Troy-Bilt Generator powered by Briggs&Stratton

[OnlyStihl]

I've had this 5500 Watt Gas Powered Generator for over 20 years. I've been considering replacing it for a couple of years now. Thinking to get twice the output, electric push button start, dual fuel, etc.

We had a big storm blow thru here a few weeks ago. Lots and lots of tree damage, one house got hit, power out, phone lines caput, and it was multi-county wide,,, a vast area was hit. Luckily I had 5 gallons of gas to last me thru the 40+ hours of outage. I'm actually surprised we got power back that fast. It was nice to keep the deep freezer going every 4 to 5 hours, shower, flush the toilet, do the dishes, keep the hot water hot, and the rest of the first world conveniences. Would have been nice to take the warnings a bit more seriously and had on hand another 10 to 15 gallons of fuel.

I've been looking hard at the Predator from Harbor Freight, and the DuroMax sold by Home Depot. While researching I've been playing with the Troy-Bilt, new tires and wheels, the resets need replacing in the spring, fuel gauge is broken, but when used, say in the last week or two it starts with one pull, even in freezing temps.

I don't use it often, maybe once a year, sometimes two, and only for a few hours. But when the power goes down, it is a luxury.

It's a keeper, and I will save myself a grand.

 

[Jusgunn3]

I have one as well but it will not run the whole house so I bought one if these off Amazon. I have a bunch of propane tanks so i run that instead of gasoline. Runs clean and has good power.

https://www.duromaxpower.com/products/duromax-xp13000eh-13000-watt-portable-hybrid-gas-propane-generator?variant=41452692865201&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tw_source=google&tw_adid=671633841062&tw_campaign=20497796801&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20497796801&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kiJfAuKOQ694hcnwfD7a_aFmfD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxpn3gfbjkQMVXyKtBh28gCMBEAQYAiABEgKvTPD_BwE

 

[OnlyStihl]

I have one as well but it will not run the whole house so I bought one if these off Amazon. I have a bunch of propane tanks so i run that instead of gasoline. Runs clean and has good power.

https://www.duromaxpower.com/products/duromax-xp13000eh-13000-watt-portable-hybrid-gas-propane-generator?variant=41452692865201&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tw_source=google&tw_adid=671633841062&tw_campaign=20497796801&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20497796801&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kiJfAuKOQ694hcnwfD7a_aFmfD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxpn3gfbjkQMVXyKtBh28gCMBEAQYAiABEgKvTPD_BwE

Yup, that 13000 Watt is a beast and not all that expensive. Luckily for me, I live in a tiny cabin and my 5500 Watt generator does run the cabin. I'm not running around turning on all appliances, but seems to run those items that keep a house functioning normally. The Turkey, laundry&dryer, welding projects, etc. can wait for main power.

 

[Bill G]

If I remember correctly you have 60 amp service.. ..is that correct?

 

[Jusgunn3]

If I remember correctly you have 60 amp service.. ..is that correct?

I have a 50amp that we installed that runs everything minus the oven and the heat pump, water heater is usd only when needed. Unfortunately we are all electric on this property

 

[MtnHaul]

If you want to go to a 10k generator and stick with Briggs then you might keep an eye out for a Briggs & Stratton Elite 10000, video link here

. I bought a used one with a bunch of spare parts a few years back and it has been great except this year I noticed the voltage was a bit low so I tested the capacitors and they were out of spec--only $35 for 3 new capacitors including shipping. Even with the 18hp Vanguard v-twin it isn't terrible on gas unless you really load it up. At minimum load we were burning about 1/2 gal/hour, maybe a bit less. There are two of these Elite 10k for sale a few hours away from me at $400 and $600 each--great deal for a non-chinese generator.