Generators Reviews

I bought this item about a year ago so that I could plug my xbox and lcd display in my car. I'm still using it to this day.

I COULDNT FIND A CIGARETTE LIGHTER CHARGER FOR MY DELL INSPIRON 9100,DELL DOSENT MAKE ONE.THE Xantrex Technologies 851-0400 X-Power 400 Power Inverter IS PERFECT IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM IT HAS A CIGARETTE CHARGER AND ALSO DIRECT BATTERY CABLES IN WHICH I DONT NEED TO RUN MY INSPIRON 9100. THIS MODEL IS QUIT AND EASY TO USE. I AM GLAD I BOUGHT THIS PRODUCT, ITS A LIFE SAVER I CAN NOW BE TRULY MOBILE.

I couldn't find a 'factory' DC adapter for my Inspiron 9100. This Dell brick power supply that powers my lapop sucks juice faster than a Hummer. The Xantrex fan comes on only when needed and is moderately quiet when used with my laptop. No sound problems when watching a DVD on the laptop with the fan spinning. Even so, the fan doesn't come on but only 3-4 times during a movie for approx 10 secs. The Xantrex unit gets warm just to know its working, not warm such as it was working hard at all. Nice unit which replaced my 300W Tripp Lite.

After weathering three hurricanes last year here in central Florida, we decided to take the plunge and invest in a generator. We were looking for one with enough power to run our refrigerator, ceiling fans, lights, television, microwave, computer, and miscellaneous small appliances (coffeemaker, fans, etc). We also wanted the machine to be portable so it could be stored in our garage when not in use and moved outside by one person when it needed to be run. It should be gasoline powered, relatively fuel efficient, and affordable. Finally, we wanted to be able to hook the generator into our house circuitry so as not to have to deal with extension cords. Connecting to the house circuitry meant installing a transfer switch for safety and to meet National Electric Code requirements. A transfer switch allows you to power essential, pre-selected branch circuits (refrigerator, living room, dining room, for instance) from either utility power OR generator power, but never both simultaneously. The transfer switch does the very important job of electrically isolating generator-powered branch circuits from utility service. Without it, you would be energizing service lines outside your house, creating an extremely dangerous condition; for instance, you could electrocute utility crews working to restore power. The transfer switch configuration also requires the generator to supply 120/240VAC power, which is what is used to power the transfer switch/subpanel.

For the list of items we wanted to power, 5000W is the correct size. A larger generator would be needed if we wanted to run our central air conditioning system, the hot water heater, and/or the electric range.

We visited the usual home-improvement-superstore suspects to look at 5000 Watt generators. TroyBilt and Generac are well under $1000 and certainly affordable, but they are made by Briggs & Straton and are of poor quality, in my opinion. I bought a brand new TroyBilt/B&S power-washer some years back and after about 6 months the seams in the plastic gas tank came apart, causing it to leak gasoline when filled more than part way. I bought a new Toro lawn mower with a B&S engine which suffered the exact same fate - the seams in the plastic gas tank failed. Perhaps I am just unlucky with B&S products. But for me, I am not interested in owning another one.

Honda generators were very nice and have a well-deserved reputation for reliability. However, they were just not affordable - at least to us. If I were a site contractor and was going to use it every day, then maybe I could justify the $3000+ cost, but certainly not for a machine that was going to spend most of its days sitting in the garage.

We settled on a Makita G6100R generator and I have been very happy with it. The 6100R is identical to the Robin Subaru RGV6100 -- evidently rebranded under the Makita name. It is powered by an 11HP OHV, 4-cycle, air-cooled Robin Subaru engine which, according to the literature, has an aluminum alloy block with cast iron cylinder liner, electronic ignition with automatic timing adjustment, dual ball bearing supported crankshaft, automatic decompression system, and splash type lubrication. The generator is brushless, self-exciting, 2-pole, single phase and generates 20 Amps on each of the two 120V output circuits for a total of 40Amps (20Amps at 240VAC). The 5-gallon metal gas tank will, reportedly, allow it to run under full load for about 7 hours. This generator is also available with an electric start (model G6101R). The one I bought (G6100R) has a recoil-type starter (pull cord). I had no problems starting it, whatsoever. It starts very easily. I also purchased the Makita 110004-A 2-wheel mobility kit, which I highly recommend. Without it, you are looking at close to 200 lbs of dead weight to move around.

I purchased a Gen/Tran PowerStay 200660 manual transfer switch, which allows me to switch up to 16 branch circuits between utility power and generator power. When in operation, the generator sits OUTDOORS and away from HVAC intakes (avoiding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning) and plugs into a Reliance PR20 power inlet box using a 10-foot L14-20 power cord (20A @ 120/240VAC). A 50-foot length of 10AWG 4-wire Romex runs from the power inlet box, through the attic, and connects to the transfer switch next to the main power center (breaker box). Basically, you start the generator, then switch the transfer switch to open the Utility breaker and close the generater breaker, thus supplying generated power to all the branch circuits wired into the transfer switch subpanel. A nice side feature of this setup is that when the utility power comes back on, power will be restored to those branch circuits not routed through the transfer switch (such as air conditioning). Therefore, you will know right away when the utility power comes back on.

I decided to upgrade my generator from the 2500 watt Coleman I was using. It would barely run a refrigerator. We had a terrible ice storm here in Durham NC a few months ago. I was without power for three days and we were luck it was only that long. I did alot of research into generators. Here's what I found. Honda gens are wonderful but expensive. Grenerac is garbage for long term use. Read the reviews if you doubt. Makita built by Robin compare feature to feature and quality wise with Honda. I like the way Robin builds their engines, all ball bearing construction. No sleave bearings here. I have use this gen twice so far and it will power my whole house no problem. The control panel on this gen is well layed out. I used a outlet box with a twist lock plug to feed power into my main pannel. By the way Amazon has the best price on these gens.

Just recievd the Makita G6100R 6100 Watt Generator and was very impressed on how it worked. Filled with oil and gas, gave one pull on the starter cord and started to run. Ran my entire house on the generator (with a 20 AMP twist lock plug wired into my circuit panel)for 5 hours with no problems. Has great features normally found on higher priced models. Idle switch is great along with smooth and QUIET running Robin (Subaru made) engine. Can't beat the price either! Get the wheel kit, this generator is heavy!

This Dewalt generator is ,without question,one of the nicest on the market. It's level of design,preformance and finish is the best available today. I have used many generators,from various manufactures and I would say that this Dewant unit compares with the super-duty,heavy construction, units I've used. You can't go wrong.

As always, DeWalt exceeded my expectations. This gem arrived in perfect condition. Once I had completed assembly and added oil and fuel, I gave a very light tug on the rope to get a feel for how much resistance it would offer. It started! Have only had it a few weeks, but it works just as advertised. The automatic idle is a very nice feature which really keeps noise down when there is no load. Note - be sure to follow instructions, since the generator is shipped without oil. If you like to jump ahead, do not put in fuel or oil before assembling wheels and lifting hook.

As always, DeWalt exceeded my expectations. This gem arrived in perfect condition. Once I had completed assembly and added oil and fuel, I gave a very light tug on the rope to get a feel for how much resistance it would offer. It started! Have only had it a few weeks, but it works just as advertised. The automatic idle is a very nice feature which really keeps noise down when there is no load. Note - be sure to follow instructions, since the generator is shipped without oil. If you like to jump ahead, do not put in fuel or oil before assembling wheels and lifting hook.

What can I say, great tool for the money. Good name brand you can depend on. Handy for all those jobs around the house. Don't have one? Why not, get yours today! Thumbs up.

I had used this grinder to grind welds on steel furniture and cabinets. It ran cool and never had problems with the dust messing up the brushes. I also used it to widen the rough out for over 10 windows in red brick - no problems from the work or dust. The grinder is over 4 years old and I think the only complaint I have is with the noise (though every grinder is loud) - just have some ear protection or your ears might be ringing.

I had used this grinder to grind welds on steel furniture and cabinets. It ran cool and never had problems with the dust messing up the brushes. I also used it to widen the rough out for over 10 windows in red brick - no problems from the work or dust. The grinder is over 4 years old and I think the only complaint I have is with the noise (though every grinder is loud) - just have some ear protection or your ears might be ringing.

I love the Freeplay translucent self powered lantern. Whoever invented this is a genius! It's so nice to have this for emergencies and we store it in our Earthquake kit. We recently had to use it for a power outage and was very pleased with the item. It's a bonus to NOT have to buy batteries! Just a few cranks and voila (warning: it only lasts two hours but I still think it's worth cranking versus spending a fortune on batteries.) I love it so much that I also bought the self powered radio and would love to purchase more for gifts. Keep this in stock, Amazon!

Never needs batteries, always works. What other flashlight offers that?

I love having this light! For emergencies like power outages, it's safe and you don't have to worry about dead batteries or dangerous candles. Kids even like it. It's also great in your trunk of your car. Buy two! Makes a great gift for hard to buy folks too. HINT,HINT! They also make a great FreePlay Radio.

I bought this for hurricane use and it powers my entire house including a 2 1/2 ton central A/C unit. It works great and will fill your most likely needs. Best item I ever bought from Amozon.com.

I like it very much , it works great !!!

Starts first or second pull, pulls easy, runs everything!!! I paid less for this than some sites sell the 12 horse Vanguard engine for (and got free shipping!)

I was recently a victim of hurricane Jeanne in Florida. The generator ran everything in my house including a window unit air conditioner. It would run for about 8 hours before it needed refueling and it was not that loud. I used the generator for 4 days solid and it never missed a beat. I would recomend this generator to anyone.

I bought it new 18 months before Y2K.The main selling point for me was the Honda engine.More than enough watts for multiple loads, AC, fridge, wash machine. All at the same time.Have not had any problems in 250 hrs of operation.Uses about 1 gal of fuel per hr at full load. Be aware if you intend to run it on propane you will need a 100lb tank or better. 20lb grill size tank is too small.I am very happy with this genset.

I bought it new 18 months before Y2K.The main selling point for me was the Honda engine.More than enough watts for multiple loads, AC, fridge, wash machine. All at the same time.Have not had any problems in 250 hrs of operation.Uses about 1 gal of fuel per hr at full load. Be aware if you intend to run it on propane you will need a 100lb tank or better. 20lb grill size tank is too small.I am very happy with this genset.

This is a great product. I'm in Mississippi in the mist of Hurricane Katrina. I have been running this generator since Tuesday 30 Aug after the storm. I serviced it every 5hrs as recommended w/ no problem.

I purchased this generator and wheen kit from Northern a few years ago. Until all the recent hurricanes I have not had much opportunity to use it. I am 100% satisfied with this little workhorse. It has never failed to start and my wife can pull start it on the first pull.