After decades of the inconvenience and expense of multiple, usually week long, power outages a year I finally decided to buy a portable home generator. I was advised to get no less than 5000 watts and that Hondas are the best. I shopped the retailers and on-line and found this DuroMax XP8500E for half the price of Honda and a comparitively good price period. The directions for wheel assembly and usage are very easy to understand. Wheel assembly is a 2 person process. With no prior experience I wouldn't know but others tells me the key start is a big advantage. The gas shut off valve is definately a strong feature. The idle control is a strong feature as are the options for 120V, 220V and more,and 6.6 gallon gas tank. It started on the first try, is not exceeding loud and functioned as designed without a hitch. I am reluctant to run expensive and cumberson heavy gauge extension cords through the house so I am installing a transfer switch at the breaker box. Since purchase I have had no reason to use it and I am expecting the best based on trial start up, feedback from the electrician and friends experiences and observations. My goal is less stress and to not have to throw away hundreds of dollars of food everytime the power goes out.Read full review
I have it for a few years. When we lost power, it did the job. (+) It's cheaper relative to the Honda's. (-) You need to know how to live with that: You really need to replace its spark plug every year, and keep a spare spark plug. The spark plug, Champion, doesn't last for long time. (No big deal 2$) Battery: Sometimes you can't start it with the key/electrically, as if the engine is stuck. If you pull the cable and then start with the key then it would probably start. I replaced my battery. The red light charge indicator stopped lighting, but the moment I replaced the battery it lit again. I'm not sure if 12v 9AH is sufficient. Wheels: I never moved it, and got a flat tire already. No big deal, 10$ you replace its tube. In conclusion: When it works, it works, and all the house is functioning. (I think my Electric Water Heater is not connected in this mode) If you need it once a year,it's fine but be aware of the above issues.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
I use it off in on since I got it a few years ago when the power when out. But I had to use it alot this past week, we has power go out Monday evening till Thursday morning. It ran pretty much non stop maybe a 20 min break every 12 hours so I can gas it up. It's not to loud but will keep you up at night if your a light sleeper. Battery did go dead thats because it sat for the first two years. Definitely change the oil every year or after heavy use. I cant complain at all about my generator, I'f you take care of it, it will so its job an take care of you.
Verified purchase: No
Nice heavy duty 8500 watt 120/240 volt portable generator. Like the layout of the "control" panel and overall looks. Used it a week after delivery due to a 3 hour power outage, which are becoming more common around here. It powered everything that I needed it too without any trouble. It is heavy, which is to be expected because of its capacity. I would not want to roll it too far because of its weight. It comes with two handles that attach to the front for rolling it to its' destination. I like the feature that allows it to automatically idle down when the electrical load is removed. It is somewhat loud, but that is to be expected considering its' a single piston sixteen HP engine. If you need a really quiet unit (with the same capacity), you'll have to shell out the big bucks. I would buy the same unit over again all things considered.Read full review
Haven't used it yet as I had asked for some help from the "contact us" area and have not received any support. Looks like you are on your own as far as support goes.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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