Review of the $79 Harbor Freight Generator.

I used a 20% off coupon, when I caught this unit on sale for $99 dollars. For the record, I bought it as a backup to my 5000watt Coleman 10hp generator.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66619

Here some pics.









Overall I give it 3 out of 5.

Using a Radio Shack sound meter I measured its noise at 72dB at 22ft (specs are 69 dB at 21ft) 3/4 Load. Quiet enough, at the end of a 50ft extension cord.

At idle, the generator sounds like it is missing, put a small load on it 100watt and it smoothes right out.


I would recommend this generator as a backup, or for poor man seeking a little bit of power. I found the unit will stall at about 1000 watts, and the volts spike rapidly at above 850 watts.

Run time is about what they say it will get, four hours at 400 watts (they list 5)

Sticker price is $150 plus tax, no way would I have paid that, but for $79 it’s a fair deal. It would be hard to build one for $79 unless you already had a engine and alternator.

I intend to run it a lot during its 90 day warranty, in order to test it before it’s to late.

For those of you that cannot find it on sale for 99$ and apply the 20% coupon. Here is a coupon for $89.00 I doubt very heavily they would allow you to combine a 20% with it, if anyone trys and it works let me know



***EDIT**

After doing so browsing and photo comparison, I believe this unit is the same as the ETQ model at northentool

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200313480_200313480

160 reviews got it a 4 out of 5.

Although the watts rating on the ETQ is misleading, it will not run 1000watts of stable power.

not much at the same time, however, a chest freezer/fridge (depending on size). Lights, TV computers, fans...the list goes on.

It's a good tailgating generator - would run a TV and a satellite receiver.

That's a pretty good price for a generator of any size. Almost makes it disposable, though I'm sure shipping ain't cheap.

If you buy it online, you pay full price. In order to get sale price and use coupon you have to go to store.

I wouldn't hook up a $700 computer to a $79 generator if i were you.

not if you want to keep your computers hard drive.

Wish they offered a DC-only version...

800 watts at 14.5 volts would be around 50 amps - perfect for quick-charging deep-cycle batteries...

It's designed as a highly-portable construction generator, to run small power tools...

1000W/120V = 8.3 amp load.

It's also, IIRC, a 2-stroke.... Runs oilgas....

I called my local store, and they have them in stock, and on sale.
I also printed off one of the 20% off coupons from the link you posted. (Thanks)

I've got a couple of heated water buckets (150w) for the horses, and this would be just the thing to keep in the barn when we lose power.
It's really a pain when their water keeps freezing up.

Do you think it would run a small (5000 BTU) A/C? I need one for my weekend camper.

Very unlikely. A 5000 BTU A/C will draw over 500 watts while it's running - and probably closer to three times that amount while it's starting. Even if this generator is actually capable of supplying 900 watts for a brief instant, it's not enough.

Be sure to check your saw's nameplate first to see how much power or current it draws. Many electric chain saws draw more than 800 watts ( 6.6 amps) - a LOT more in some cases.

No Problem,

I have found so many good deals in the Survival Forums as the result of post just like mine, so I am happy to contribute.

I finally got around to reading the majority of the manual and found that the MFG suggest a 25 hour break in period not to exceed 600 watts.

If anyone else buys these, post what you have started with it.

I was able to start the following (separately of course)
a Six amp Circular saw.
5 cubic foot chest freezer
17 cubic foot fridge.
two 500 watt lights
a 1000 watt heater
50amp battery charger
misc small electronics.

I could not start a 11,500 watt rooftop a/c.

WTF?