DuroMax XP10000E 10,000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator - Electric Start, Whole Home Backup Power, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

I rely heavily on product reviews so I try to remember to enter reviews on major and specialty items whether they are good or bad.I read the reviews on the DuroMax and there were only minor or zero complaints and mostly favorable reviews.I received my generator a few days ago. Nicely packed with strong protective foam protecting the receptacle panel. The package had gotten banged on that side but the foam fully protected the panel. The unit was pristine.Easy assembly of the wheels, stationary supports, handles and battery connection. The unit is dry so you must add 1.1 quarts of oil and some gasoline. I very slowly extended the pull start cord to get some oil on the internals and the engine started in the middle of the second pull!IMPORTANT: The user manual does not indicate anything about a break-in run. I called the manufacturer and of course they do want a break-in program. They recommended 4 hours at full speed no electrical load, then 4 more hours with a light load and then drain out the break-in oil and replace. Most competitor sites recommend more hours for break-in. I did 4 hours no load, randomly letting it idle for 5 to 20 minutes. 3 hours at 500 watts (5% load), 1 hour 600 watts, 2 hours 1000 watts (10%) and 2 hours 1600 watts (16%). Varying the speeds and loads is a good idea for piston engines. Then I tested it on my 2.3 KW well motor which has about a 6 KW surge lasting about 2 tenths of a second. No problem at all. The generator didn't blink. I ran it half a minute at 5.5 KW (55% of max rating) - no problem. I also ran it with 3.2 KW base load (2 hair dryers) and then added the well pump with its surge (9.2 KW with the surge load) no problem. I also let the unit idle and then automatically throttle up after introducing the 6 KW surge - no problem taking the load at idle and powering up. The auto idle is a nice feature.The voltage meter matched my digital voltmeter just as an accuracy check. They provide 3 and 4 prong twist plugs, 12 volt insert leads for charging a car battery and a small toolkit. The key falls out in the "off" position so just tie-wrap it to the frame so you do not lose it. tape the extra key to the frame also. Other items they do not mention: a nice functional fuel tank gauge. My home is just under 5000 feet elevation so the engine is suffering a 17% power penalty, plus it is 90 degrees and very humid today which hurts even more but as I indicated above the 16 HP engine is a beauty. I also put a light charge on their battery and it was in excellent shape - half an amp for about 30 minutes and it was at 100%. Electric starter is strong. There is also a charge indicator to let you know the unit's battery is being charged after starting. I love the airless tires - we have huge mesquite thorns here that puncture large backhoe tires - honest injun. Tomorrow I will try it on my 3 ton heat pump - I bet it does it. Remember to take the trouble to break it in and change the oil. Nice unit.

Delivery was scheduled between 11 and 2. At 1:15 I called Amazon to find out if there was a problem. Initially, I thought the delivery was between 11 and 1. I was wrong. However, I did find out that the ABF driver was 1.5 hours behind. Megan from Amazon customer service actually called me back at 2 to see if the driver was there! He was not yet. I asked my 80 year old mother-in-law to sign for the package and went to pick up a grounding rod at the hardware store and other items to prepare for the generator. I left at 2:30 and returned at 3:30. Evidently the driver had made up some time, because he had shown up at 3 PM. The driver’s statement to Mom was that “there was supposed to be an adult present for delivery,” and that he “would have to reschedule the delivery because if I do it by myself I’ll hurt my back.” A neighbor (another 80 year old) offered to help, and they unloaded the generator and placed it on the carport, so no need to reschedule. However, the instructions when ordering this item did not state that the recipient would have to help unload. I can’t imagine Lowe’s showing up with a new freezer and asking the customer to “grab an end and we’ll drag it up the steps.” Amazon, amazingly, investigated and determined that indeed the shipper was at fault, but still offered a promotion rebate for my troubles. (They are great!) The generator itself is outstanding. It took me a couple of hours to install the wheel kit (comes with the genny), service the oil (does NOT come with genny), hook up the battery lead on the negative side (battery tested at 11.9 VDC) and put fuel in the machine. The starter cranked and immediately the generator sprang to life. The recharging light was on for about 5 minutes and extinguished, and all receptacles tested properly with my digital voltmeter. What a great buy. The instructions are adequate, and I am looking forward to my next power failure. Considering that I ordered this during a forced-hotel stay as a result of one of this year’s Maryland ice storms, it was here in 5 days and operational a week after I ordered it. Excellent deal, great machine, superb Amazon service! Considering all of this, I would most certainly order another one if I needed it. Good luck!