ShopForce 2500W 6.5HP Gasoline Generator

Comments about ShopForce 2500W 6.5HP Gasoline Generator:

Live in Findlay, OH - bought this unit at my local Meijers after the June 29, 2012 massive storms that knocked out power to almost a million people across the state. Ran the generator continuously for 5 days and powered 2 refrigerators, 2 large floor fans, several lamps and radios, a TV, internet modem and router, and also charged 3 laptops and 3 cell phones during this time.

This generator has a compact design, a large muffler that keeps the noise level very low, a low oil cut-off feature so that you don't brun up the engine, and a built in, fine mesh screen in the fuel tank fill port.

Convenient features include a quarter turn fuel valve (instead of one you have to turn and turn and turn to open/close), a large, built in On/Off switch, easy pull start, simple circuit breaker, a nicely laid out control panel with all the outlets and breakers labeled, and a 12v DC trickle charging feature.

The only two negatives so far are that the fuel gauge will fog up after about 24 - 36 hours of use in the heat. After I got power back and I shut it off, the fog cleared right up, though. Also you should change the oil ever 24 hours of use. The manual says to change it after 20 hours. I changed it after the initial 24 hours and it was as black as coal. Put fresh oil in, ran another 24 hours - blacker than black again. However, it only takes a pint (475 mL) of oil, and it is a minor inconvenience compared to the many many positive features on this unit.

IMPORTANT - the generator comes WITHOUT oil - you must add oil before using. There are about 5 stickers/labels on it to remind you to add oil.

One way this unit could be better would be to have wheels and a handle on it. While it is not heavy for me, my wife would have struggled to move it into the garage if it started to rain. I am planning to add wheels and a handle to it this weekend.

Overall - great little unit for the price - can't go wrong.