Briggs and Stratton 1933 8 125 Watt 13 HP Portable Generator
The Briggs & Stratton 6,500-watt 13 HP portable generator provides reliable energy for a myriad of different uses. An ideal choice to protect your family and possessions during a power outage, or to run tools on a jobsite, the generator features a powerful Briggs & Stratton vanguard commercial OHV 13 HP engine with a special idle control mechanism to save fuel and reduce noise. An automatic low-oil shutoff mechanism protects the engine and an extra-large, quiet muffler lowers the din to an acceptable hum. Automatic voltage regulation is also included to maintain steady voltage output to protect tools and sensitive electronics, as is a 7-gallon fuel tank for reliable run times. Other highlighted features include a convenient outlet panel with full panel GFCI Protection, and a pneumatic wheel kit for easy transportation. Please note, this generator incorporates GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet protection and has its neutral housing bonded to the ground to comply with OSHA jobsite inspections. This generator will not function when connected to a 2-pole transfer switch since the home or building main breaker box also has a neutral line bonded to the ground. When both the generator and the home or building breaker box contains a neutral line bonded to the ground, the generator’s GFCI will open and no outlets will function. The generator is backed by a 2-year warranty.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great Price for a Great Generator
Bought it from Amazon for $664, then the price dropped to $631! Amazon credited me the $33, and its great! I got it mid March, 2008, and it was here in 3 days. Unpacked, Oiled, Gassed, 1 pull and it started right up! Has”Vanguard” Briggs engine (commercial model with extra warranty), and oil- pressure lubrication for long life. This model has all outlets GFCI protected for OSHA jobsite approval. I loaded it with 2000 watts of quartz lights, and 3000 watts of electric heaters, and it handled it with ease. This has to be the best deal going on a quality generator.
5 Stars Great generator, runs our entire kitchen and furnace
We own the re-branded (John Deere) version of this generator (available at your local hardware stores). We purchased this for $799.99 and haven’t been disappointed in the least.
First and foremost, you should know this is a solid unit. As you can see from the picture it has a tubular full metal frame. One of the small details that’s hard to see unless you check in person, is the metal gas tank and metal gas line fitting. The competitor models we considered in the same price and output range had plastic gas cans and plastic fuel line fittings.
The engine is a great b&s overhead valve which will make it last longer and run a little quieter. The tires are the non-inflatable variety (a plus in my opinion) but give enough to keep the assembly from vibrating.
We’re using ours with an installed outdoor plug and indoor manual switch. It works flawlessly and runs the lights in our kitchen, the stove (up to 2 elements at once), the coffee maker, fridge, furnace and if we turn the stove off, the microwave. We could run the microwave and the stove together but it nears peak output so we play it safe.
This is a great generator that runs well. And if you’re wondering, the reason a metal gas tank and fittings is important is the long term storage of fuel in the generator. Even using fuel additive you can get varnish/residue build up. A metal tank and fuel line fitting can be removed and cleaned with harsh chemicals to make short work of it. Supposedly plastic tanks also allow water in via osmosis but I have not experienced that myself.
An easy 5/5.
5 Stars B & G 6,500 Watt generator
Haven’t operated it yet (waiting for electrician to finish standby connection circuit box), but it arrived in timely fashion; parts were all there and unit was easy to assemble.
5 Stars Briggs & Stratton is the best choice!
You will like this generator! I shopped and shopped. I went to Harbor Freight, Sears, and Tractor Supply. I read a lot of opinions. I became increasingly concerned about Chinese made generators that are lacking recognizable name brand components. Check the RV sites. Many talk about cheap Chinese engines and alternators and a lack replacement parts. I am sure that not all of them are bad, but how do you know which ones are good? I bought this for Emergencies. I can’t see skimping here.
It came down to this generator versus a Honda. Honda generators are much more expensive Remember, Honda powered is NOT the same as a Honda brand generator. You may not know who or where the generator head is made.
Set up was fairly easy. I should mention that this unit weighs over 200#. Thus, you may need some assistance in moving it. It took a few pulls to get the fuel in to the carb for the first time, but then it fired right up and ran smoothly.
I run ONLY synthetic oil and recommend that you do too. You can run straight 30 weight oil, but if it gets below 40 degrees, you can damage the engine, per the manual.
I loaded it with high watt halogen bulbs and ran the 12 volt DC charger at the same time. I ran my air compressor. It never flinched.
Why this generator is better:
1. Voltage regulation (others brands don’t have it at anywhere near this price)
2. It is built like a tank with tubular steel construction.
3. It has Briggs & Stratton’s best COMMERCIAL engine on it (it is actually built in Japan-no quality explanation needed here).
4. You can get parts for it.
5. I really like the idle down feature. If the load decreases it goes back to idle within about 5 seconds.
Areas that could be improved? Maybe it is a bit noisy, but that is not an issue for me. Hondas are supposed to be quite quiet. I have not heard one run.
