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While the unit might be a little small to operate everything in my house, if I hooked it in that way, it can certainly run everything I need to run to maintain heat, minimal air conditioning and both light and a TV, when needed, all the things that make waiting for the regular power to come back. I use Mobil 1 oil in the engine and change the oil filter and oil once a year. When the storm induced power outage in our neighborhood went into its third day, I finally decided to do something about it. I expect the Generator set to last as long as I do. Now, a couple years later, I know I got both a good deal and an excellent product. When working at the far ends of my large yard, it is easier to drag out the Generac to run power tools or even my electric leaf blower than it is getting out long extension cords.The reliable engine has pressurized lubrication and incorporates a spin-on oil filter (same size as the one used on many Japanese cars, including the Mazda Miata (and my Yanmar powered John Deere garden tractor) that allows for long engine life. Keep the tank full with gasoline containing Stabil and you will always have power available any time you need it.
I bought my Generac 4000EXL at the local Home Depot bacause it looked to me large enough to do what I needed and it had all the features I was looking for and even more. The electric start feature was something I wanted so that anyone would have no problem using the generator and that has allowed for almost instant starts, even when the generator hasn't been run for a few months. Can't ask for more than that. I haven't hooked anything to the little generator that it hasn't been able to power and run with ease.
Customer support is nonexistent and service is difficult to find. For a couple more dollars, they could have given me a filter. They bolt a plate over the mounting point. I found it to be noisy and tempermental. It's cheap.
I was furious. Pay a little more and get a *real* generator if you plan to use it much. and you *will* need service.The unit advertises an oil filter; however, make sure yours has one. If it doesn't have one, you must buy an adapter from a Generac dealer and they're proud of them. Some units don't.
The Generac has a longer run time than either of them, has much more stable voltage output(.)., and has automatic idle control. It is not quiet, but is quieter than most, and far quiteter than all but Honda or Yamaha units costing 3X as much. I'm very happy.I have to wonder about the reviewers that talked about immediate, massive failures. This is one of the longest lived generators on the market, having been produced in pretty much the same form for at least 10-12 years, and sold by several other companies with different badging. It works very well and it is a great value.Don't waste your money on the 4000EXL version offered by HD for much more $$$. My manual start version(4000XL) has always started in 2 pulls or less. It is the better generator but it cost a lot less. Briggs & Stratton have been making small engines for years and you would be hard pressed to find more proven technology or experience.
Good reason. Unit specs seem to be slightly conservative. I have had no problems at all with engine or generator head. I have found this unit to perform equally with 2 other generators I own, both of which are rated at 5000 watts continuous/6800 surge.
Met all expectations - a terrific value - order and deliveryprocessed without a hitch - would definitely recommend forpurchase.
I'm glad to have it running, but hope it isn't needed. She said Generac in Florida was handled by Dixie Sales and gave me their number. I am very fortunate the spindle wasn't damaged. I put it on a bench and pounded it out with a hammer to the point where the recoil starter would retract easily. The 12 volt outlet is nice to have, and the regulation was good.
The eService web site given in a recorded message goes to a page that says their registration expired 6/10. Any later maintence support will be no better handled, I'm sure. I left a voicemail and a day later got a curt call from a lady who explained they (Briggs & Stratton) made the generator and were responsible for everything EXCEPT the engine, which is made by Generac and they couldn't help me with my questions. I may update this after using the generator for a while, but now I am too frustrated by a lack of support from anyone to ever recommend buying a Generac unit.
Upon trying to start the unit, the recoil starter was difficult and didn't retract. We have a hurricane entering the Gulf in a few days. The gentleman at Dixie was the most helpful person so far, but explained they sell parts and don't get involved in warranty or shipping issues. It is fairly noisy, but not more so than my B&S power washer. unit to a repair center 15 miles away) and file a claim for damages with UPS. I didn't notice any damage until after assembly and adding oil and gas. The unit does come with a spare spark plug and oil filter, as well as a storage cover. Unfortunately, I had been trying that number for 2 days, without success.
I just received the 4000XL, ordered from Amazon and delivered by UPS. (Perhaps if the shipping damage had been to the part they did make they would help). Generac is impossible to get ahold of, and no one - Amazon, B&S, or Generac - seems willing to help with shipping damage claims. I then noticed the housing was severly bent due to a sharp blow from the bottom in shipping.
I bolted it back on, and the generator started on the second pull. Amazon clearly states the unit can't be returned, and a good quick email from them provided me with a phone number for spport and a local service center. The B&S rep told me to get it fixed myself (hauling the 149 lb. So, with much frustration, I went home and pulled the recoil starter off the side of the generator.
The UPS claims form on their website requires shipper information I do not have.
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