
I'm 54 and have been around mechanical equipment all my life. First impression of this generator, which is made in China, is the quality of the components and construction are equal to anything I've seen. Assembly of the wheel/axle and handle is very easy. You do need to put the axle/wheels on BEFORE putting in any oil and gas as you have to stand the generator on end to be able to assemble. I cut the box vertically on all four corners when opening and laid down all four sides. This created a cushion and non-scuff surface when standing the generator on end. It is heavy enough (216lbs) that having a second person to help stand it on end is a benefit.
I followed the instruction and check points. Put in oil and a little gas, ran a 12AWG ground wire from the ground post on the generator to a copper ground rod, turned on the fuel valve, opened the choke and pulled the starter handle. It was running before I even completed the first pull!! I do agree with some of the other reviewers that the positioning from the factory of the pull handle is a little awkward but this thing started SO EASY that I consider this a non-issue. I bought an Everstart battery from Walmart ($30) but have elected to not activate nor install it in the generator at this time. I starts so easy with the pull rope that the battery seem almost a waste but I guess in an extended power outage where you're refilling the tank multiple times and re-starting, the electric start will be convenient.
I don't have a DB meter so I can't confirm whether it meets the advertised noise level of 70 DB at 7 meters, but I walked in my house while it was running and I couldn't hear it. I suspect that in the middle of the night with no appliances running in the house you'd be able to hear it, but it wouldn't be much. Standing within 10 ft. of it, you can easily carry on a conversation but it is a generator and it makes noise.
I ran a short test by plugging in a 110V window AC unit I have in my garage using a heavy duty extension cable. As expected it ran perfectly but this small AC is not much of a test for a 7,000 watt generator. I have wired a 240V plug/transfer switch to my main breaker and my intent is to power my whole house (selective circuits only, obviously) so I don't have to deal with extension cords. I wish I had an oscilloscope to be able to check ETQ's advertised <%5 total harmonic distortion, but I don't. The test will come IF I decide to try and run my PowerMac during an outage.
The unit has an Auto Idle on/off switch. I was hoping that this feature would vary the engine speed based on electrical load but after thinking about it, that's probably not possible. What it does do however is if the generator has NO load (i.e., zero watts), it will slow the engine to an idle which will likely save considerable fuel. I'm not sure the benefit of this feature on a unit this size because anyone buying one this big is probably going to run more than simply a refrigerator/freezer which does cycle on and off. I bought this size generator because I have a heavy duty 240V grinder pump in my lift station (sewer) and I want to be able to run it simultaneously with other things. Fan's lights, small TV, coffee maker occasionally, etc. For me, I can't see a even moment when there would be no load on the generator.
It has a built in hour meter, a fuel gauge on the gas tank and even came with a small toolkit (for assembly) and a specialized bracket for lifting the generator with a crane, cherry picker, etc.
I did a fair amount of research before electing to buy this unit but for $649 plus local tax, if it provides years of service which I feel it will, this was an incredible price for this size generator. I didn't buy it through Amazon only because I ended up finding it at a local Northern Tools + Equipment and surprisingly for a better deal.
As you can imagine from my review, my first impression is a first class product in construction and components and you can't begin to find any other brand 7,250 watt generator (8,250 surge) for this price.Get more detail about
ETQ TG72K12 8,250 Watt 13 HP 420cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start (Non-CARB Compliant).