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HomeOutdoor & PatioPortable GeneratorsColeman Powermate 5,500 Watt 11 HP Portable Generator PMA525500 |
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| $500.00 | New | | |
| $649.00 | Used
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| $899.00 | New | | |
| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 6 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 Good homeowner security for power outages Mar 15, 2008
By Thomas H. Lawler
I actually purchased one of these generators shortly after Katrina hit the gulf in prep for a natural disaster with an extended power outage. I've not had one yet where it lasted long enough to need it, but my brother ~10 miles away had one for a full week in Dec 2006 (and luckily had a generator). In Dec 2007 another county in my state had power out for a full week due to a main transmission tower coming down, so those things have shown me no one is invincible to power outages. The hardware stores quickly ran out of generators each time a crisis came, so if you're smart you'll not wait for the crisis to come before considering getting prepared.
When I began shopping for a generator, I quickly found the minimum power/price ratio is 10watts/$1. If you want one with features like electric start or over 8,000 watts (which is where electric start becomes standard), expect the price ratio to be more. I actually got this thru Costco who sold it for $550. They recently quit selling this unit (at least locally for me), so don't necessarily expect it there.
As far as it's performance goes, I just ran it for a couple hours to break it in with some space heaters plugged in for a load. It started for me within 2 pulls. I'm sure some would say it's pretty loud, but noise becomes of little significance to me after the power has been out for 24+ hours and I'm becoming concerned with things like the food in the fridge going bad, etc. This unit comes with 25 amp circuit breakers, so it actually can put out the continuous 5500 watts they say it can (whereas I've seen other generators labeled like "5200 watts" but have 20 amp breakers, so if you run the math 240V*20A=4800Watts). Since a generator like this weighs over 100 lbs, having the wheels so you can move it like a wheelbarrow saves your back. Otherwise the product description tells the rest and I see nothing unexpected to report.
If you're going to store a generator like this for long periods, they recomend doing the following before storing it to minimize problems: Use gas additives to minimize varnish buildup, close the gas valve and drain the carb of gas (or burn all the gas out of it), pour 1 tablespoon of oil into the engine thru the spark plug hole, and slowly crank the engine till it's on the compression stroke (so the valves are closed).
Since I'm pretty sure this can power anything I'd need in my house, I have no fear of a power outage lasting over 24 hours.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Toll Free Number NOT 24/7 like described Dec 13, 2008
By Bigdaddy68
"northeast ice storm"
The description for this product says:
"It is supported by the Powermate Corporation toll-free 24/7 consumer hotline 800-445-1805."
This is not true - I just called the number above at 6:45 pm EST on a Friday night and I got a recording pushing me to their website. Why is this important? Because their manuals don't tell what type of electrical receptable the generator has on it. Electricians need to know which type of plug configuration it is according to NEMA ( like L5/20R or L6/30R or ???) They need this information so they can make their own cables. Poorly documented.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
most reliable Aug 19, 2011
By rcase8
I have had one of these 5500 watt generators for about 8 years. it is the most reliable piece of equipment I have ever owned. Always starts on at least two pulls. I was especially pleased with it after hurricane Ike when I was 6 weeks without power. This thing ran as long as 14 to 15 hours on a single tank of gas. I worked 12 hour days then and I would shut it off in the morning to check the oil and fill the gas and go to work when I came home after 12 hours of work and 2 hours driving time it was still running and providing power. My only complaint is the sound level it is very annoying after several weeks of listening to it. So I did some research lately
and found a bigger quieter muffler on line and installed it myself it didn't make it Honda quiet but it took it from a scream to a rumble I can withstand. I find it helpful to block in the gas and let it die by running out of gas when it is going to sit for a long time. I also changed to a full synthetic oil recently I haven't had a chance to use it since but I am sure it'll do fine.I would recommend this to a friend, but I would also recommend the muffler change.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Works great. Oct 26, 2011
By Walter Sigona
"Walter"
I bought one second hand from a friend in 2005. I figured I could use it if the power went out. I never needed it, but I would go out and start it about every other month. I let it sit for about 4 years without starting it. All the gas evaporated it sat so long. I figured that it would be hard to start. I added some gas and it started right up.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
works like a champ! May 10, 2010
By J. Hefford
I have had one of these is my garage for 3-4 years and never used it until a few days ago when we had a major power outage. Was about to get it started on the second crank with a little starter spray. This thing is LOUD (!!!) but does the job. Four 110 outlets and a 220, so you could run a refrigerator, lights, and whatever else you need. Most of the time, it's not a big deal to go without power for a few hours but you never know when you're doing to have an extended blackout. When that happens, this is really nice to have!
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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