Winco HPS6000HE - 5500 Watt Dual Fuel Generator w/ Electric Start Honda Engine

The HPS6000HE is EPA certified to run on natural gas and gasoline only. WINCO understands the need for reliable power, which is why we have equipped this generator with a Honda GX340 commercial grade engine.

The HPS6000HE also features a 7 gallon fuel tank, full receptacle package with circuit breaker protection, 100% copper windings and has less than 6% total harmonic distortion which is safe for sensitive loads.

Our multi-fuel generators are perfect for taking up to the cabin, emergency back-up power or where ever you need portable power.

The HPS6000HE is EPA certified to run on natural gas and gasoline only. WINCO understands the need for reliable power, which is why we have equipped this generator with a Honda GX340 commercial grade engine.

The HPS6000HE also features a 7 gallon fuel tank, full receptacle package with circuit breaker protection, 100% copper windings and has less than 6% total harmonic distortion which is safe for sensitive loads.

Our multi-fuel generators are perfect for taking up to the cabin,... more

After several calls with little success, I purchased an appliance regulator that seems to have lined it out OK. I would recommend this generator.

I was super excited about purchasing a dual-fuel generator (NG + Gasoline), especially after experiencing fuel supply issues last fall with super storm Sandy. My house has a properly installed transfer box, as well as a brand new NG supply line, especially installed for this unit. All up to code. Don't do a backfeed or modify your genny with an aftermarket conversion kit, you will void your warranty, and you are putting your home and loved ones at risk. Get a unit like this one, that is designed to run on multiple fuel sources.

I have purchased two generators from EGD in the past, and as with this one, the ordering and delivery was flawless and quick. So far, so good. The unit looks solid, the dolly kit fits very well (the newer design is solid and easy to assemble. The manual has obviously been re-done, and was easy to follow. An important consideration is to remember that you have to de-rate the wattage of your unit by 20% when you run it with NG. This is just a fact of life: NG does not contain the same amount of energy (BTU/lb of fuel) as gasoline, so keep this is mind when you are evaluating your needs. This unit provides 5,500 Watts with gasoline, and 4,400 Watts with NG.

The hardware looks well built... however...

So this is where the problems start:

1) Info on EGD website is outdated. The unit has been redesigned entirely for 2013, so the photos on the website are not current. Not a big deal. But the recommended battery is wrong! EGD states it requires a U1/275CCA battery. It does not fit!!! Too wide! I wasted 3 hours with this. The correct battery for the new model is a Powersports BCI group 20 or 24HL rated at 300 CCA. This key piece of info is in print in page 8 of the manual. So I had to return the battery that I had bought to have ready for the arrival of the generator. Ok, not the end of the world.

2) There are two gasoline valves: one next to the carburetor, the other one underneath the tank, in a very hard place to access. My beef is that it is so tight, that there is not enough space to fully open the valve because it bumps into the bottom of the tank and a venting canister for fuel vapors.

3) Now this is the biggie, and this is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE: the vent cap on the top of the tank LEAKS a lot of gasoline as soon as you move the generator. Once I inspected it, I realized the hole in the tank is out of round and was not cut well, its egg-shaped, so the rubber cap can't form a tight seal. Now this is a serious safety problem, which renders the unit not safe to use until serviced. I can see gasoline vapors exiting through the edges of the vent. I had to drain the gasoline, and will be asking for a new/replacement tank. I'm glad I tested it before the next storm hits... For the money you are paying for this unit, I am very disappointed...

The generator starts right away, and is not as noisy as most of the other brands. This is quite noticeable. Not as quiet as an Inverter (Honda, Yamaha, etc.), but quieter than a Generac, for sure.

It is of extreme importance that you supply the right NG pressure so that the unit runs well. I can't understate this. My installation runs 3/4" black pipe to my meter, and the pressure it too high. You will need a low pressure regulator to ensure you can deliver 7-10" Water column pressure of NG. If the pressure is too high, the generator runs rough (too rich), and if you do not have enough, it will also run rough. With the correct pressure the Honda engine runs smoother than with gasoline. So the point is: you will need to spend some extra money with a flexible hose to connect the unit to the gas line, as well as a low pressure regulator.

I will be posting an updated review once I resolve the problems with my unit. If after 7 days I have these problems, what can I expect in a year? Not feeling very good about this purchase. If I could return it, I would do it in a blink.

I was super excited about purchasing a dual-fuel generator (NG + Gasoline), especially after experiencing fuel supply issues last fall with super storm Sandy. My house has a properly installed transfer box, as well as a brand new NG supply line, especially installed for this unit. All up to code. Don't do a backfeed or modify your genny with an aftermarket conversion kit, you will void your warranty, and you are putting your home and loved ones at risk. Get a unit like this one, that is... more

Well...I wrote back in March that I Loved this gen/set, but had never had to use it much. Well, we got hit here in CT a Big Wallop over Halloween weekend. 750k folks w/o power, some for a week and more. 16 inches of tree bustin wet snow...BAM !!..Had just changed the oil on the Winco. Limbs down all around, cut my way out of the driveway 400 feet.

But FIRST...Started the Winco and was worry-free. Funny thing, just last month I had thought to myself "Will this thing EVER get used ?" This unit is 15 years old and has RARELY been used, couple hours here, couple there. Honda motor fired right up on propane and never blinked. Provided power for water pump, hot showers (tankless), light and heat and TV (Dish) for my whole family and friends and neighbors for 10 days. Used about 120 gallons of propane total (including cooking, water heating and furnace).

Bottom line is I learned 2 things. What a perfect sized, reliable, great generator I had AND How to Use it Smartly. Good Unit, Great Price. Good Company. Thanks.

Well...I wrote back in March that I Loved this gen/set, but had never had to use it much. Well, we got hit here in CT a Big Wallop over Halloween weekend. 750k folks w/o power, some for a week and more. 16 inches of tree bustin wet snow...BAM !!..Had just changed the oil on the Winco. Limbs down all around, cut my way out of the driveway 400 feet.

But FIRST...Started the Winco and was worry-free. Funny thing, just last month I had thought to myself "Will this thing EVER get used... more

Purchased this generator 3 years ago. I have it wired to a transfer switch. It has more than exceeded my expectations. Installed a ghost trickle charge and after using a gas model for about 20 years the lp gas operation is great. The area I live in has many ice storms and snow fall so I use it quite often. A great product and has made my life a lot easier.

We bought the Winco Tri Fuel generator two years ago, broke it in and stored it in the garage for two years. Then we had a major power outage and needed to power some lights, two refrigerators, and most importantly our marine-battery backup sump pump. We pulled the generator out and it started right up and saved the day (and nights). Good investment for peace of mind. Plan to hook it up to natural gas.

Winco generator works great! High marks for product.Instructions (especially for wheel kit) leave alot to be desired. Really took a great deal of my handy man skills to figure it.

I recently ordered and received a Winco 6 KW tri-fuel generator from you,
with low-pressure solenoid, wheel kit and cover. I can't say enough good
things about your service or the quality of the product. My product
questions prior to ordering were anwered promptly and completely by email.

The order was processed, shipped and received promptly. I was kept informed
about the order status. And, the generator and accessories were installed
easily and the system worked beautifully the first time we fired it up on LP
gas. I am delighted.

I recently ordered and received a Winco 6 KW tri-fuel generator from you,
with low-pressure solenoid, wheel kit and cover. I can't say enough good
things about your service or the quality of the product. My product
questions prior to ordering were anwered promptly and completely by email.

The order was processed, shipped and received promptly. I was kept informed
about the order status. And, the generator and accessories were installed
easily and the system worked beautifully the... more

Generator is for emergency back-up only, terrific out of the box dual fuel ng/gas. No aftermarket modifications voiding warranty.

I am pleased I chose EGD to purchase the generator and necessary switchgear I needed . Everything went flawlessly & being the generator was on three month backorder, no advance billing to my CC by EGD.

Being a mechanical tradesman, I was able to properly install and wire the 10 circuit Reliance transfer switch, remote PIB and NG connection myself while waiting for the generator to come off backorder. I did check & verify my NG pressure and pipe sizing before placing the order. I do understand the additional difficulties & expense others may face having to contract to have these things done ahead of time but I was lucky in this regard.
The generator was delivered 6 weeks prior to the date promised at the time I placed the order. Following assembly of the dolly kit I ran it on gasoline for 2 hours then tried a switchover to NG and everything (generator, house wiring & gas pressure) went fine. Though at full output, running NG you can tell the 20% derating is for real.

My only gripe is the literature everywhere: EGD, other on line retailers and even Winco is outdated regarding the battery. They all said a $50 home tractor battery which I purchased just prior to delivery is used when in fact a $100 motorcycle battery is what this years model generator actually now accepts. Aggravating, but not the end of the world. I would buy this whole setup again.

I am pleased I chose EGD to purchase the generator and necessary switchgear I needed . Everything went flawlessly & being the generator was on three month backorder, no advance billing to my CC by EGD.

Being a mechanical tradesman, I was able to properly install and wire the 10 circuit Reliance transfer switch, remote PIB and NG connection myself while waiting for the generator to come off backorder. I did check & verify my NG pressure and pipe sizing before placing the order. I do... more

This generator with its Honda engine appears to be of good quality. It arrived undamaged in a timely fashion. The dolly kit which I also ordered, fit with impressive precision. It was obviously well engineered as the case also appeared to be with the generator.

My confusion and difficulty was associated with the instructions and Owner's Manuals that were provided with the generator.

Two Owner's Manuals were provided with the generator. One is entitled "HOME POWER Owner's Manual" and the other says "HONDA Owner's Manual." The first is all in English and the second is in three languages including English. Both of these manuals must be read together to make any sense out of how to get the generator on line.

Rather than separate, detailed instructions for natural gas, LP or gasoline operation, all three of these different fuel operating instructions are mingled together. Some instructions refer to the choke being "closed" or "open." Other times it's "On" or "Off." Right below the statement in one place "WHEN USING VAPOR FUEL NEVER USE THE CHOKE," are number instructions calling for the choke to be "On."

Nowhere is there any reference to the fact that the short, 1" rubber hose that appears to come out of the bottom of the Spark Ignition System must be attached to the brass fitting on top of the regulator that says NG if you are attempting to operate the generator on natural gas, or changed to the LP fitting if it's LP. And the fitting not being used, must be capped off. Believe me, the generator won't start on natural gas if the hose is attached to the LP fitting.

In summary, I would completely and carefully rewrite the Owners" manuals with separated sections dedicated to operating the generator on each type of fuel. Otherwise, the generator seems to operate well and I think we're glad to have it.

This generator with its Honda engine appears to be of good quality. It arrived undamaged in a timely fashion. The dolly kit which I also ordered, fit with impressive precision. It was obviously well engineered as the case also appeared to be with the generator.

My confusion and difficulty was associated with the instructions and Owner's Manuals that were provided with the generator.

Two Owner's Manuals were provided with the generator. One is entitled "HOME POWER Owner's... more