All Power America APG3009, 5000 Running Watts/6000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator

I don't know why but NW Wisconsin for some reason had alot of power problems in 2010. Looked at gen sets and bought this one. This thing is great. I installed a transfer switch and built an area outside the house for this unit to sit in. In 10 months I have used it about 5 times. It's performance was great. Oh Oh.....winter is here. Last week the temp was down to -0 and we lost power. The unit would not start, the pull cord would not engage. I used a propane heater (Mr. Heater) to warm it up, and 10 minutes later it was up and running. Summer time it's flawless but when the temp drops down this unit needs to be in a warm place (for starting) or heat it up as I did.

This brand and particular model is similar if not the same as KingCraft, Homelite, and several other brands made or powered by Jiangsu Jiangdong Ltd. gas and diesel engines. There are differences in this model and it has been sold for the last several years in the 6,000 watt size with engines of 291cc to 338cc and horsepower ratings of 9 to 13. Sooooo. . . . it may be necessary to scrutinize. Based on my calculations the 291cc version is probably close to 10HP and is the one I have. Yet the units that were/are sold with 328cc are not rated for anymore than 6,000 watts. Perhaps the size of the generator unit itself?Anyway, I assembled mine with the wheel kit in about 20 minutes using wooden blocks to support it. It is a bit of a beast and so take care. Once assembled, I put a gallon of gasoline in it and 1 quart of motor oil in the engine turned the gas valve on, set the choke and it started on the first pull. The 291cc engine is quite a bit quieter than my Honda 5.5HP lawn mower. I was concerned I would have to keep it a distance from the house. But I tested it right up on our concrete patio next to the patio door, and with all doors closed you can hear a soft drone, but way less than my neighbor's lawn mower at 8AM. :) I let it run twice for 20 minutes each with two 1,500 watt heaters plugged in and it ran fine. Even my wife thought it would not keep us awake if we were without power for several days should that be necessary.Buyers should take note that in order to properly connect this unit up to your home, safety steps and proper installation is required. Here is a link from Washington State on several means to connect it according to code:[...]I recommend a circuit breaker interlock kit, along with a 30amp Reliance brand outside power receptacle, and a mating twist-lock L14-30 plug and connector to make up a 10/3 cable with ground. Do a search on the net for "Generator Interlock Kit" and there is a helpful video on YouTube about those also. Depending on the distance to you circuit breaker panel, you may need to by 50' to 75' of 10/3 cable with ground also. For my installation, additional materials as just mentioned cost about an extra $190, but I already had an interlock device which is another $145 or so. Please don't be unsafe and try and back feed the power through a jerry-rigged connection for you and your family's safety!That's about it. After I get to use this should a power outage occur I will try an update. The quality of this unit appears as good as many name brands, and, in fact, may be the same as some "house brands" at home supply and hardware stores.

Did not start out of the box. All Power sent me a carburetor and it started. Now it will start but must be run with the choke pulled out in start position. If pushed in to run position the machine will die. Would not recommend to a friend.