The Best Features:
- 7,500 surge watts/6,000 continuous watts
- 10-inch flat free tires
- Briggs & Stratton 1650 Series OHV Engine
- Provides up to 12 hours of run time at 1/2 load
- Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California
Very capable generator By J. Molzen
Purchased this generator because of Hurricane Irene blacked out our street for 7 days. I was able to use it for the last 2 days, and I am very happy with my purchase. My home electrical panel has a generator hookup using an interlock switch and a power inlet box. I was able to power all the loads in my house (except the central AC) without a problem. No breakers ever tripped. The most important were the fridge, separate chest freezer, and well pump. We also ran many lights, coffee maker, laptop pc, toaster, 2 TV's, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and 3/4 hp pool pump. We used it 12 hours per day and had several neighbors over for hurricane parties.
I give this generator 5 stars because it performed flawlessly during my first 25 hours of use. However there is a downside, but its not specific to this brand, so I did not take any stars away for it. The NOISE! Even with the Briggs and Stratton "Super Lo-Tone" muffler, its about equivalent to a big (2 cylinder) lawn tractor with the blades spinning. If you have neighbors that are very close, intend to run this thing all night, or intend to use it at a tailgate or public event or show, please select a quieter generator such as a built-in or one of the new inverter generators.
Gas gauge not linear. At first it goes down fast to 2/3 full. Then it takes many hours to go from 2/3 to emtpy. At empty, it still has approx 3 gallons left. I'm assuming they did this so you don't run out of gas because that could send bad electricity to your plugged in devices as the engine dies. I easily get 10 hours of runtime on 5 gallons.
No shipping damage (Thank you FedEx). Started first pull. No gasoline smell when running or when storing on garage.
I wanted to mention several important items that are in the owners manual: 1. Remember to change the oil after the first 5 hours of running time. This is because the break in creates metal filings that go into the oil. You want to get rid of that. 2. Recommend you take off the cold weather air scoop if using it in warm weather. Its just 3 bolts and will increase performce. 3. The 120/240 outlet is a twist lock L14-30. 3. Remember to NEVER start or stop generator with anything plugged in (or at least set the breaker to off). During the stop or start, your electrical item would be fed non-standard power frequency. 4. Minimal assembly: Wheels + support leg, oil, gas.
Handles surge loads quite well. I have ran well pump (1/2 HP, 240v), washer/dryer, dishwasher. Two TV's, DirecTV receivers, many lights, chest freezer, fridge, toaster.
Measured the frequency using a Kill-A-Watt meter. I got 62.3 Hz when new. After 8 hours break-in, its at 61.6 Hz. Under light to medium load, it measures 60Hz.
At 25 hours of break-in, I ran a load test of the generator. Using the Kill-A-Watt meter, I determined the usage of several workshop lights (500w), hot water kettle, and 2 hair dryers. I then loaded each 120volt leg to: 2915 watts, and 3160 watts. This is slightly over the generators rating. The generator handled it very well. The engine did not bog down or slow down. It was eable to easily handle the load. You could tell the engine was working harder, but it did not faulter. After about 15 seconds, the 3160 watt leg tripped the breaker because it was over the rating. After I reset it, and plugged the load back in (minus 300 watts), it ran for a few minutes without a problem. At max load, I was reading 118 volts and 58.6 Hz. This is completely acceptable and I consider the generator is a true 6000 watt machine. However portable generators are not meant to run at 100% load for a long period of time. Although it can do it for a short period of time, if you need something that can put out 100% for many hours, look into an 1800rpm diesel.
After 25 hours, there are no problems. No bolts came loose, no problems with the engine, generator, or breakers. Still starts after first pull. No oil leaks. And the hour meter is a nice touch.
Review update: As of Aug 2012, I now have 91 hours on my generator. The engine and electrical components are still working as if they are new. No oil leaks, stable running, and no power issues. I have changed the oil 3 times (using Napa 5W-30 synthetic).
I have had one problem. The fuel gauge is no longer working. First time it happended was just after I wheeled the generator out of the garage and fuel was sloshing around in the tank. The gauge just stuck into one position. When I moved it again, it fixed itself (again fuel sloshing around). Later, it happened again, and now it seems permanently stuck. I have not had the time to call in a warranty repair on it.
At 85 hours, I modified the generator to run on low pressure propane using a kit from US Carb. I purchased their "induction" kit which they do not advertise on the site, but do talk about in their forums. I really like this option because when we have widespread power outages, even the local gas stations are out too. So now I don't have to worry about getting gas every day or it going stale in the tank. This same kit would work for natural gas as well. I can also switch back to gas at any time.
Overall, still very satisfied with this unit.Excellent Value By Henry Bowman
I purchased a B&S 30469 in September 2011 from a local retailer. Assembly was straightforward and accomplished with common hand tools. These units ship without oil, so be sure to fill the crankcase with the included bottle of oil before starting the unit. With the kill switch off, you should slowly pull the starter two or three times to circulate some oil before firing it up for the first time. A blast of fogging oil into the spark plug hole before the first start isn't a bad idea either.
Follow the manual's instructions and drain this oil after the first five hours of operation. The break-in period causes significant oil contamination due to metal shavings as the new parts break in, which is something virtually all small engines will do and you don't want that crud floating around in your oil. For a no-mess oil change, buy a shallow disposable aluminum roasting pan at the supermarket - something about 1-2" deep. This pan will fit under the frame while most automotive-style drain pans are much too large. I run synthetic oil in all of my air-cooled engines as synthetics are generally more resistant to break down due to heat. There are plenty of good choices out there, including a Briggs-branded synthetic oil. I use Mobil 1 5w-40 Turbo Diesel Truck, which is safe for gasoline engines.
The 30469 is easy to assemble, easy to start (usually starts on the first or second pull), generates relatively stable power, and has a sturdy frame with well-labeled parts.
I added an in-line fuel filter for peace of mind. Virtually any hardware store or auto parts store sells the appropriate filter - just ask for a carbureted small engine filter that will fit 1/4" fuel line. You can install it anywhere along the black fuel line between the petcock and carburetor. Turn the fuel off, slice the line, and put the filter on. You might have to remove 1-2" of line depending on how much slack is present. Secure the filter with hose clamps (spring or worm). While you are shopping, buy two feet of 1/4" fuel line. Install that long piece of line onto output end of the filter when you need to drain the fuel tank. Even with stabilized fuel, I recommend putting fresh fuel in once per year. When you're done draining, remove the long piece of fuel line and hook the filter back up to the piece leading to the carburetor. Some good spare parts to keep on hand are air filters, fuel filters, spark plugs, and engine oil. Some carb cleaner and starting fluid are good to have around too. Remember that if you don't have power and are using a generator, there's a chance roads are not safely passable or the local hardware store might be closed. It would stink to have an otherwise perfectly fine generator crippled during an ice storm because of a fouled plug or clogged filter. Have spares!
There are two things I don't like about this generator. First, the choke lever is flimsy. Second, it's pretty loud. The latter issue is common to virtually all generators in this class. A pressurized oil system would be nice too, but I'm unaware of anything in this size or price class that accepts a spin-on oil filter.
Some nice features this generator has that not all comparable units have are the fuel level gauge, rubber covers for the receptacles, and an hour meter. The rubber covers do NOT make this unit water- or weather-proof, but they do help keep dust and dirt out. The hour meter is especially nice as it makes knowing when to perform various maintenance tasks very easy.
The duplex receptacles work fine, but I almost always use the generator via the twist-lock L14-30 240 volt receptacle which I connect to my home via a UL-listed interlock kit and inlet box. This setup allows me to run almost all circuits in my home without the hassle of extension cords. It will even run my central A/C, although I can't use much else if it's powering the A/C. For concurrent use, I've had it running a refrigerator, a small chest freezer, several overhead lights, and one burner on an electric stove. It will easily run my 4,500 watt electric water heater and bathroom lights.
When purchasing any piece of power equipment, ask yourself: Can I get maintenance and replacement parts easily? Can I get it repaired easily? Good luck finding parts for or someone to work on knock-off brands. And when buying a generator, decide how much power you want/need. Just remember that larger generators consume more fuel. If you're running a portable generator, there's a chance you may not be able to easily purchase fuel. Five gallons of gasoline lasts longer in a 2,000 watt generator than it does in a 6,000 watt generator, but you lose the ability to run larger items or multiple items with the small units.
Overall, I'm very happy with the features, performance, and serviceability of the Briggs & Stratton 30469 generator.Great Generator...... By Rsab
Shopped many months for a back-up generator in the event of a severe storm...which is highly possible here in Texas.
Found the same unit here locally....but Amazon had the best price..and with free shipping the decision was easy...
After some minor assembly and adding oil, it started up on the second pull....Runs smooth and is very quite.
Plugged in many tools...fans...etc...ran perfect...now its time to put away for an emergency....I would highly recommend this unit... The Best-Selling Briggs & Stratton 30469 6,000 Watt 342cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit then to sell out very fast, if this is a must have product, be sure to order now to avoid disappointment.
