Blue Max GEN4000B 4,000 Watt 6.5 HP 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Generator
by Blue Max
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List Price: Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Blue Max GEN4000B 4,000 Watt 6.5 HP 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Generator
Customer Review: It works like it should and it won't hurt your wallet.
Summary: 4 Stars
I received this generator via UPS today (I feel sorry for the UPS driver, it's heavy.)
I opened it and it was double-boxed (good start) and after opening box #2, out came my new generator. Keep in mind that this unit is a 2800 Watt generator with a 4000 watt max output - plenty to power most small homes' fridge, a few lights and a TV, but not your dryer or electric stove.
I filled the oil on the engine (lots of warning stickers about this) and put a gallon of gas in the tank. I turned on the gas petcock, flipped on the choke and pulled the starter - 3 pulls and it started and ran for smoothly for about an hour (until I shut it off.) I plugged several things into it while it was running (the voltage meter on it read a constant 110V) and everything seemed to run fine without the generator even showing a load - even my 2HP table saw motor didn't pull too much when starting.
This looks like typical Chinese-built hardware but it also appears to be well-made (especially for the money.) There's a pop-out filter in the fuel tank (a nice extra) and an accessory pack that includes two 110v plugs, a 220v 3-prong plug and a spark plug wrench. My manual and accessory pack were stuffed up under the gas tank and could have been easily overlooked.
The unit is fairly quiet (for a generator) and is tolerable for outside use. I borrowed a friend's US-made generator and it was much louder than this one is. With my home's door shut and it running just outside, you can't hear it running.
Unless you're equipped with a very strong back, I don't recommend you pick this up by yourself. You would do well to either have a good dolly or a wheel setup to move this around. I am going to use a dolly as I don't want it to be too easy to steal when I use it outside my home.
One last thought: typically you get what you pay for. This is a low-cost generator. I don't expect from it what I might expect from a US-made unit that costs twice as much. But I will say that with good maintenance, I expect it to last for several years. I gave it four stars instead of five since, while it's a good value, it's not built with the fit and finish of it's American competition.
Customer Review: An economical choice
Summary: 4 Stars
As I write this, the Blue Max generator has been running for four straight days since the high winds took out power for most of southern New Hampshire on Feb. 25, 2010. It does what it's supposed to do and has paid for itself by keeping my basement from flooding by providing power to my sump pump. I suggest spending another $300-400 to hire a licensed electrician to put in a transfer switch so you can conventiently use this to take care of your refrigerator, lights in the living room and bedroom. Had I to do it over, I would opt for a unit with 220volts to run my submersible well pump.
You need to buy a wheel kit. This unit is too heavy to move around conveniently. The directions that come with it are terrible (were written by someone in China using a chinese/english dictionary.) Write your own directions for the starting process and tape them to the unit in sealed baggie. Keep a can of starting ether around if you have trouble getting it going.
Customer Review: Avoid this generator-if you know what is good for you
Summary: 4 Stars
I am very pleased with the mechanical aspects of this generator. Usually one pull is all it takes and the generator is off running. I have had minor problems with the generator such as the pull cord breaking and lately the muffler going bad. When you consider the use it is minor indeed. My problem is with BLUE MAX and their lack of customer service or rather no customer service at all. The email message they give on the website does not work and their telephone message box is always full. So forget about leaving a message and waiting on them to return the call. it is not going to happen. If you need replacement parts or need to speak to Blue Max about an item you are in trouble. Although, this is a good generator it pays to purchase locally or use a retailer that can service your generator. Local distributors will not touch this generator because it is not distributed by them. You get what you pay for. Take it from the nose that knows. Buyer beware.Customer Review: pretty quiet
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought my blue max for $319 and it was delivered one day early. It was nicely packaged and came with the instruction book. I have been using the blue max for my travel trailer, it runs the air, frig, tv, or anything else in there. Starts right up (with full choke hot or cold) and runs as quiet as the camper next to me with a honda 2000. I am pleased with my purchase (cheap) but I plan on making another review after I put many more hours on it. It is pretty heavy to lift into the back of the truck, but I just leave it there and plug the 30amp cord into it. I had to buy a adapter at the RV store for the 30amp receptacle.Customer Review: Great generator for the money
Summary: 4 Stars
Very dependable generator. I use it to run two 500 watt halogen lights,and a coffee maker for early morning flea market set ups. This means hauling it in a pickup bed over sometimes bumpy roads. It has never had a hiccup. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because the gas tank lid doesn't totally seal and will leak with a full tank. Also there is a leak around the fuel gauge when the tank is full and sloshing. I will probably change gaskets and see if that solves the problem. Not a big issue but one worth noting just for the safety factor. I would recommend this generator to anyone for medium duty use.