I purchased this generator in August of 2008. I live in an area (upstate NY) where we lose power frequently. The item arrived and was delivered to my back yard in perfect working order.
We recently had a very bad ice storm in the Northeast and we lost power for 3 days. The generator worked perfectly running my sump pump, hot water heater (gas, direct vent), furnace, fridge (2) and several lights. I had to run power cords from outside rather than use the NEMA power cord to a manual transfer switch I had installed before the generator was delivered (more on that later). I ran the house for 10-12 hours on the 2 20lb propane tanks before I needed to change them out, which was to me, excellent. The generator is very quiet, we could barely hear it in the house. I have it installed behind my garage facing downwind of the house.
Okay, the transfer switch issue. While the manual, Briggs & Stratton web site, Briggs & Stratton FAQ page does not specifically state this, you MUST purchase the B&S manual transfer switch PERIOD! The model number is Briggs & Stratton 71014 - PowerNow Generator Transfer Kit (10 Circuits). This is the only transfer switch that works with the GFCI breaker installed in the generator. I had 3 electricians (friends of mine) look at the gen-tran 30 amp transfer switch wiring that was installed in my house and it is NOT a switching neutral switch.
Confused? I was too until I got on the phone with a very nice B&S technician who told me to only use their switch. I was dissapointed as I then needed to shell out another $400.00 but now it's working fine. I did let B&S know that they should be specific about the fact that only their switch is compatible with these types of generators. It is because of this fact that I only rated it 4 stars.
All in all that one storm alone made this purchase worth every penny. It also kept the house in harmony (if you know what I mean).
I would heartly recommend this generator to anyone who is looking for a well built powerful and quiet standby generator. Just make sure you buy the 71014 - PowerNow Generator Transfer Kit from B&S