I found the unit to be well made. As big as it was, it is easier to move than I thought it would be. Well balanced. All features are well marked. I purchased the unit for power outage during severe weather. This unit replaces a smaller unit that could not handle all of our needs. The investment will be worth it when we lose power again out here in the country.

After several years of wanting a generator for backup power during utility power outages, and several years of putting it off, I finally bought a Generac GP8000E. I chose this model because it just happened to be available where I was shopping and because of Generac's overall good reputation. I also wanted a generator in this 7500 to 10,000 watt category. I added a third-party mechanical lock-out mechanism and a 40 amp double pole back-feed breaker to my main breaker panel, and fed it through a 30-amp power inlet box. The mechanical lock-out acts as a manual transfer switch, in compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations. This keeps me, my generator, my house, and power company personnel all safe. This arrangement allows me to power my entire house (except my central air conditioning) all on the GP8000E. My historical electrical usage data indicated that during non-A/C months, I never drew more that 5000 watts from the power company at any given time. Thus this 8000 watt -capable generator is perfect! I even measured the AC current with typical household loads all turned on (lights, refrigerator, basement freezer, computers, etc.) while running on this generator and I got a reading around 7 to 10 amps on each "hot" leg of the 240 volt 30 amp feed from the generator. Thus I still have a very comfortable "cushion" before I approach this generator's maximum power rating. I bought this generator about 2 years ago. I've only needed to use it a couple of times, but tonight I *needed* it! It started right up and ran continuously for about 7 hours straight. No problems. It provided all the power we needed for lights, refrigeration, TV, and computers all without a hiccup. I'm very pleased.

I am not a big fan of generators running in the nights disturbing our good neighbors. But, due to the increased power shutdowns, it became an essential part of our daily life. All the features of this generator are excellent, other than its sound level in our quiet neighborhood.

Generator was delivered on time and I was able to assemble it by myself in spite of it's 400lbs with little trouble. Generator started right up and ran very smoothly. My only complaint was that the bracket that holds the 50 amp cable in does not fit the Generac cable. Without holding the cable in, it will vibrate out. I removed the bracket and was able to secure the plug with cable ties. An easy fix but one that shouldn't have to be done considering how well the rest of the machine is constructed.

Shaky start with this machine. Dead battery out of the box and loose contacts in the outlets. Wheels adequate for concrete, but wish they were larger and fatter for moving through gravel. Starts easily. Noise is at 73 DB as stated. Factory Service center took care of the battery problem, but wasn't concerned about loose contacts in outlets. Duh. Sometimes no juice comes out of the 110v side. Have to fiddle with the plugs to make contact. Had a short power failure after purchasing and debugging the generator. Decided to wait for daylight before hooking up generator, but by then power was back on. Because of the garage door design, I will make a shed for the generator's outside storage next to the 220V receptacle. Secondary purpose for the generator is to power the community well in our plat, if needed; hence the need for wider tires when moving the generator through the gravel to the pump house. I think the generator is worth the cost, but am sorry the Factory quality control was sloppy. I wish the factory would actually run the machine and completely test it prior to shipping. A little odor in the gas tank at the store is a small price to pay for enhanced reliability. Nice to have features: a battery feedback circuit, and an output meter advising how much wattage is being drawn by the system being supported by the generator. Best advice I can offer to a buyer is buy the generator in June or July. I didn't get around to purchasing my generator until winter, and there was no selection available in two Counties. This machine was literally the only generator of this class available. I went looking for an 11,000 watt machine and had to settle for this 8,000 watt machine. I think it will run the pumphouse. Maybe I'll never have to find out.

I would recommend Generac to anyone. I am very pleased with its performance and features. Wish I had of bought this alot sooner and not suffered discomfort during any power outages before now. Dont wait buys yours today! Portable so it has so many uses of ease and convenient.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This GP8000E COS W/Cord 49 St is a very high quality product. You will be impressed right out of the box before you finish the simple assembly with all the features. Generator started immediately the first time. No issues with operation. It is perfect in every way! I have never had any problems with it thus far. I like that it reminds you when maintenance needs performed. I especially like the four outlet cord that comes with it. This cord allows you to use both legs of the 240 volts at once! Highly recommend! You cannot brat Generac for quality and performance.

Easy to set up. Large wheels makes it a almost effortless to move around. The extension that comes with the unit is handy when I move it off site. Normally we use this generator as a standby unit in case of storms and other power outages. We connect it to our transfer switch with a 50 ft. very heavy twist lock extension cord. Easy to start and relatively quiet. Great value for the money.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I turned off the power in my home to test this generator out. Needless to say, I'm very impressed. It took quite a bit of gas to fill up, but it didn't burn through it at all. I let it run for an hour and I couldn't tell that any gas was used. I live in a three bedroom trailer. This generator let off enough power to keep my central air running and my refrigerator going as well. Assembly was extremely easy and laid out very well to understand. The portable feature is amazing as well. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied.

Recently we went through a 90 hours power outage and this generator combined with the Generlink transfer switch got us though this outage with minimal inconvenience. Only had to use this generator a few times since i purchased it two year ago but it has been a life saver