Customer Reviews
What a Deal!! 
2008-05-21
I looked at every kind of generator available. I knew I didn't have the money for a Honda but I still wanted something I could rely on. After reading the great reviews for this Eastern Tools model I decided to take a chance. The price was definitely right for me. The price has since jumped up a little but I still may buy a second one. The box it came it was beat up a little but the generator showed no damage at all..absolutely beautiful. As many others have mentioned, the pull start rope is totally mounted in the wrong place. My dad and I came up with a simple fix. We just drilled a hole in the front panel and put in a smooth metal grommet. Now the pull handle rests against the front panel and pull very smoothly..not requiring that weird angle of pull it would have required. It looks great..as if it came that way from the factory. The engine runs very smooth and isn't as loud as I thought it would be. We have only run a high output shop fan and some shop lights off of it so far with no surging at all. I am very happy with this generator and will probably buy another. Even at the new higher price it is well worth it.
OK so far 
2008-02-24
Received in relatively good condition. Lower crossbar bent but easily straightened. Nice-looking unit. Instruction manual adequate. Started right up. Choke lever is real flimsy. Seems to work OK, but since I bought it for emeregency use, fortunately I haven't had to use it so far. If it continues to work, it'll be a real bargain @ $299.
Excellent Emergency Generator. 2008-02-06
I purchased this generator for emergencies and perhaps the occasional need for portable power. For the price, I have no complaints. This generator does the job. Size, Power, Run-time, Cost, Portability, this generator met all my expectations. During an emergency who cares about a little noise, it's still quieter then a lawnmower.
Most competitors of this size generator charge an extra 50 bucks for the wheel kit, so I'm pleased it was included.
There are some complaints about the oil reservoir location. From my experience, other generators are equally difficult to access. Just tilt the generator against something when you fill the oil.
The Amazon Product Description is a little misleading:
6.5 Hp (not 7), and 75 db (not 68)
Other thoughts- My generator arrived with some shipping damage. The manufacturer honored their warantee, and sent me the replacement parts without any hassle. So I'm pleased overall.
generator 
2008-01-31
I purchased this to be used in an emergency. It was a good price for the listed watts. It has since doubled in price. The supersaver ship was a big selling point also. I had a lot of trouble getting one that did not have broken motor mounts. I returned and exchanged four units until I got one that was not physicaly damaged. No customer service problems, but it was a hastle. I keep meaning to test run it but I have not yet had the time. Hope it actually works. It looks pretty good just sitting there.
Ice Storms in Arkansas 2008-01-23
We have lived in NW Arkansas for 5 years and it seems like every year we have power outages due to ice/wind, etc. We live in a remote area and I've been looking at generators for the past year. When I found out about this generator, I jumped at the free shipping. It arrived FAST and unscathed and I'm anxious to see how it works. I relied on previous posts by fellow reviewers for this purchase. I'm going to try synthetic oil in mine. I hope this proves to be a good investment.
Generator 2008-07-20
This is an inexpensive generator that is perfect for my use. It seems to work fine. Shipping was prompt and I was kept informed of shipping status.
Great Generator for the price 2008-07-03
I purchased this generator (280) before its recent price increase, and thought it was an exceptional value for a backup generator I live in Houston and wanted it for emergency power. It had the most important features I felt for a crisis in the south. Enough power to run a window a/c and fridge + entertainment devices. Plus its fuel efficient as gasoline is hard to come by in a crisis (storing 20 gallons for 72 hours). What really sold me on the generator is the GFCI outlets. A must have safety feature, that you have to add to the cost of other generators (27.50 for an extension cord with it) Also keep in mind that if you need this for emergency power figure how many gallons you'll need + extension cords. For me I spent another $100 for oil funnel, oil, gas tanks, extension cords.
1st the real specs... This generator has a 6.5HP 196cc and it claims to have a 13hr run time at half load for a full tank. The engine is manufactured by Chongqing AM Pride Power & Machines Co LTD. Mine was model #8CPPS 2071GA. It is also rated at 75db at 21ft. I have a sound level meeter, that I used to verify the sound level. I found that at 21 ft the generator with no load is about 70db. Also the sound level varies greatly depending on what side your facing. The exhaust side being the loudest. Bottom line its quiet enough that I can't hear it from inside my house.
Power output... I load tested the generator, but I did note that out of the box the generator was pumping 122V which is fine, but a little hot at 62.5hz frequency. Should be 60hz, but should be acceptable for any item you want to run and as you load the generater the frequency drops to 60hz, and volts stay good and steady (perfect). I also notice the engine tone changes with load. Also the engine seems well isolated with rubber mounts. I hooked it up to my APC XS 1500LCD to measure its output, and it ran my plasma tv and hometheater just fine. In fact I was able to run an 8000BTU airconditioner, Refrigerator, hometheater (50" plasma with surround sound) all at the same time without issue. In fact the generator would only bog slightly when the A/C would kick on.
Out of the box my generator came shipped fine, no damage. The finish was in perfect shape. It was easy to assemble the wheel kit by setting the generator on top of the packing foam to raise it off the ground to attach the wheels. Like the solid never flat tires, and its easy to maneuver.
Adding oil is tricky, I ended up purchasing a funnel from walmart with a silicone tube hose connected to it to pour oil into the generator. You need one trust me, its not possible to add oil without a funnel. This funnel also had a nice feature of measuring oil ounces. BTW the manual isn't clear but you need to fill the oil level just to the point where it begins to run out the oil port when on level ground.
Starting was fairly easy. The engine started on my third try, not too unusual for a new item. The manual is poorly written but even considering its bad English readable enough for the average person to figure out. the manual seems complete with parts lists, and wiring diagrams. However it does not contain adjustment specs so its not good for a maintenance manual. Generator comes with 1 year warranty from eastern tools.
In terms of maintaining the generator through a power outage, this particular model needs frequent oil changes about every 10-50 hours depending on conditions. The spark plug is readily available at any auto parts place (walmart, nappa, homedepot). The air filter is a cleanable element so you don't have to worry about buying replacements. Overall it should be easy to maintain. Any engine work such as valve adjustment who knows....
Overall I think this is a great purchase for a small fuel efficient emergency generator. I should be ready for the next power outage!
Excellent Generator for a great price! 2008-06-25
I was a little nervous buying an item such as this for such a good price, but I am very satisfied with it. Some reviewers had problems with shipping damage which also made me hesitate, but the generator arrived via FedEx with only minimal damage to the box. The generator was free of any damage inside. Wheels and handle were easy to assemble...just be careful you find each nut and bolt in the packaging material. There was a hole in the parts bag and I found one of the nuts in the bottom of the box. Engine started on the second pull and wow does it run quiet and smooth! It's definitely not some cheap, whining sounding piece of junk like some campers may use. Also, the pull rope is not so difficult to get to like some reviewers say. I've definitely seen worse...this one was easy enough to pull. I really recommend this generator because of the quality you get for the very small price tag.
Perfect for camping. 2008-06-14
We recently took this generator on a camping trip.There were two campers to hook to the generator and run.There were two small 5000 btu AC units,but the generator performed well.The only time it struggled was when the AC units compressors started at the same time.Only then did it die and have to be re-cranked,and then start only on unit at a time.The gas held up OK as far as a generator goes.I did notice that while the generator was not in use it had oily substance seeping from the gas cap as the days heat caused pressure to build up in the tank.As far as putting the oil on day one ,all i did was tilt the generator to a 45 degree angle and block it from tipping over and filled,replaced the oil cal and set it back on the ground.The main reason i purchased the generator was for the home,but was certain it would preform well at the camp.
Best Gas Powered Portable Generator for the Price! 2008-05-31
I was uncertain about buying a gas generator for this price. I needed a generator for emergencies and work to far away from the house to use extension cords. This generator fired up with the first pull of the cord! It is a good small generator for small jobs.
