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: happy owner of this product
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the same generator at Costo last year for $529.00. Check it out I am telling you the truth.Customer Review: Worth the money
Summary: 4 Stars
The very wet and stormy spring and summer has finally taken its toll. I was without power once too often, so I purchased this generator. First, I researched several through Amazon and manufactures websites and "kicked the tires" in the stores. For the money, I think this generator is good compromise of power (watts - both running and surge), ease of use, portability and function. I received the machine in good shape and set up was about like others... about an hour, but I read the instructions while drinking coffee and analyzing the manual. Nothing very difficult about putting on the wheel kit or handle, although the axal lock rings ("e clips") were not in the box. Went to my local Briggs dealer and had them in stock. Not a big deal, but a minor annoyance. Put the supplied oil aside and added Mobil 1 instead (firm beleiver in it). Added gas, gave it a half a pull and it started right up. Noise: Loud, but not overly so... if you or all the neighbors are out of power, no one will likely care anyway. Plugged in shop vac, large chop saw and two other small power tools. I could hear the engine pull ever so slightly and rev up to meet the demand... no problem. I have also purchased a power transfer kit so that I can run the circuits in the house and balance the power load. Much simpler.
First impression is that this generator is worth the money. You might get more machine with a Honda (very nice machines) but they are MUCH higher priced. I only need this one in power outages and perhaps some incidental portable power somewhere. I would purchase again. Free shipping and no tax. Only way to go.
Customer Review: Started on the first pull...
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this generator through Amazon earlier this month after our region had a near-miss with Hurricane Earle... The shipper (Ceva Logistics) was prompt and accommodating. The generator was reasonably well packed and came "some assembly required".
After installing the wheels, foot and handle, adding gas and filling the engine with oil (included with the unit -- a nice touch) I gave it a pull ... it started right up. Each time I've run the generator it has started on the first pull.
The noise level is better than I expected; like that of a good-sized mower. With the generator running ~30 feet from the house, and with the windows closed, you could hear it on that side of the house. In the middle of the house, you could hear a muffled noise, and on the far side, not a thing.
As other reviewers have noted, it's not a light unit (160 lbs + fuel), but it rolls well even on my bumpy lawn, and the handle is long enough to give you a good amount of leverage when lifting it up to roll.
I'm running it with a transfer switch and generator sub-panel; it's taken all of the load I need it to (4400 Watts, with an estimated 6500 Watt max starting load).
Overall, it's a good portable generator. The weather cover over the outlets is a nice feature, as is the "cold weather" shield around the carb / throttle (a plus for those of us in New England). The manual is also quite good. An Amp meter on the outlet panel would be a real plus.
Customer Review: More than enough power
Summary: 4 Stars
6/2/2009 UPDATE-Still working perfectly after 2+ years. I even leave gas in it over the winter so it is always ready. Make sure you use a fuel stabilizer if you plan on leaving gas in it for an extended period of time. While my power hasn't gone out for more than a day since I purchased it so far when it has the generator has worked fine. The efficiency of the unit also surprised me as it doesn't use as much gas as I thought it would.
I bought this as our power has been down 2 times this winter for more than 3 days each time. It has more than enough power to run my "essential" household circuits. I did put in a transfer switch which has made it much easier to run the house. The important aspects of this generator are:
1. Watts-I want to run 2 refridgerators, furnace fan, microwave, septic and various lights.
2. Start up power (some generators have as much watts but not as much start up power) This is important because when your furnace, fridge or other appliances start they require more watts to get going.
3. Fuel tank size-I wanted it to run as long as possible without having to refill the tank.
4. Quite-come on it is load no matter what you buy however an Overhead Valve engine is less loud.
Customer Review: Good, simple to use generator - Sustained shipping damage!
Summary: 4 Stars
The generator did sustain some shipping damage (cracked cover for bearing carrier). We bought this through Amazon directly and was shipped by ABF. The unit took a little longer to get here as it was routed to Detroit instead of Florida where we live. The broken cover did not affect operation. Amazon has said it will order and ship a new part. They do not accept returns of generators (or other gas powered products) even when they have not been used, so be sure you want it before you buy it.
After installing the wheel kit and handle (in less than 15 minutes), I filled the oil and gas and started the unit with 1 easy pull. The generator is loud, but no more than others this size. It has a large, easy to fill gas tank on top with an easy to read gas gauge. The oil fill opening is rather small and close to the ground, but a small funnel helped prevent spills.
The only other negatives is that it does not have a throttle control (only one setting "run") and no oil dip stick. You just have to fill the oil fill spout up to the top till almost overflowing.
We bought this for potential power outages after hurricanes. Hopefully, we will not need to use it too much!