honda GX390 OHV engine. The engine features a compression release for easy recoil start, a cast-iron cylinder sleeve, and its 7-gallon fuel tank provides 9.4 hours of run time at 1/2-load and six hours at full load. The compressor also features 10-inch pneumatic tires for easy portability.. With circuit breaker protection and an advanced alternator design, this generator has no brushes to replace and comes with rugged all-metal and ball bearing construction for longer life. Rubber isolators are also included to reduce vibration. Other features include an idle control to save fuel and reduce noise, an hour meter for maintenance scheduling, a full power selector switch for maximum 120 VAC motor starting, a fuel gauge, and lift rings. This generator measures 20 x 32-1/2 inches and weighs 219 pounds.

Features

•     Powerful 13 HP Honda GX390 OHV engine
•     10-inch pneumatic tires for easy portability
•     Compression release for easy recoil start
•     7-gallon fuel tank provides 9.4 hours of run time at 1/2-load and 6 hours at full load
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Manufacturer

Built for long lasting durability, this 6,500-watt generator has a 13-horsepower Honda GX390 engine with cast iron cylinder sleeves and low oil protection. The advanced alternator design is brushless, providing cleaner and more consistent power while eliminating the need for replacing brushes. The alternator also has ball bearings for long lasting smooth operation. The 7-gallon gas tank delivers up to 9.4 hours of run time at 1/2 load and 6.0 hours at full load. An idle control increases run time by idling the engine down when electricity is not being drawn from the generator. Compression release allows easier recoil starting. The control panel features an hour meter, circuit breakers, a full power selector switch, 12-volt DC outlet, 120-volt duplex outlet, 120-volt twistlock outlet, and a 120-240-volt twistlock outlet. The full power selector switch provides maximum power to the 120-volt outlet for maximum motor starting power. For added convenience, a portability kit is included and lift rings are built in for securing at the job site. One-year warranty. Includes generator, engine oil, and operating manual.

This review is from: Porter-Cable H650IS-W 6,500-Watt Contractor Portable Generator

Excellent generator at an excellent price, February 14, 2011 By Terry Crammer (Islip, NY USA)

Have not had to use this generator in an emergency just yet, but am very impressed at the quality and packaging. This machine is head and shoulders above similarly priced gen sets, the paint, welding and fasteners are all first rate. Upon receiving the set off the back of the Fed-Ex truck, it took about 15 minutes before I had it out of the box, wheels and handles installed, gassed up and running. Started first pull!

Solid Value, January 27, 2011 By H. Stratton "cstulsa" (Tulsa, OK United States)
(REAL NAME)

This is an excellent generator built with durability and clean power in mind. The brushless alternator means that harmonic distortion levels (THD) are low. At low load and high load, I measured 6% THD with a Fluke 43B power quality analyzer. Compare this to a very popular brand of portable generator which ran in the 8% to 11% THD range, and a fixed standby generator at my father's home (that same brand) that showed a whopping 22% THD. Voltage of the H650IS-W was stable at 120 volts and line frequency held at 62 Hz. The speed did hunt a bit at low loads, not enough to cause a problem but incandescent lights vary slightly in brightness when it does this. At higher loads engine speed was very stable. This appears to be the same alternator still used in the current Porter-Cable generator line.

The big difference between this generator and the current Porter Cable line is the engine. Here we have the Honda GX390 engine, while the newer generators use a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard. I'm not in a position to evaluate the Briggs engine, but the Honda is a high quality known quantity, and I'm glad to have it. The only caveat is that the Honda carburetors are said to be easily gummed up with bad gasoline. Since I've converted my generator to propane/natural gas (not hard to do) I don't expect to be experiencing this problem, though it can still be run on gasoline.

Sound levels are commensurate with other generators of this size. Not quiet like the Honda inverter generators, but no noisier than other conventional Honda powered generators.

The H650IS-W has a very rugged external frame and robust wheels. The downside is that the whole unit takes up a bit more space than most generators of this size, so if compactness is a consideration there might be better choices.

Nice unit, July 17, 2010 By G. Usher "Big Dog" (Orlando, Fl.)
(REAL NAME)

I purchased this from Amazon Sept. 2004 after a family member destroyed my old generator. Please remember: never leave power equipment running outside in driving rain. Water ingestion results in broken connecting rods and large holes in engine blocks. Generators must be used outdoors. They must also be used in locations where water will not enter the air filter.

This unit has plenty of power. My neighbors always come knocking with extension cords in hand when we have extended power outages. This unit can handle my 2.5 ton a/c, 3 refrigerators & two freezers without blinking. And yes it will run the hot water heater (shut down other appliances first) too. But no, it will not run central electric strip heating.

Honda has been famous for carbs that can't be serviced. Never store this unit with gas. Either run it out after use or start it every month or so. After six years this still starts on first or second pull. Well worth the $1600 purchase price. Next time the power goes out I'll have air conditioning.

Update 2011: Had a tough time getting this unit running recently. It was backfiring thru the carb so bad it knocked the choke butterfly into the air filter. I drained the gas, cleaned the carb, bought a new carb, adjusted valve clearance, still won't run. I've only racked up 16 hours so far. I was ready to pull the head. Turns out the NGK resistor spark plug shipped with this unit is a high failure item. Replace the resistor plug with the non-resistor type before this happens to you. This is probably good advise for any Honda GX motor owner.

Great product, great price!, May 15, 2008 By Steve (Yardley, PA USA)

Bought this mainly because of the Honda engine and the surge power of 12,000 watts. I plan on using it for backup power for the whole house when the power goes out (which seems to happen a lot lately). Starts on the first or second pull every time. Also, doesn't seem too loud considering it's size and output.

Good product, July 1, 2006 By Allen J. Patenaude (miami, fl)
(REAL NAME)

Works great but note that this generator is not capable of push button starting. my wife can start the generator with no problem using the pull cord (starts by second pull) but if you need the electric start look else where.

update: 2.5 years later and this generator still starts right up. For the past year i've only started it up every couple of months to keep it running. But when i've needed it, it hasn't failed me.

Great Generator for the price, May 31, 2005 By L. Angelo "unlsvc" (Hawaii)

As a remodeling contractor, I've been in the market for a generator that would handle all my power equipment, especially an air compressor, with power to spare, and also something I could count on the recharge my cordless tool batteries. So when I ran into this PC generator at the local building materials supplier and checked it out, it seemed to have everything I was asking for. The one I bought was a reconditioned unit that another contractor had returned, saying that the automatic idle down feature was not working properly. The supplier sent it out for repair, and all it was was a small adjustment in the idle setting and nothing else. I called the repair shop and they confirmed it. I've had it for three months now and have had no problems with it. It starts right up on the first or second pull and goes all day on a tankful. My guys tell me that even with the air compressor, chop saw, recip saw and two wormdrive saws all going, they were getting full power. The manual says 8000 watts of surge power, but the sticker on the generator says that this model has 12,500 watts of surge power, 6500 watts continuous, so I called PC and they told me that 12,500 watts is the correct number for the model currently shipping. My only complaint is how loud this thing runs. They claim 73-76 db, but it seems a lot louder. You'd think that Honda would put a quieter muffler on this 13.0 hp motor, but they didn't. And they don't make a quieter muffler for this motor model. So if you buy this generator and have to work closer than 20 feet from it, put on the ear plugs.

Do your homework - and you might end up with this one!, January 20, 2005 By A. Neilll (Goochland, VA USA)
(REAL NAME)

There are so many things to consider when you shop for a generator, especially if you intend to use it to power your home when the electricity goes out. This generator might be a good choice for you, it is a quality generator for it's size and price range. The Honda GX series engine is tops for this type of generator, the brushless alternator design is a must if you want your generator to last any significant amount of time. Also, a plus in my book is that this generator is a TRUE 6500 continuous watts - be careful because many generators list their SURGE wattage as the primary number.

Of course, that means first consider how much power you will need. I live in the country, I run a well pump, I have electric hot water, I need at least this big a generator... in fact probably bigger since I have electric heat or more. Decide what you want to run before hand and talk with your family to set expectations and requirements... you could save yourself money. I bought a generator with twice the power of this one, and not surprisingly, more than twice as expensive... as power goes up on a generator, price goes up even moreso.

Second, consider quality. If you are prone to prolonged outages, you can run up the hours pretty quickly. For a backup generator used a moderate amount, a Honda gx series engine ( like the one featured on this generator) is just what the doctor ordered. But if you are going to run very very often, or use it as a primary power source, you are going to want a (much more expensive) liquid-cooled model, either diesel, gasoline, propane, etc.

Which leads to another consideration: the fuel. A gasoline generator is great and the easiest to buy because of their predominance on the market, in fact my generator is gasoline powered. But consider where you will get gasoline from if it is a major blackout, since storing large amounts of gasoline is neither safe nor wise, and in many cases not even legal. Knowing a close by gas station that has it's own backup power would come in handy. But consider other fuels that are more easily stored in bulk - diesel, or propane. of course, that makes the generator more expensive, and of course you might also have to add a propane tank - even MORE expense.

Which leads nicely into a discussion of budget. Besides the generator itself, count on more expense for things like plugs/cables for the generator, a battery if it is needed, even in many cases - motor oil! And the most significant expense beside the generator itself - the transfer panel to wire it your house safely, and the cost of hiring an electrician to do the wiring, unless you are VERY comfortable with tapping into your home's power supply and messing about yourself. And note that the more powerful a generator, the more costly the transfer switch and cables to carry the power to your house, and the harder it will be to find the proper components with compatible plugs, etc.

Finally - do NOT forget to read the manual, and to do periodic maintenance and run the generator about once a month to make sure it is in good shape when you need it.

Solar Power Generator: Perigee Basic Kit 101-1A

Solar Power Generator: Perigee Basic Kit "101-1A" Description

Our original portable "101" 12V DC \ 115V AC generator. This configuration powers medium draw devices such as laptops, lamps, fans, battery chargers, etc. 3-8 hour duration (load dependant) without light and indefinitely when collecting light from the sun. This device easily powers a household type battery charger for a transistor radio, flashlight, and numerous other AC \ USB devices. The DC out port also allows you to plug in any device that runs with a cigarette lighter type of plug. We also support charging the case via household AC making it very easy to do routine battery maintenance. Ships with everything needed to run out of the box, is scalable (up to 50W), lightweight, durable and includes a 14-day purchase refund and a 90 day limited warranty. We design kits for use in the home, field, and road. Always check with the manufacturer of any electronic device you intend to use with a modified sine wave inverter. Electronics that are considered "sensitive" may not operate correctly with a modified sine wave and may become damaged. As an option we can modify any of our kits to utilize a pure sine wave inverter at your request.

Features

•     Durable portable solar powered 12V DC -115V AC generator kit.
•     Ships with ONE 5 Watt 12 Volt Crystalline Silicon PV solar panel.
•     Dual AC outlet 200W continuous modified sine wave inverter. Over\Under Voltage & Thermal protection with Low voltage alarm.
•     3 Amp regulator with reverse panel current protection with easy to read LED status bar to indicate 12v & AC power, battery condition, & charging state.
•     Sealed long life rechargable 12V 14 Amp \ 168 Watt Hour batteries.

This review is from: Solar Power Generator: Perigee Basic Kit 101-1A


Basic Kit, November 28, 2011 By Cedar Creek Defense

I have been using the Perigee Power Solutions Basic kit for over a year now. I am extremely satisfied with its performance, ruggedness, workmanship and design. I am a professional communications engineer and I use it in the field to power radio systems, laptops, gadgets, phones etc etc the list goes on. I demand a lot out of this unit and it just keeps giving me what I need to get the job done. The flexi-solar panel gives me the recharge that I need for those long 12 hour days. I will be upgrading to larger units from Perigee. Whether you need their units for simple power solutions for the home or you need that proffesional grade solution, this unit (and their others) fits the bill.
Fantastic Product and Fantastic Support.


Lee
Cedar Creek Defense


Wonderful Portable Generator, July 25, 2011 By Anonymous X

I received this Kit 2 days earlier than expected and I must say that I am extremely satisfied.

It has two outlets for AC devices and comes in a sturdy carrying case. Perigee Power Solutions seems like a very reliable company. They bench test and inspect all of their devices before shipping them. The product also comes with instructions, care procedures, and a list of many devices that can be run off of it. The solar power that is provided in this is kit is lightweight, weatherproof, and very effective. I highly recommend this or any of Perigee's products.

Works just like it says it does!!!, December 1, 2010 By P. Colonna
(REAL NAME)

This little device arrived in excellent condition and easy to follow instructions. You just plug something that runs on electricity into it and turn it on. It's that simple and ready for use out of the box. I can run my laptop just under four hours at night or all day with the solar panel sitting in the sun. We could take this anywhere, like camping or to the park. It's lightweight yet sturdy and well constructed. I like to keep it around the house for emergencies. It doesn't power big devices like a refrigerator but a small TV, ceramic heater, a lamp, coffee maker, anything that size works great. It also powers 12 volt items like some shop lamps and the included USB adapter via a standard cigarette lighter plug. Devices powered by 12V use less battery and do not require the in the inverter to run, increasing the run time significantly. There are many choices on the market and this was the best value. If you want a renewable portable power system this is the one to get.

DuroMax XP8500E-CA 8,500 Watt 16 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start (CARB Compliant)

DuroMax XP8500E-CA 8,500 Watt 16 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start (CARB Compliant) Description

Safeguard your family as well as provide portable power for work and play with the CARB compliant DuroMax XP8500E-CA gas-powered generator, which features a 16.0-horsepower air-cooled OHV engine that cranks out 7,000 constant running watts of power (and a peak of 8,500 watts; learn more about wattage needs below). It includes both a standard recoil start as well as an easy electric start.

This rugged workhorse is ideal for the jobsite where powering saws, drills, and other equipment is critical, but you can also depend on it for emergencies at home--insuring your essential appliances are running smoothly, reliably, and without interruption. It's EPA approved, and is also safe to use in U.S. National Parks thanks to the super quiet exhaust with spark arrestor.

The XP8500E includes four 120-volt, 20-amp standard household outlets to supply power to all of your appliances as well as a powerful 120/240-volt, 30-amp twist lock outlet for high-powered tools. A 12-volt DC output with leads functions as a charger for batteries and other rechargeable devices. Overloads are never a problem with its dual 15-amp circuit breaker. A volt meter allows you to monitor your generator's output range at all times, and the battery charge indicator light lets you know when the generator's starter battery is charging.

The exclusive DuroMax RV Switch (voltage selector) allows you to get maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles as well as choose between operating the generator at both 120 and 240 volts simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.

With the electric start, it's as simple to get this generator going as turning on your car. And if the battery isn't fully charged, you can use the single-pull recoil cord to start the generator.

The XP8500E features a heavy duty steel frame roll cage with four-point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. This generator is also easily portable thanks to the wheel kit with a flip-up, stow-away handle. The 10-1/2-inch all-terrain, never flat tires offer the flexibility and looks of a pneumatic tire without the rigidity of a solid tire--improving the mobility across both soft ground and hard surfaces.

You'll get up to 8 hours of run time (at 50 percent) from a 7-gallon tank of fuel. Other features include a super-quiet muffler, an advanced automatic voltage regulator (AVR) system and a low oil protection system which automatically shuts the generator off to protect it from any damage should it run out of oil. It's backed by a one-year limited warranty.

Features

•     8500 Watt Surge/7000 Watt Continuous
•     7 Gallon Gas Tank/8 Hour Run Time
•     Electric Key Start/Includes Battery
•     EPA And CARB Approved
•     Automatic Low Oil Shut Off

This review is from: DuroMax XP8500E-CA 8,500 Watt 16 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start (CARB Compliant)

Duromax XP8500E, December 12, 2011 By Donald Gisewhite Jr. (New Jersey)
(REAL NAME)

Great item, have used severals times because of power outages. The keyed starting makes this generator very simple to use, handles my 2 refridgerators, 2 furnaces,a well pump,a few recepticales and some lighting very easily. Have had 3 friends buy this unit after seeing mine. Spend the extra money and put in a transfer switch.

DuroMaxXP8500-CA, December 6, 2011 By Thom45

After hiving endured icestorms and early season snowstorms with resulkting power outages I decided it was time to purchase a generator. Following extensive research and head scratching I decided on the DuroMax 8500 with electric start. I had this delivered at work so I would have an easy way of off loading. The unit arrived early, which was no problem. I brought it home still in the shipping box and did not unpack it until the weekend. It was quite easy to assemble and after filling it with the recommended oil I decided to start it. I only used a small amount of gas and opened the shut-off to start it. It was then that I discovered that the gas line had a large slit in it.For something of this nature it wasn't worth sending back, so my son and I spent the next 2 or 3 hours taking it apart, finding a replacement line, and then putting it back together, So much for the inspection that was done at the factory. This spoiled what otherwise appears to be a good solid generator...

The one to get of this current capacity......, March 5, 2011 By Darthvagrant (Planet Earth)

This is one of the best (if not THE best) Chinese generators on the market. (To wit: "DuroMax")
The quality is good for a Chinese product, but more importantly it is (or at least mine was) sourced from a U.S. distributor that had outstanding tech. support IN THE USA. The 12V DC circuit is unregulated, but the instructions allude to this 12V DC being used to charge car (etc) batteries and NOT using it directly. No big deal, the 12V DC separate circuit to keep the (included, sealed) start battery up is apparently regulated so as to not ruin the start battery. The 110/220 AC is not spot on for 60HZ, but runs about 62-63HZ or so. No big deal on this either, could probably be corrected to 60HZ with a reduction in engine RPM to 3600....if possible. I haven't gone there as that's not a problem with my use.(See "addenda") Has a handy "idle down" when no load is imposed on the generator. Goes to complete (engine speed) idle when no load, but comes alive with even a ¼ watt load or less; very sensitive, which is good. The packaging was superb, damage highly unlikely. Not a Honda, it's moderately noisy, but does have an adequately large muffler. Handy fuel level on tank, not truly accurate (full scale), but certainly better than nothing. The only issue I was obliged to correct was a slight modification to the rt. handle which would not stack down properly due to inteference with the muffler. Again though, no big deal and not a totally essential 'mod.'.
.
Addenda 11-28-11: I located an (engine) speed adjustment screw and turning it resulted in a spot on adjustment of +/- 60HZ. To keep it spot on 60HZ I would suspect additional slight adjustments would be called for depending on load. This correct my ONLY complaint (and a slight one) on this generator.
.
Amazon is just a tad higher in $$ than another source, but still well in line with free shipping.

All Power America APG3201 6,500 Watt 10 HP Diesel Powered Generator With Electric Start & Wheel Kit

All Power America APG3201 6,500 Watt 10 HP Diesel Powered Generator With Electric Start & Wheel Kit Description

All Power 6500 Watt Diesel Generator APG3201N

Get the power you need anytime, anywhere

This All Power 6500 Watt Diesel Generator is a powerful diesel generator with durability and undeniable muscle. Take this generator camping, tailgating or use for backup power in your house or mobile home. Its peak power of 6500 watts makes the APG3201N powerful, with a 4-stroke Air Cooled diesel engine with electric push start and recoil start.

Portable and powerful without disturbing anyone

The APG3201N will last for 11 hours at 1/2 load and only requires 3.3 gallons of unleaded gasoline. This makes it easy to use and transport. Just fill the easily-accessible gas tank and turn it on and it's ready to go.

Features:

•     Electric Push Start and Recoil Start
•     10 Horse Power 418CC
•     Produces 50 amps at 120V, 25 amps at 250V, 60Hz
•     Peak power: 6500W
•     Rated Power: 5000W
•     Low Operating Noise: 76dB
•     2-AC Duplex 120V Outlets
•     EPA Approved
•     Includes Mobility Kit with 8-inch

You won't get arrested for stealing this diesel generator! Ok, you need a big rig to keep the lights and appliances burning. You've looked around and been shocked by some prices exceeding $5,000! You know that a diesel generator means longer life and greater fuel economy. You just didn't know what unit to buy...until now! We're a new company and we really wanted to make a statement so we went to the All Power America factory and asked for a special deal! Boy, were we surprised! They offered us the APG-3201 6500 watt peak, 5000 watt diesel generator at a price so low we almost couldn't believe it. Don't peak yet! Wait until you read hat you get for your money! Here we have an open air diesel engine mounted in a square steel frame. (Square steel is important because it's about 40% stronger than tubular steel and will therefore withstand all the engine vibrations while still maintaining the unit's integrity). Next, when you get to a larger generator, you must have electric start unless you are really strong. Some companies offer the starter, but you have to then go out and buy a battery. This unit has both the starter and the battery included. The APG-3101 will operate for about 11 hours on just four gallons of diesel fuel, has two 120V and one 240V outlet, includes a mobility kit with pneumatic tires and a fold down tine and easy to read gauges, outlets and controls. Now you can look at the price! Such a deal!

This review is from: All Power America APG3201 6,500 Watt 10 HP Diesel Powered Generator With Electric Start & Wheel Kit


All Power 6500W Generator seems excellent value!, August 15, 2007 By Carl F. Leweke (Houston, TX)
(REAL NAME)  

I wasn't sure what I would get with a price that seemed too low to believe, but figured I would take a chance. I needed to find an alternative to my small gasoline powered generator which is now over ten years old with minimal usage. Gas is such a pain, as I stock up for hurricanes and end up dumping it back through my cars to get rid of it before it goes bad; diesel is very stable with some additives, much safer to store a dozen-or-so gallons long term, and provides more energy per gallon.

I had never heard of All Power before, but it seems they make a variety of products--hopefully an "up and coming" that will be around for a long time if they can establish a rep as a company with quality and service which it appears they are trying to do. So far, I am extremely happy with what I have gotten for my money. Shipping was a breeze and they placed it right where my wife told them inside my garage until I got home. No instructions for basic construction of adding wheels etc but not really needed either for anyone with basic mechanical ability. The manual seems extremely well written for a Chinese product--I was initially impressed by that.

After the first startup (for which I needed to use the electric start), it starts manually on the first pull every time! Fit and finish quality appear excellent and no shortcuts on construction. Nice features include a fuel tank gauge, run-hours meter, 120v/240v selector, and electric start; 3 and 4 prong twist power plugs were included too. The 6-wheels (2 pneumatic + 4 small rollers) make it pretty easy to move around, though there is definitely some weight associated with a generator set this large. The engine is made by Changfa, generally recognized as an excellent Chinese company with a real understanding of quality control. As an emergency generator, it will take a long time to put real serious hours on it--it only remains to be seen how long it would stand up to continuous operation if needed; hopeful that proper maintainance will yield long service.

Sportsman GEN7000LP 7000-Watt 13 HP OHV Propane Powered Portable Generator

Sportsman GEN7000LP 7000-Watt 13 HP OHV Propane Powered Portable Generator Description

For Emergencies, Camping, Power Outage and Construction. Supply Power For Appliances, Tools And More. Gasoline, Propane, And Diesel Generators.

•     13 HP OHV Engine
•     Runs 8-hour at 50-percent load on 20-pound on fuel
•     Operating noise <80-decibel, Includes Wheel Kit, Electric Start
•     Four AC 120-Volt and one AC 240-Volt Outlets
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

This review is from: Sportsman GEN7000LP 7000-Watt 13 HP OHV Propane Powered Portable Generator

So far, so good, January 29, 2012 By J. Spivey (Illinois)
(REAL NAME)

Got a great deal on this at H Depot. First generator I bought, but I didn't have any problem getting it up and running within an hour of unboxing it. The wheel kit was relatively easy (except for tight quarters on the holding pins near the wheels). I added the 38 oz. of oil they recommend and hooked up my lp grill tank, and it started on the second firm pull and ran flawlessly for 20 minutes while I added a leaf blower and some power tools. I was going to get a battery, which takes some hunting around for the right specs, but I'm holding off for now. If I start having trouble pull starting it I can always spend the $40 or so later. I'm having an electrician install a transfer switch and then I should be able to run the fridge, tv, some lights and maybe a couple other smaller things at the flip of a switch. Fine for limping by for a couple days if the power goes out. I am really happy I got this one after a lot of research. I'll update this if I have any issues with more usage.

Propane Sportsman Generator, September 26, 2011 By cque

Purchased unit prior to Hurricane Irene, and using Prime account unit was delivered in a couple of days. Experenced a 24 Hour outage and used to power Refrig., 2 Sump Pumps, TV, Cable box, FIOS box (phones/tv), and lighting. Generator ran flawlessly with less exhaust fumes since propane vs. gas. Manual could be more specific, like providing dimensions with wheel kit installed, more specific about battery to use (specs a motorcyle battery of a certain size), and diagrams instead of less detailed photos for installing wheel kit. Would like to see cover over outlets to keep them dry during use.

I'm satisified with this purchase so far., September 16, 2011 By trump215l

I found limited choices when I decided to buy a propane powered portable generator. I live in a rural setting that is in a hurricane prone area and wanted a generator I could run with the fuel in a 330 gallon propane tank. I would have bought a slightly larger generator if one had been available but the next step up from 7 KW went to the permanently mounted generators of much higher wattage. This generator is just barely adequate for the load I must carry for the essentials if I lose power. It started easily and works well although it's a little louder than I would like but ran well and works well for the load I have. I've ran it for an hour so I don't know how it will last and I don't have any feedback on the fuel consumption rate but so far I consider it a pretty good deal for the money.

Sportsman LPG Portable Generator, September 10, 2011 By Marty R.

Received the Sportsman 6,000 watt sustained Portable Generator from the distributor yesterday. It only took about 30 minutes to put together the wheels, handle and filling it with oil (The instructions leave a lot to be desired, but only basic mechanical skills are needed anyway). It's a well built machine - It fired right up with a propane tank borrowed from the grill using the pull start. The engine runs smooth and is not as loud as other generators that I've experienced. The one thing I don't like about it all that much is that the wheel axel is not one piece; each wheel has it's own axel about 4" long that is secured to the frame by a welded bracket and cotter pins. Not sure that's a big deal unless you really intend to spend a lot of time moving the generator. The wheels are two piece galvenized rims bolted together for the air-filled tires that are held on the axels by another series of cotter pins. I would suggest replacement wheels with airless (or flatless as they're sometimes called) to alleviate flat tires and/or flat spots. The generator does not come with a battery, but it did come with a cool little emergency band manual charge (you know - grind it for a minute to get ten minutes of operation) I thought it ironic that a free radio that didn't require any power came with an electrical generator. Anyway, great generator for the next loss of power - didn't have a good experience with hurricane IRENE, but I'll be ready for the next one!

Propane generator, August 25, 2011 By Danny Crull

I love this generater more then any I have had before . I have had 5. For a non permanent generator it is perfect. I purchased a 30lb can of propane for it and I start it once a month. It starts first pull and hits on the first turn with the electric starter. Can't wait for the power to go out so I can use it. I have used it to run out door lights, drills,saws and chargers. Easy to move around and I built a table to house it off the patio. Not too big and not to small.

Wow. Propane generator starts on first pull, August 3, 2011 By R. Hernandez
(REAL NAME)

This generator is simply awesome. It was shipped on a truck equipped with a liftgate making delivery very easy for me and my 2 wheel dolly.

The generator instructions to get the wheels on could be better. I read other reviews that mentioned this. So, I downloaded the manual from buffalo tools and studied the blow up diagram and read the installation process. This made things much easier for me and quicker. A few screws here and there with metric wrenches and I was done. All I had to do was add oil up to the bottom of the lip where the oil plug is inserted as stated on the manual.

It started with the first pull. Setup is easy. Attach the propane hose to the generator and propane tank, open propane nozzle, turn VERY LARGE switch on generator to "on" position, close choke, pull hand starter. Super easy.

Haven't used under load but I'm sure it will perform nicely. I purchased a used 100 lb propane tank. This thing will run for about 40 hours on 50% load before the tank runs out. 80 hours if I buy another and connect them together. Also, there is no "low oil" light. It will simply turn off and won't start if there isn't enough oil.

Say goodbye to gumed up carbs and expensive gasoline. Propane is the way to go.

Great Generator! Excellent Price!, July 20, 2011 By Kenneth R. Pogue

This generator was purchased through an Amazon partner(CSN) arrived ahead of schedule and in perfect shape thanks to R+L Carriers!
I did not have a battery on hand yet to use the electric starter but the pull rope worked very well! After connecting it to the propane, it took about 3 pulls to start for the first time and it ran perfectly. The choke handle is kind of flimsy, but we didn't need to use it. It is a bit louder than I expected, but I don't have prior experience with a generator to compare it to.
The assembly directions are not as easy as they could be, so it took a few extra minutes to figure out how to attach the handle and wheels, etc. That was not a big problem though. We plugged in several small items to see how they would do and it had no trouble running them.
We decided to get the 30 pound(7 1/2 gallons) cylinder of propane for this just to add a little more run time than I could get with a grill sized cylinder and will probably buy 1 more cylinder as a back up.
I would highly recommend this generator for the ease of use and great price!

Saved the day, June 1, 2011 By Lynn Hunter "Yukonjack21" (Enola, PA)
(REAL NAME)

I bought this at the end of winter to replace my old gasoline powered one after it wouldn't start (due to the ethanol in the gas gumming up the engine) during an ice storm. I was planning to be prepared for this coming winter. I never imagined I would be using it a few months later when a tornado whipped through our neighborhood and county just before Memorial Day. We were fortunate and only without power for 4 days, but this generator came through with flying colors. I hadn't even taken it out of the box and really wasn't at all prepared for this storm. I didn't have the battery in yet so we had to manually pull start. I have neck issues but it wasn't that difficult and started quickly each time. The brochure says you will get around 8 hours on a half load, ...NOT. Try figuring on 4 to 5. Didn't seem to matter what we ran that was the average. At $20 bucks a little 20lb bottle we got into a rhythm of running it noon to 5pm for the heat of the day and again at night 10pm to 3am for showers and such.
I planned to have a large 100lb or maybe 250lb propane tank to have on hand for this winter. The initial investment of 7 additional tanks to add to my two I had for the grill cost around $300. We used 8 bottles total being conservative with the use. Off of that I supplied my house and my daughters house (next door) with power to run a refridgerator and fan, while I ran a freezer and refriderator and fan. We also had an outlet on for charging cell phones. I would turn on the hot water heater to charge it but would turn off some of the refridgerators just to be conservative. We are on a well, so it also had a big draw whenever the pump kicked on.
All and all I am delighted with my purchase, and will make sure to have plenty of propane in place for this winter! (we live on the side of the mountain and you can't always drive up the road). The nice thing about the propane it has a long shelf life unlike the gasoline powered units, so I can relax and know it will be good for a few years not a few months.
Hope this was helpful...

Champion Power Equipment 46561 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start

Champion Power Equipment 46561 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start Features

•     3500 watts Rated, 4000 watts Maximum Output. Outlets: 1- 120V DUPLEX Outlet (5-20R), 1 - 120V Twistlock (L5-30R), 1 - RV Receptacle (TT-30R)
•     Electric Remote Control Start (battery included), powered by Champion 196cc OHV Engine with Cast Iron Sleeve.
•     Runs for 12 hours on full tank of gas at 50% load. Engine oil included.
•     Weighs 135-pounds Dimension: 28.5-inch (L) x 20.3-inch (W) x 20.5-inch (H)
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Now start your generator from the comfort of your home, campsite or RV.....Remote Control works up to 80' away (generator must be placed outside for starting). The Champion 4000 watt Portable Generator provides dependable, portable power for your home, campsite or jobsite. 3500 watts Rated, 4000 watts Maximum output. Champion generator can run lights, TV, refrigerator and sump pump all at the same time. Great for running 2-3 power tools. Powered by Champion 196cc OHV engine with cast iron sleeve will run 12 hours on a full tank of gas at 50% load. Electric Remote Control Start (Battery Included). EPA approved (cannot be sold in California). Features full durable frame with portability kit w/8-inch wheels, 1 - 120V DUPLEX outlet (5-20R), 1 -120V Twistlock Receptacle (L5-30R), 1 - RV Receptacle (TT-30R), Overload Protection, Low Oil Sensor and Intelligauge which provides volts, hertz and operating hours information. Engine Oil included. Dimensions: 28.5-inch (L) x 20.3-inch (W) x 20.5-inch (H). Weighs 135-pounds 2 Year Limited Warranty. Champion has the best Product Quality and Customer Service in the business. All Champion products are cover by our Lifetime Free Technical Support and 2 Year Limited Warranty.

This review is from: Champion Power Equipment 46561 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start

Great generator, excellent for the price, January 10, 2012 By Bob

This generator is a great piece of equipment. The purchase was for my mom's house. When we fired up the generator and switched to generator power, the unit didn't skip a beat. Electric start is flawless. Very versatile Have not had to use it in an emergency yet, but don't anticipate any issues. Customer service is great. The original generator purchased experienced an issue in shipping. The seller sent a return pickup order, covered the return shipping and refunded the original shipping. No questions asked. Can't wait to use it!!

GREAT GENERATOR FOR THE MONEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, December 9, 2011 By nd4412

First of all, this is my fourth CHAMPION Generator. Each time I have upgraded and sold the "old" Champion for what I paid for. Recieved this Generator with the Box beaten up, (I suspect UPS), but the inside contents were fine. I purchase this Generator for power outages. This Generator will power my furnace,fridge,freezer,a few lights and tv. Just what I need to survive the North Dakota winters . I have been happy with ALL my Champion Generators. I never have had any issues with any of them. I suggest this Generator for emergency needs and dry camping. YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG WITH CHAMPION GENERATORS !! I had contacted Champion service Department once and help me through with the questions I had. I do not have anything bad to say about thier service Department.The electric start is handy and nice.
P.S. I have owned other brand Generators and for the bucks and quality, You will be satified with the CHAMPION Generators.

Satisfied customer - Champion generator, December 8, 2011 By Bill Jones

I ordered a 4000 watt Champion Portable Gas Generator. got terrific service, great price and quick delivery. received the unit, followed a few assembly instructions and it started up on the first try. I am very pleased with my purchase and recommend this too anyone.

Champion Generator model 46561, December 7, 2011 By Don

I recently purchased a 3500 watt Champion generator, model 46561, through Amazon for emergency power. It produces 30 amps @ 120V. For me, it's use may only be necessary a couple of times a year and only for short periods(I hope).The equipment was shipped promptly and arrived in good condition. The unit started on the first pull and produces enough power to run my furnace, my refrigerator, a TV and some lights (tested). So now if I get a winter power outage, I can sit in front of the TV, in a warm house and eat until the outage is over! Voltage remained steady during my test at 125 V +0/-2 volts with a 3000 watt load (estimated). The equipment has a pull start, a push button start and a remote start. They all worked well. Nice to just push a button and go. The equipment is actually fairly quiet(about the same as a lawn mower). It's a nice piece of equipment for the price and cheap insurance for winter power outages. I'd recommend this equipment and Amazon to both my friends and family.

great buy, November 29, 2011 By fmunoz72

We are very satisfied with this product. Shipping was fast. Works great. So far no complaints here. Would buy from again. We love it.

Champion Generator, November 21, 2011 By Tom

Received generator in great condition, opened and read the instruction manual, installed the correct grade and amount of engine oil. After this I filled the tank with gasoline, turned on the battery switch, set the rocker switch to the on position and used the remote to start it, fired up instantly with no hesitation. I would strongly recommend anyone needing a RV type generator to purchase this one.

Champion Power Equipment #46561, November 16, 2011 By midnight


This little generator is the real deal offering features and performance that just are not available in other brands anywhere near the price. The Amazon dealer shipped immediately and professionally.

It is quiet for it's power range and very safe to use with modern electronic equipment. It will satisfy easily moderate power users like portable heaters and home appliances.

All in all a great package that has all the features of high end units. I am a repeat customer with Champion. I also have their 1600W inverter generator set and love it.

midnight

Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)

Powerful, portable, and efficient, the Yamaha EF2000iS Gas-Powered Portable Inverter delivers maximum electrical output without sacrificing portability. Thanks to its innovative inverter system, the generator is able to generate up to 2,000 watts of clean AC power. It can run up to 10.5 hours continuously without refueling and uses premium technologies to maximize fuel efficiency.

Powerful Inverter System Delivers Cleaner Electricity
The EF2000iS is built around an innovative inverter system, which is able to deliver higher-quality, cleaner electricity than competing generators. It produces energy in the form of pure sine waves, which are cleaner and more reliable than most commercial power sources.

In simpler terms, this means that you'll be able to confidently power delicate machinery without having to worry about the damage caused by unrefined energy. An electrical overload breaker is also included, to prevent generator damage in case of an unexpected overload.

Smart Technologies for Optimal Fuel Efficiency

Compact and ergonomic, the EF2000iS is easy to store and transport

The EF2000iS is exceptionally fuel efficient, able to run for up to 10.5 hours without refueling when in Economy mode. Its OHV engine runs reliably and dissipates heat efficiently, allowing for both a long life and optimal fuel consumption.

With its Smart Throttle Load feature, the generator is able to dynamically adjust engine speed depending on output, resulting in greater overall fuel efficiency. The generator also features an exclusive dual coil alternator stator, which lowers engine speed and reduces total fuel consumption.

Ergonomic, User-Friendly Design
Weighing 44 pounds, the generator is ultra-portable and features an easy-to-carry design. It has a convenient, centralized control panel, which allows you to easily access all of the generator's features at the push of a button. It also starts up responsively due to its auto-decompression system, which reduces compression and makes start-up less difficult.

For added convenience, the EF2000iS is able to recharge batteries with its 8A12V DC output, making it ideal for RV, auto, and boat owners. You can even hook up two EF2000iS units for added output, thanks to TwinTech technology. And you won't have to worry about engine damage due to low oil levels: an oil-watch warning system constantly monitors oil levels and lets you know when an oil change is needed.

Noise Reduction for Quiet Operation

TwinTech technology allows you to hook up two units for added output

The EF2000iS uses noise reduction technologies to ensure the quietest operation possible. Featuring a special sound-blocking design, the generator has noise-absorbing glass wool construction, which helps dampen noise even during heavy operation. Along with the EF2000iS' super-quiet muffler and vibration-isolating feet, it helps keep noise to a minimum.

The EF2000iS is backed by a two-year warranty.

Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) Features

•     2,000 Watt Maximum AC Output/1,600 Watt Rated AC Output
•     Super-quiet muffler with USFS-approved Spark Arrestor
•     Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on load
•     Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
•     CARB Compliant

This review is from: Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)
   
Very user-friendly, February 11, 2012 By Scott Dayman (Pasadena, CA United States)

I got this primarily for my travel trailer, though it's not powerful enough to run A/C or multiple appliances. The economy mode is great since it quietly idles under light load and cranks up as needed. Filling the oil is messy - I put too much in, so a lot of it spilled and the overflow is still seeping out. Next time I'll use a turkey baster to fill the oil. I also wish that there was another way to reset the generator after an overload other than shutting it down and restarting it.

Quality Equipment, January 7, 2012 By Ray Hill

Received my new EF2000iS within 4 days of ordering which was excellant. Unboxed, and followed the instructions by putting the oil in first, and then fuel. Unit fired up on the First Crank. This Generator Far Exceeds all others which are currently for sale, not only with muffled Sound, but also generator output. This light weight unit currently out performs by Kipor 3000 watt unit which I had been using with my RV, not only by weight, but 50% less sound. I would strongly recommend this Yamaha Unit above all others.

Yamaha EF2000is, January 6, 2012 By STUART

This is the GREATEST generator ever made. I use it to power my tire warmers for my track bike and it's excellent. It's so quiet, can hear other people's generators further away before I hear this one. Matter of fact the only way I know it's still running is because the warmer light is still on.
I'm in the military and was getting ready to deploy so I had to store the generator. The instructions said to let it run dry of gas and drain the oil. So with the generator's gas guage on empty, I started it up to just let it die. This thing ran for another 2 hours until I finally gave up and turned it off. The next day with it still on empty I started it again and put a 900 Watt load on it and it STILL ran for another 3 hours until it finally started to sputter and die. This generator is AMAZING. I love it.

Has done everything I've needed it to do, December 28, 2011 By Brian

This inverter generator was purchased to run a few amps, lights, and a TV at a football tailage. Long before the first tailage there was a power outage at the house and I used the inverter generator to power a fridge in my kitchen for 4 days. Don't kid your self into thinking this is a 100% duty cycle generator, I would run it for several hours shut it down and then start it back up when the freezer got near 28*. In 4 days the generator ran for just over 40 hours and used about 4 gallons of gas.

Quick oil change and it was tailage time. And this generator shined when it came time to tailage. Running about 750w worth of amplifiers, some small lights and a 38" LCD was nothing for this little guy. When the music was turned up and the amps started hitting hard the eco mode would speed up the motor a bit. A 5 hour tailgate would use less than a 1/2 tank of fuel.

I couldn't be happier with this purchase. We've even had to use the 12v outlet to charge the tailgating trucks battery when someone forgot to turn off the headlights before kickoff.

generator, November 29, 2011 By lorax

This is a great compact generator. I really believe these products are second only to Honda. Mine however must have been defective because it started leaking gasoline a few days after I got it.

What the doctor ordered, November 28, 2011 By Mikey (Sacramento)

Was looking for a light/portable/quiet generator and found it in this one. Not sure if a inverter generator is needed but guessing its good insurance against damaging a computer or tv. Is quiet, as I can expect, for a engine running. A bit of a pain filling with oil. Like the gas petcock, so I can run the carb dry. Not sure if it will damage anything but would rather store it without gas in carb (nothing mentioned in instructions), but been doing that with motorcycles for decades.

Haven't had it long but like it so far.

Work horse generator at a better price than Honda, November 14, 2011 By Ethosian (Earthquake Zone, California)

This generator has seen lots of use since I bought it, charging the batteries on our RV, and powering up the AC lighting and refrigerator circuits simultaneously. We've used it to run portable equipment (electric chain saw and hedge trimmers) when city power wasn't available. I love the thing. It's nice and quiet. Not powerful enough for the microwave on full power or the air conditioner, but it runs everything else just fine. If I go camping in the desert in summer I'll by another one so you can chain them together to power the air conditioner. No complaints.

Remote Power, November 2, 2011 By IvoryDawg

I ordered my Yamaha EF2000iS generator on Sunday evening. It shipped on Monday and arrived at my door on Wednesday!! I put oil and gas in it and it fired up on the very first pull. I have only had it a couple of hours so I haven't had a lot of time to test it out, but this thing seems to be just great. It is not very loud at all, especially when it is under a light load. I would highly recommend this generator and I am sure I will get years of service out of it.