Customer Reviews

Generac 5736 GP5500 6,875 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I picked up this unit from my local Home Depot early last year while it was on sale so we'd be prepared for the inevitable power outages to come. Today is the first opportunity we've had to use it, and while it is quite noisy (like most generators, however) it seems to be providing the power it is advertised for.

So far it's been powering a home theater system, a desktop computer and internet gateway, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, portable heater, hair dryer and a mini-fridge. While all of these have not yet been used in tandem, everything has been running at once with the exception of the microwave and coffee maker (est. 4 kW) and the generator has handled this load well. Average use right now is closer to 2-2.5 kW (just the home theater, computer/internet, refrigerators and heater).

The construction of the unit seems solid. The metal frame doesn't flex or bow when the unit is lifted or maneuvered. The tires are attached firmly and the folding handles are convenient.

The biggest complaint about the unit which holds true for any generator I suppose is the noise level. I have only had experience with two other generators in this power class and they seem to put off the same amount of noise, however it is still a bit too noisy to leave on all night in regards to neighborhood noise levels. Additionally a minor complaint I have over the unit is the fuel filler neck. The fuel strainer is a great safeguard, however once it becomes saturated with fuel it does not allow air to escape from the tank quickly enough. As a result, pressure builds up inside the tank when filling with fuel to the point where you need to pause filling every few seconds to allow the pressure to equalize. Better solutions to this that I found are to either fill slowly or wedge the strainer in the neck at a slight angle to provide an air escape path that doesn't involve passing through the strainer.

I haven't had an opportunity to measure the fuel economy of the unit yet as it is still running on its first tank of fuel. However at the 40-60% load it's been running at constantly now for the last 2.5 hours, it seems to have used about 20% of the fuel according to the gauge. These figures would put realistic run time at these load levels in the neighborhood of 12-13 hours; roughly 1/2 gallon per hour.

All in all the generator has serviced us as we have expected it to so far. With proper maintenance and storage I see no reason why this unit would not last us for many years to come.

I posted a nice review of the GP5500 after my first hour of test use in September 2011. All went well. Fastforward to today, November 8, 2011. I walked into my garage this AM to be greeted by a huge fuel fume odor. Looking towards the Generac, a fuel spill covered an area 8 feet across and under my car. I wheeled the unit outside and away from the home to test it. Upon starting the generator, I noticed fuel spraying out of the carburetor area and directly onto the engine block. I immediately shut the unit down but should this happen to someone who is unaware or it occurs during use and while hot, I have to believe this is a SERIOUS FIRE AND RISK HAZARD!

I posted a review on Generac's website this AM, complete with my pictures of the situation but was informed an hour later that my review did not meet their guidelines and was thus, denied. I called the Generac number and was able to speak to someone. I was told that I needed to contact an authorized repair facility. I told the rep I was well aware of this but I felt it was an issue that could have terrible consequences to other users and felt it was in their best interest to hear it from me directly. I don't know if they will do anything in the way of recall or notices to owners but please be aware of this problem- it could truly have deadly consequences until fixed!!!

I have this running a large refrigerator, microwave, water pump set at 230', oil boiler and lights in NH. It works pretty well. I get about 10 hours on 5 gallons of 93 octane.

I have had this generator for less than six months. I have less than 1 hour of use. I have had to have it fixed twice for leaking fuel. If you search online you will see this is a common problem. After being fixed twice it is leaking again for the third time. If is dangerous to have leaking fuel next to electrical outlets. Do not but this generator.

I bought this generator brand new when hurricaine Irene came through in August 2011. Mine must be a little newer design since the handle design is different than the one in the picture to the right. I filled the 7 gal tank expecting the worst from the appraoching storm. It performed well when we lost power, however, since it cannot be used outdoors when raining it was only used for about an hour total. I stored the unit and turned off the fuel line via the valve on the engine. All seemed fine until about a week ago when I found all the fuel had leaked out through the carb. Aside from the money lost in wasted fuel, I now have gas vapors to deal with. I have yet to call the manufacturer, but based on previous users who have called I am not expecting much.

I had read poor reviews about Generac, but I was forced to buy it due to the circumnstances at the time. I thought I had lucked out in the one I got...guess not.

Just bought this generator (Generac GP5500) and went to use it *for the first time*. Fuel leaked so badly from the carb that I had to turn it off for fear of it catching on fire. Called Generac and all they will do for me is tell me what service center I need to bring it to (this is not exactly something you just throw in your trunk and drive away it's pretty heavy). Generac just buried their heads in the sand on an obviously poorly designed and untested product. Don't recommend them at all. I could go on and on suffice it to say my experience with them - very negative.

Delivery service called and setup time for delivery, they arrived on time and put it in my garage. I read directions, purchased and installed required grounding rod and fired it up. Runs and works fine, will test further when power goes out and I need sump pump, freezer,fridge, and lights functioning.