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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the TG52T42 online at [...]. I felt the price was good for the size of the generator. I haven't had a chance to put it to the test yet, but here's my feedback so far.
I did a site-to-store purchase which means the generator was delivered to my local Walmart for free, so I saved on shipping costs. When I went to Walmart to pick it up I could see it in the back room from where I stood. It was resting on a shelf on its side, which seemed like bad practice to me. When the generator was brought out I could see the box was in bad shape. It had tears all over it, and it was missing one of the plastic straps that help keep the box together. I accepted the generator as is because most of the damage seemed superficial.
I easily assembled the generator wheels and handle which make it a cinch to move around. The generator appeared clean and well built. I filled it with oil and put just enough gasoline in it to test it for a short while. It didn't start on the first pull. In fact, it always takes 3 strong pulls to start. Once I got it started the engine started "hunting" which means it wasn't idling smooth -- it would surge between low and high rpms. This calmed down after a few minutes of running, but then started up again. Once I added more gasoline the hunting problem seemed to go away for good -- so maybe I simply didn't put enough gasoline in the first time around and the engine was starving for fuel.
The spec on the Walmart web site says engine noise is 70db, the spec on the ETQ web site says 80db, and the spec in the TG52T42 operator's manual says 70db. I phoned ETQ directly and they said it was 70db. So, my assumption was that the noise level was actually 70db and that there was an error on the ETQ web site. The noise level was important to me because prior to this generator I had a Coleman Powermate with a Tecumseh engine which was noisier than world war 3. I heard the Coleman was rated at 83db, so I was looking forward to using a much quieter ETQ at 70db. But it wasn't as quiet as I had hoped. After all, it's still a generator. That said, at least it won't blast my neighbors like the Coleman.
I tested all the 120V outlets. This is important because if the outlets are not wired properly it can cause injury or damage electrical equipment. I used both a voltmeter and a 3-pronged outlet tester. The voltage was fine on all outlets - a steady 120V. However, the neutral and hot lines on the L5-30R outlet were reversed. The contact on the receptacle immediately clockwise of the grounded contact should be neutral, but instead it was hot. Some will say the characteristics of AC power make this a non-issue, but don't listen to them. Neutral is neutral and hot is hot for a reason. Test all your outlets before you using them -- don't risk injury or equipment damage.
Besides the generator, I had to buy oil, a 5 gallon portable plastic gas tank, and a stubby extension cord that converts the 120V twist lock outlet to standard duplex-style receptacle. They also suggest grounding the generator which I agree with. I didn't buy anything fancy for this. I just made a grounding rod out of a short piece of copper pipe and some spare wire, nuts and bolts. So, all in all I spent about $20 on additional parts. If you don't have one spend an extra few bucks on an outlet tester for piece of mind.
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ETQ TG52T42 6,000 Watt 11 HP 389cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable GeneratorETQ 5,250 - watt Portable Generator. Power where you need it, when you need it! Be ready for anything with this heavy-duty Power Generator. A huge 5,250W peak power juices up a jobsite and will keep essential systems running in an emergency. Hours of power: 11-hp 4-stroke OHV air-cooled engine; 6,000W peak watts, 5,250W continuous; 6 1/2-gallon fuel tank for 11 hours operation at 50% load; Jobsite-ready heavy duty cast iron engine design, with a 1" steel frame for impact protection; Wheel kit with handle included; Low oil shut-off protection; Runs at 80 dB @ 23' away; Rated current is 43.75 amp @ 120V. Max current is 50 amp @ 120V; Measures 30 x 21 x 28". Weighs 189 lbs. Order yours today! Please Note: This item will be shipped by commercial carrier curbside. Ships in 1 box: 32.75" x 22.5" x 23.5", 188 lbs. High-value orders require a physical street address, otherwise insurance costs will be added to the shipping total. WARNING: Gas-powered Engines / Generators cannot be shipped to California or Canada. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Gas-powered Engines / Generators. ETQ 5,250-watt Portable Generator
Click here for more information about ETQ TG52T42 6,000 Watt 11 HP 389cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator
