I checked out everything I saw on reviews. Most issues were problems with shipping damage. This unit is packed in a double walled cardboard box. It is 100 lbs and not easy for any delivery driver or package handler to deal with. My box had a gash in the top edge but after opening and checking the contents for damage, I accepted the shipment. I needed help maneuvering this unit into it's new home. I read the entire user manual and added the oil and just enough of the recommended GAS to start it up. (Ethanol is your enemy) I set the choke, turned on the gas and pulled the cord slowly until I had some good resistance. I then did a full jerk on the cord and it started right up first pull. I had to play around with the choke on minimum for a while before it would run smooth with the choke off completely off. (15 minutes) I ran it for another 15 minutes testing loads ranging from lights to a 15-amp table saw. Everything performed as i wished and hoped it would. Turned it off at this point and went about fixing dinner. Charcoal grill with some pork-chops were almost done and here comes the neighbor. I had to show him my new generator. Started on the first pull. So far so good. I feel that if i take care of this and follow the recommended maintenance schedule, this should last for a long time.
I bought this a few weeks ago and the set up was very simple. We were getting nervous about losing power during the winter and this was a very economical option. The ratings and reviews were so fantastic we didn't hesitate. We are confident that this will fulfill all of our needs over the cold winter!
This generator has all the features that I was looking for! I will be using it as a backup in the event of a power failure as we had just recently encountered. After checking out the specs. I find it will operate other equipment that I have without the need to depend on public service power to operate those tools. I have already used the 120-volt 30 Amp TT-30R outlet to for out of town guest with a travel trailer.