Generac 5976 GP6500 8,000 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant)

Generac 5976 GP6500 8,000 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant) Description

Offering an even more compact frame for 2011, the Generac GP6500 portable gas-powered generator (model 5976) provides a reliable 6,500-watt power supply wherever you need it and a maximum power output of 8,000 watts. An OHV (overhead valve) engine delivers performance and power, while a sturdy steel-tube cradle protects the generator's exterior. For safe and comfortable use, the circuit-breaker outlets prevent power overloads, and the low-tone muffler makes for ultra quiet operation.

The Generac GP6500 now comes with covered outlets for added protection from the environment and rugged working conditions, plus an hour meter to help track maintenance requirements. And with its solid, never-flat wheels and ergonomic fold-down locking handle, transport and storage are quick and easy.

A Durable Power Supply Wherever You Need It

The Generac GP6500 is an ideal portable generator to have at home, on the job site, or wherever you need power. Its compact frame--28.75 x 26.75 x 25 inches (LxWxH)--is fitted with 9.5-inch solid, never-flat wheels and a fold-down handle, so it can easily accompany you wherever you go. And with its hardened steel-tube cradle, this rugged generator holds up well for frequent travel, allowing you to look forward to years of operation.

Thanks to its versatile design, this generator adds comfort and possibility to any situation. Use it to keep your family safe through unexpected blackouts, add some fun to a camping trip, or make your job faster and easier.

Powerful OHV Engine with Secure Shutdown

The Generac GP6500 is equipped with a powerful 389-cc OHV (overhead valve) engine, which features a low-oil shutdown system to prevent engine damage and keep your generator in good shape for long-term use. It also features splash lubrication and a high-performance alternator, ensuring that operation of your electrical devices is efficient and smooth.

Plus, this generator's sturdy, 7.2-gallon steel tank ensures a full 10 hours of operation at a 50-percent load, letting you relax for hours of use. And with the tank's built-in fuel gauge, you can monitor fuel levels at a glance. Generac even provides you with your first supply of oil.
Plenty of Wattage to Run a Full Range of Appliances

The Generac GP6500 supplies 6,500 output watts and 8,000 maximum watts (for start-up of devices). It has an A/C voltage of 120/240 and a frequency of 60 hertz.

For unexpected blackouts, this is enough wattage to run home appliances such as security systems, computers, and electric range tops. For construction and landscaping applications, it's enough to support devices such as trimmers, belt sanders, and circular saws. And for camping and outdoor events, it can run portable stereos, outdoor lights, and electric grills.

(Note: All appliances should be checked for actual wattage ratings.)
Safe, Quiet Operation with Overload-Protected Outlets

If security and quiet operation are important to you in a generator, then the Generac GP6500 is an ideal choice. Its 120-volt outlets are circuit-breaker protected, guarding against power overloads and allowing the generator to smoothly send power to your appliances. And the low-tone muffler means the generator runs at a comfortable noise level that easily blends into the background.

This generator is CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified. It is backed by a two-year limited residential warranty (one-year warranty for commercial applications).

Generac 5976 GP6500 8,000 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant) Features

•     Portable gas-powered generator with 389cc OHV engine
•     Reliable 6,500-watt power supply; 8,000 surge watts
•     Solid, never-flat wheels; ergonomic fold-down handle with locking capabilities
•     7.2-gallon steel fuel tank with incorporated fuel gauge; runs up to 10 hours at 50% load
•     CARB Compliant

This review is from: Generac 5976 GP6500 8,000 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant)

Be ready for the next power outage, February 9, 2012 By Autobahn97

I purchased this in a bit of a knee jerk reaction to the several day long power outage in CT in late October 2012 and my wife yelling at me for not getting a generator after the 2 day power outage labor day 2012 (Hurricane). I did spend some time researching and quickly determined hat Generac had lots of good reviews out there and spends most of its efforts making generators for various applications and is focused on generators in general, even designing the motors to run for extended periods of time such as is common for a generator. I ordered this generator since I wanted minimally 6500W to power a deep well pump I have along with other essentials in my home. A fired has a 5500W mmodel taht he purchased at a big box storage and it didn't have the power to run his well pump and furnace at the same time so I knoew I needed at least a 6500W model. Amazon prime shipped it to me free 2 day service but of course the power came on about an hour before the generator arrived (Murphy's law).

Regardless I assembled the generator which was not damaged in any way via the private delivery van that brought it to my home. Assembly was easy since it's attaching the wheels & fold out carry arm which only required some basic tools. After that you add oil (included) and you are done. In my case I had a problem where the bolt pattern for the fold out arms mounting bracket didn't line up with the frame of the generator so only 1 bolt would attach the handle and it wasn't properly secured though functional. I think they send me the part for a larger model generator that maybe has a larger frame, larger handle, and larger handle mounting bracket. I called Generac and after on hold for awhile I spoke with a friendly rep that after some time found the part and shipped it to me at no charge. Now the part took nearly 2 weeks to arrive and when it arrived I was disappointed that they sent the handle and not the handle mounting bracket. I called back and this time was quickly connected to a rep. I asked if there was a way that I could view the same schematics that she was looking at for the generator and she directed me to a PDF doc out on the Generac website. Looking at it together we quickly identified the correct part and they shipped it out to me at no charge so now I'm all set and everything fits properly.

Even though working through the wrong part issue I was still able to test run the generator. I was surprised and delighted that it started on the second pull (assuming first pull primed the engine since it was dry). I plugged in a few things and they worked so it seems to be working. The next day I showed my wife how to start the generator and she managed to pull start it on the second pull too. Initially I wanted to get an electric start variant but they were sold out when I was shopping. Having the generator start twice very easily makes not having the electric start feature sit better with me since the electric start models were sold out when I was shopping. Also the electric start requires that you keep the battery charged so you would need to plug it in to charge as you head into weather that may potentially take out your power. Once I have a transfer switch installed (electricians in CT are very much backed up with folks installing transfer switches right now) I plan to run my home for 8 hours on generator to break in the new generator then change the oil in it as per break in maintenance in users manual.

A few things about this generator...
1. It's 6500W model and has a 30Amp output (27Amp actually is the spec I think) so you need a heavier and more expensive 10 gauge cable to connect it to your home as this generator doesn't include ANY cables. I purchased a high quality yellow jacket generator cable from Amazon and my electrician was impressed with the quality of the cable.
2. read the manual (I know its tough for guys). There is some good info on breaking in the motor and information about cutting off fuel when stored for extended periods of time (in short don't keep gas in it).
3. Generac is based in and built in Wisconsin in the USA - not China or other places were Americans are not employed. This is why its more expensive than some big box options out there that are made overseas. Generac's customer service (or the folks I spoke with) are also in Wisconsin USA. They speak English very well and are friendly and knowledgeable. I commend Generac for making a high quality product in the USA and also supporting with USA based resources.

If you are looking for a good quality generator Generac is a solid option and stands behind their product and I have no hesitations recommending them based on my experience thus far.