Had to replace the generator I left behind in my previous home after 14 years of use. It was a Generac. I looked at several other brands, but settled on the Generac because of the reliability, wattage and value. Received it yesterday, assembled the wheels, feet and battery, and it started on the first try. Thanks.Tim31

This generator fit our needs perfectly. We have a small farm and needed a sizeable unit to power things when power is out with affordability. This unit is large but easy for my wife to move around. It is very easy to operate and quality is excellent.

Living in the outskirts of Gainesville, FL. we lose power on a constant basis, and becomes a constant nuisance to my family and myself. So the following year I determined to take my tax return and buy a new generator. I researched multiple generators in finally set my mind on the Generac 17500. Since receiving my generator in February I've used it seven times running it 4 to 5 hours with no problems, then Irma hit. I ran this generator for over seven days nonstop and it was a lifesaver. I cannot thank Generac and the people who built this generator for the power, comfort and support it has given my family. This is a well-built generator and I highly recommend it to anyone. Robert Thompson DCC(SW)US Navy retired

WORTHLESS. Unit will not start, presumably due to dead battery (as many others have said) that will not take/hold a charge. Generac said they would replace the battery under warranty but after 6 months and numerous phone calls, the replacement battery has yet to be shipped out from the manufacturer.

This is a great generator as long as you keep the battery fully charged. 1. Keep the generator battery charged. It will not pull start with a dead battery. Use the battery charged that comes with the generator. 2. If you can't keep the generator on the charger install a battery disconnect between the battery cable and the battery. My battery would drain when sitting for 2 weeks or more. The switch solves the problem. I really like the generator..

I have not started the generator yet but in getting it ready I've identified a few disappointing aspects. First and probably the biggest disappointment is the requirement to measure valve clearance at every 50 hour interval. The owners manual informs you this is pretty complicated (without describing the procedure) and suggests you have a qualified dealer do it (...did I mention the requirement for every 50 hours of operation?). The generator came with a note indicating the unit is "shipped without oil" and they supply 2 quarts for the required 1.7 quart capacity. When I poured the first quart in, the oil level was well above full on the dipstick ….indicating the engine was not even close to empty of oil. I also found the assembly instructions to be near non-existent because the exploded view of the assembly was so small in the users manual; also - it did not reference torques for any bolts or wear lock washers vs. nylon nuts should be used. I also noted two wires stretched very tight across the oil filter - which needed to be disconnected and re-connected following a less stressful path. I truly hope the generator will work well despite these initial findings.

Our generator was purchased in the event of a power outage. We have had our house wired to accept gen power by an electrician. Our electrician was SO impressed with our generator. He even mentioned it was robust enough to power our whole 2400 sq.ft. house, except for the AC. During our testing, the machine started up within 1 second, made less noise than we would have thought for its size and power. The controls are easy to use and understand (I am a novice at this) and maneuvering this beast was actually pleasant. Sturdy contruction and high quality gives you an excellent feeling that this can handle high demands. During our testing, it performed perfectly and did power the entire house with ease (45% total load with EVERY light, fan, appliance turned on). If I could give it 6stars, I would.

Bottom of box and pallet was taped to pallet. I signed off, delivery driver drove off. 3 hours later, at 6:30 pm I took off the tape to see that somewhere in the process the tape was used to cover up a number of big holes and the powder coated frame was scraped up in 5 places. The battery tray flange was bent. Forklift damage I assume. I'm asking retailer to contact Generac and get me touch up paint to avoid rust... and a return.... I'm in the process of breaking it in. Lets see how Generac handles this, and I'll report back. Somebody tried to cover up a mistake, and it does not reflect well on the brand.

Needed to go with a larger unit than what I had due to geothermal system. Wanted something to fill up, plug in, and hit transfer switch. This unit gives me ample power for the heat, a/c, well, and the other critical needs. Would like to had a home standby unit but could not justify the cost due to where electrical service was and where gas service was located. The hookups were the killer for a home standby unit, not the cost of the unit itself. This unit will provide everything I need and then some. Have not run full load test yet but smaller loads were handed spot on. Usually power outages in our area run 5-24 hours so this unit will be great.

This generator is an excellent choice for backup electricity, once outages take place. I live in Florida, home of the hurricanes and when the power is gone, homes inside become 88-92 degrees warm. After this last hurricane, I said no more ... so decided to invest in not only a generator but the top free standing generator I could buy. This "Bear" as I call it ... can power the following just off the 50 amp take; 4 ton a/c, two refrigerators, microwave, TV, all lighting in the home, garage door openers. I can turn on the stove as long as the a/c unit is off. Oh ... and I supply my neighbor with a 30 amp outlet for his refrigerator and fans. The "Bear" doesn't even flinch. Two neighbors have already come by and have asked me for information on where I purchased "The Bear". There is one set back I found when assembling the electrical connections. The 50 amp receptacle located underneath the electrical panel on the generator is placed with the ground connection located at "9-o'clock". So, in order for your plug to function correctly and capable of using the safety metal pin in case of disengagement, you must use a "50 amp round male plug". Only way you can keep the proper alignment. Otherwise, by using the common 50 amp plug, the cord will be laying off to the side of the muffler where it becomes very, very hot for obvious reasons. I did not find any information as to the set up or 50 amp plugs to be used while assembling. Otherwise, this is a great generator and I am very proud of my "Made in U.S.A." product. "Quality you can see, quality you can test … because it is quality at its best".