Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8,550 Watt 10 HP OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator #030241
by Briggs & Stratton
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List Price: Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8,550 Watt 10 HP OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator #030241
Customer Review: Great Generator for the price!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this generator summer 2006 on sale at Home Depo for $550, so if you don't need it right away you can watch for the sale price again as I have seen it at this price one other time since my purchase.
We had an ice storm go thru NH Jan, 2007, so I got to use the generator my first winter with it. Over the summer 2006 in tests, it always started first pull. At 20 degrees F, it took about 10. I have a 10 circuit transfer switch, highly recommended!!! (Don't bother with a smaller 4-6 circuit switch, this generator has plenty of output to spare. If you are going to bother installing the switch you might as well power as many circuits as you can. I got the switch at HD also, $300 bucks and it comes with a 20 foot 30 amp cord, a male 30amp plug, and a video that shows you how to wire it into your main panel, which was easy to do myself). This generator powered my fridge, freezer, well pump, furnace, garage door opener, as well as several general lighting circuits without an issue.
As some have mentioned, it was louder than I expected it to be, I compare it to the same noise level as is made by my 18hp lawn tractor. You don't really hear it with all the windows closed in the winter, and neighbors close windows also and just wish they had power...
Also, we ran it for just under 5 hours until the power came back and the 5 gallon tank was still just under 1/2 full!
Very happy with this generator overall. It will power everything a normal household will need during a power outage.
Customer Review: My 2 Cents
Summary: 5 Stars
After a storm ripped through Illinois I was out of power for 2.5 days, I decided to buy my own generator. I had borrowed a friends 15+ year old 2000 watt B&S which was way louder than this 5550. The 5550 is a lot louder than the Honda models but also half the price. Who really cares how loud it is when you are desperate? Quick 15 minute assembly. Great wheels. Starts with one easy half pull (Anyone can start). Gas tank is a bit awkward to fill but other than that it seems well built. Looking at buying the GenTran transfer switch kit to setup the right way $350.
(Update 6/07)
The generator still starts perfect one pull after sitting unused in the garage for a year (I try to start it up once a month to run some gas through it).
I installed a reliance 6 circuit transfer switch and an outside outlet(Cheap from EB~Y and 2 easy hours to install). Now I just have to hookup the supplied 220 cable to the generator then flip the circuits to turn on all my lights, fans, gas boiler, all outlets, and microwave. The microwave almost maxes out the generator but operates fine. With everything else in the house on: lights, ceiling fans, & TV's the amp meters on the transfer switch hardly approach 1000 watts. Now I'm just waiting for a storm! No more extension cords!!!!
Customer Review: BUY IT!!! Stop looking and get one of these.........
Summary: 5 Stars
What do you want to do? If you are thinking of power your whole house; move on. If you want to run the important stuff when the power is out get on this one now. I ordered this on a Tuesday night and the following Monday it was here. Opened the box, put the wheels on it, put the oil in it, added some gas and with one pull it was up and running. Twenty five minutes tops and I had power. I went to Lowes and bought a 220 Yellow Jacket 25 foot extension cord for a 100 bucks and hooked it up to my transfer switch and I have my refrigerator, deep freeze, TiVo, TV, computer, DSL, and several lights all on with no issues. If I shut down a few things I could run the AC.
It is only 5500 watts so keep a close eye on the amount of power you ask from this one. If you stay within the range of the output it just sets there and hums along. A little louder than other but the peak power rating is more than worth it. I would high recommend that if you want to run things inside that you invest in a transfer switch like the owners manual says. You do not want the fumes in the house and you do not want to burn the house down. Do the right things with this one and it blows the other away for $699.99.
Customer Review: Agree, Great Generator for the Price
Summary: 5 Stars
Purchased this in Feb during a big sale for less than $500 bucks from Amazon after the freaky snow storm that hit the midwest in Feb. The shipping was free too. Very easy to install, just put on the wheels and front skid/stand and the handle and fill the engine oil. The manual was alittle confusing because it is one of those that tries to cover various models and printing in different languages all on one page. But to start, basiciall DO NOT PLUG ANYTHING TO THE AC OUTLETS till the engines run. 4 step process - turn the on switch, turn the fuel line on, and place the engine on choke then pull the starter motor. Once the engines is started, switch from CHOKE to run. Just like starting a lawn mower.
Also, I'm having a professional electrician install a transfer switch (purchased separately from Lowes or even Amazon) for $200 bucks so I can run the sump pumps, a refrig, furnace and hot water heater, etc.
Customer Review: Whole House Power - Quality - Value
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased on of the Chinese 4000W generators from a local store and on second thought returned it for this generator. WOW! wat a vast inprovement! I mean this is a well build generator that will hold up over time. From opening the box to the first pull I was up and running in a little over a half hour. This generator can susstain 5500Watts but has "startup power" for up to 8000+ watts! When you budget things out, if you have GAS heat you can pretty much run an average house at without overloading the generator.
The fact that it is portable is a plus as I like to do some tailgating in the fall. However, it is about as loud as a riding lawnmower. There is no getting around it, it is loud. But inside my house it is barely noticable.
I mean, who cares if it is a little loud. Just turn up the TV! If your neighbors have a problem, invite them over!