Jul
29
2010
Generac 5724 GP3250 3,750 Watt 206cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator
Posted by Power Generator in Portable Generators, tags: 206cc, 3750, 5724, Added Durability, Amazon, Circuit Breaker, Compact Laptop, Gas Generator, Generac, Generator, Generator Features, Gp Series, GP3250, Hour Meter, Maintenance Hours, Ohv Engine, Oil Prices, Portable, Portable Generator, Powered, Running, Sockets, Steel Tube, WattIf you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
- Generac 3,750-watt portable gas powered generator with 207CC OHV engine
- Hardened steel tube cage for added durability
- Features an hour meter with maintenance resets
- Designed with circuit breaker protected outlets
- Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California
Product DescriptionGenerac GP Series, 3250 and 3750 Running Watt Surge Portable Generator, Features: 207cc OHV Engine, Hardened Steel Tube Cage integrated foldable handle, including the wheelset, low oil prices shutdown, meter of ‘Reset Maintenance hours, sockets of the circuit breaker protected, low exhaust tone. Amazon. product as a stand DescriptionFeaturing compact laptop with folding handles for easy transport, Générac 3250 Watt Gas Powered Generator offers a reliable. . . More>>
Generac 5724 GP3250 3,750 Watt 206cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator
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I purchased this unit due to maneuverability, ease of starting, low oil shutoff, and published run time of 12.5hours. Additionally, I like the idea that I was purchasing something “made in the USA.”
While most of Generac’s units are made in the USA, the smaller units use “generic OHV” engines which they “outsource” which translates to China! Further investigation, after purchase, I discovered that these engines have a plastic camshaft which does not bode well for longevity.
The literature on this indicates 20Amp receptacles, yes they are, however, the breakers which feed them are 13.5A!! e.g. I have a large “side by side” frig/freezer which I will power during outages, it has a startup current of 14.2Amps, then a steady state of 1.2Amps. The GP3250 is able to start it as it has a “surge” capacity which allows the breakers to handle 15.6Amps for a short duration. I had to research and discover ths for myself as Generac tech support was seemingly unaware that their units have a “surge” capacity beyond the stated breaker capacity.
My complaint is that the literature is very misleading. Calling Generac is a waste of time as all they will do is state whatever the manual does-period. Beyond that, “please return the unit to the place of purchase and buy a bigger one.” I purchased this from Amazon and it came by truck. To return it, I’d have to repack and arrange truck pickup and pay freight-would they help me with this as their literature led me to purchase a generator which was potentially too small? “ABSOLOUTELY NOT!”
If you’re shopping for a generator, do a realistic assessment of the loads you plan on powering so a realistic evaluation can be made.
Realistically I suppose this is a fair value for the $$$. It is easy starting, very quiet, and runs a long time on a tank (4 Gal.) of gas. Longevity of a chinese built engine with a plastic camshaft is of concern. The “cadillac” of portable generators is the Honda. However, they are designed and built to run 24/7 for extended periods and cost 4-6 times as much. My needs for this unit are for emergency power for a duration of 4-7 days every year and a half or so, based on history. Spending $3,000 for something to sit in the barn for years at a time didn’t seem a prudent use of $$. Guess, “you pays your money and takes your chances.” as the old cliche goes.
In conclusion, the literature is misleading, not all generac’s are made in the USA, and I found myself educating their tech support on how the machine actually worked.
I have only used the GP3250 once in the 3 months since we bought it as a backup power source for temporary power outages. But that one time alone confirmed my hunch that this unit would be a great low-cost solution for increasingly frequent temporary power outages. Last winter, we probably lost power due to storms at least 3 or 4 times, each time lasting about 2 to 6 hours. I concluded we could do much better than candles and always hoping the power company would do the repairs before our frozen food was ruined. After receiving our GP3250 and preparing it for service, it only took 2 weeks before an unexpected power outage occurred that even forced 2 local school districts to close. I immediately tried starting it, and nothing. Then I opened the fuel value, and after one pull, it ran without a hitch for 4 hours. I alternated 1 power cord between 2 freezers, and another between our satellite TV and computer systems; and most important, I made a pot of coffee from our Mr. Coffee. The unit grunted a little when I made the coffee but worked great, easily powering all those units. With woodstoves for heating air and water, and a few 5-gallon buckets of water for flushing toilets, we now have everything we need to weather the normal outages for under $500.
I received our unit from the shipper with an obvious oil leak through the packing material. I opened it to find the bottle of oil leaking, the choke lever broken off and some other minor dents. I immediately contacted Amazon, and within 10 minutes, they made all the arrangements to pick up the damaged unit and send a replacement unit in one trip by another carrier. Yes I would have preferred the first unit arrived in perfect condition, but I have no complaints after the great job by Amazon making it right.
Good generator for the money, but carefully count the load and starting amps. It has good Money/Watts ratio. Not for extencive use (see other review from oct 17 2009). Emergencies such 1-2 days once or twice in a year. Quiet and simple. Buy a funnel with extention, since oil hole is under the control panel. I bought it to power my 1hp water pump in a basement. Tested, pump started and ran smoothly, unit hasn’t notice the load. That’s all I need. I could even sell extra electricity to others
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very compact, yet relatikvely powerful. Generator required little assembly (add wheels and handle). After I finaly opened the fuel valve correctly, it started on the first pull. Has four 110 outlets where many have only two. Very satisfied!!
I just purchased this last week for our upcoming wet spring. Our sump pump runs nearly continuos several times during the spring. We just finished the basement last year so this was a little piece of mind. I did a lot of research and this seems to be one of the best buys around. Its very sturdy and quiet while operating. It started in one pull right out of the box. The generac literature on the store display was very misleading. If I went by their reccomendation it would take nearly the biggest portable generator to run my 1/2 HP sump pump. The instructions inside said different and this machine handles the job with room to spare. I ran the pump several times and it didnt even notice the load. Hopefully with regular maintenance it will last a long time. For $359 Im very happy with my purchase! Only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is that I havent used it long term.