Blue Max GEN 10000 10,000 Watt 16 HP OHV Electric Start Gas Powered Generator (Non-CARB Compliant)

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Product Description

Product Description
16HP electric start OHV/ Air cooled gas engine

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 240 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• ASIN: B0010SM8A6
• Item model number: GEN 10000
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,347 in Home Improvement (See Bestsellers in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars blue max 10000 generator, October 12, 2008

By	Steve E. Haden "VaGent" (New Kent, Va) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was looking for an affordable generator that would allow us to power water pump, water heater, and a few receptacles in the house during one of our extended power outages in our area (hurricanes and ice storms always leave us without power for many days every couple years). We previously had an 8000 watt generator that was badly worn out, and needed a new one. 8000 watts is plenty for our needs, and this one produces a sustained 7500 watts with a peak of 10000. I am an electrican by trade, and did some research before purchasing.

I could find VERY little info online about this particular generator, but Bloe Max products in general seem to have good reviews, and the sizing and price was right, so we decided to buy this one.

In all honesty, it is what you would expect for the price, a Chinese-made utilitarian tool that is a bit "rough around the edges", but so far seems to function adequately. The owners manual is poorly translated and doesnt seem to be updated for this exact model (no mention of the electric start nor some of the controls). It comes with a booklet of electrical schematics that are blurred and too small to read....useless.It also comes with 4 wheels and a handle bar, and a full set of plugs for all availble plugs on the unit, even a 12vdc plug with alligator clips (I guess to charge a car battery but as I cannot find if it is regulated or not will never use it). It IS electric start, the 12v battery is small but sustained heavy cranking. I doubt if it will last long if sitting and not charged on a regular basis, but theres always the hand pull starter.

I had to put quite a bit of gas in it before it would flow into the fuel line, almost a gallon. This concerns me as I try to run the tank dry when not using a generator..don't want ethanol gas to sit in the tank and allow water to get into the system. Not sure what I can do about the 1/2 gallon sitting in the tank above the fuel pickup except to prop the generator up on one end and run out as much as possible.

No use for the wheels and handle, as mine sits in a ventilated generator shed and will not be moved (in fact I want it to be as difficult as possible for thieves). They are very heavy duty wheels though and I think they would be good for a portable use. There are four wheels so you could move it easily (not two like many where you have to pick up one end and push like a wheelbarrow)

Electrically, the neutral and ground are NOT tied together as is OSHA required for a generator of this size. The main output is also not provided with GFCI protection, also a requirement on generators above 5kw. The 2 duplex 120vac receptacles are GFCI type.

You have to select between 120vac power (which powers the 2 receptacles and a 3 wire 120vac 30am plug) and 240vac power (which powers one 240vac 4 wire plug). You cannot run both at the same time. I will be using the 240vac to power a transfer switch to my house, but it would be nice to have the 120vac receptacles powered at the same time for conveneince cords. There is a volt meter that shows the output selection, and the 12vdc is always on (I suspect this circuit also charges the battery. Measured voltage output without a load was exactly on the rated values, no sagging voltages. As said before, it comes with male plugs that fit all of the available receptacles, a nice touch.

I have not run this on a heavy load yet, nor for any long period, so I have no idea what the life or longterm performance will be. For occasional use I expect it to do ok. There was no written warranty information, so be aware if it fails it may be...difficult...to get resolution.

Overall, I would recommend this for those looking to run a medium house load on 240vac. Because you have to switch to 120vac to use the receptacles, its probably overkill if you just want to power a cord or two.

Hope this helps anyone else looking for a simiar product.