One workhorse of a generator. Is it an emergency generator? Is it a professional generator?
Actually, it's both. Homeowners love it because it generates enough electricity to power a small home, including a 4-ton central air conditioner.
Contractors love it because it can power an entire job site. It includes nearly every type of plug imaginable, ranging from an ordinary household outlet to a powerful 50-amp straight-blade plug.
Good luck trying to find a generator this big in stores. Better yet, good luck trying to bring it home in a tiny sedan. This generator was designed to be delivered directly to your door.
Written July 11, 2010
Excellent generator, Excellent dealer
By Dan Watson (Port Charlotte, FL)
I decided to upgrade from a 8k storm backup before hurricane season.
After checking locally, went to the internet and found Electric Generators Direct. The price was the best I could find, especially when it included shipping, so I made a purchase, which included a transfer box, input connector, and cable.
All of the items arrived quickly with easy instructions for assembly and use.
I was already familiar with the quality of the Generac unit from buying one for my brother after Hurricane Charley in 2005, and was delighted to find this one for about the same price as back then.
Thanks EGD.
Written April 13, 2010
So Far So Good
By Tom Wenzel (Crooks, SD)
I purchased the 5734 Generac to power select house circuits during outage periods. I researched Coleman, Honda, North Star, Kohler, and other platforms. The Generac carries the highest wattage or amp rating and comes with the Good Housekeeping seal. I don't like the fact that I have to adjust valves every 50 hours, but the Generac product has over 50 years of experience.
After working through a few small order details, the product shipped and delivered very quickly. We had a forklift lined up for delivery. As we watched the truck roll up, we were amazed that the delivery driver had the product unloaded and at the door before we could even get in position. The delivery went better than could ever be asked for!
The installation and set up were simple and straight forward. We put oil in the machine and performed a pre-lube turnover. The machine started quickly and ran fairly well. I varied the first hour of operation between full throttle and idle. The second hour ran at idle with the third hour at full throttle.
I plan on pulling the break in oil out somewhere in the 10 - 15 hour range. I only have 3.2 hours on the generator. I have not hooked the generator to an electrical load yet. The generator is big. On concrete, the unit balances well and can be moved with little effort. With 992 cc of engine, the generator produces some heat and some noise however, these conditions can be expected and are completely normal.
I guess, keep fresh gasoline handy and run the unit monthly to keep everything on line.
At this point with 3.2 hours and not having hooked the unit up to electrical load, the purchase has been a very positive experience.
Written November 13, 2009
Excellent Generator
By Joshua Carkner (Schenectady, NY)
I was a bit skeptical when I first bought this unit because there were no reviews on here. Man, am I glad I bought it. This thing powers my entire house and then some!
I have a main transfer switch with a 100 amp input and a 50 amp input. The 100 amp input is for our main service and the 50 amp input is connected to a 50 amp inlet.
I have a special cord set that goes from the 50 amp straight blade plug on the generator to the 50 amp inlet off the transfer switch. The output on the switch goes into my main panel.
I tested this generator running my entire house for 6 hours. Here is a list of the larger things that were powered on while running off the generator:
Fridge, freezer, electric stove, 3 air conditioners, furnace, 50 inch plasma, 3 small TVs, 3 computers, pool filter, air compressor (yes, a large electric air compressor!), and every light in the house and garage.
While everything was running I was able to turn the main AC unit off and on, and the generator did not speed up or falter at all.
If you want a generator to power your whole house (plus the Christmas lights for the neighbors!) this is the one for you.
As for the noise... it's a 1000cc motor, so it's loud.
You wanna know how to use it and not annoy the neighbors? Run an extension cord to their house! Trust me, there's enough power.
Also, it's a fuel hog, but that's the nature of the beast... What 20 kw portable gas generator isn't a fuel hog?
I'm so happy with this purchase, from now on the only time I will be without power is while I'm plugging in the cordset.
Now what am I gonna do with all these flashlights?
Written August 27, 2009
Unit works fine
By Pete Geither (Butler, PA)
I bought this unit about 6 months ago and have about 4 hours on it so far.
The construction of the machine seems to be 1st class with nothing falling off or breaking so far. It appears to have been made in the U.S. which is a real plus these days.
One issue I had to deal with, as I am using it for emergency power at home: you can not get the 15K out of just one receptacle, so I had to run two cords to two transfer switches in the house.
One circuit powers most of the house wiring, and the other one powers the AC unit and other 110 outlets, so it works fine.
Even at that I only have around $700 invested in the transfer switches and cords, the box on the outside of the house, and labor.
The unit powers everything just fine; and when it is not in use it is inside, out of the weather.
Written May 21, 2009
Warranty doesn't cover transportation on portable units
By mark carlson (Charlottesville, VA)
I have a brand new Generac 15kw with a bad alternator - the unit only has 2 hours running time on it.
I was able to find a local company to perform the warranty work but the warranty DOES NOT cover transportation charges - in other words, I've got to pay to have the guys come out to do the warranty work.
Generac claims that this is a portable unit, and therefore they don't need to cover transportation costs. Well, the unit weighs more than 300 lbs empty, add in 20 gallons of gas, and it isn't very portable at all. I'm really disgusted to have to pay for warrantly repairs to be done on my brand new unit.
Owners Manual
