Occasional use general purpose generator
Written: Jun 13 '05 (Updated Jun 13 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: High wattage output at a good price point
Cons: Loud, No idle control, No Auto voltage regulation
The Bottom Line: Know that your buying an inexpensive generator and understand it's limitations.
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| polarhelix's Full Review: Troy-Bilt 5550 Watt Generator with 10hp B&S Engine... |
I've owned numerous generators over the years. I am not an expert of generators, but I've had a lot experience with various models and you can quickly tell the difference between a Honda versus a brand “X” generator. In my opinion the top 3 portable generators are Honda, Makita and Yamaha. What separates a $3200.00 Honda from a $600.00 Coleman.......alot!! Try this....Auto voltage regulation, Variable speed engine....load dependent, Brushless design, overload protection, built in invertor, superior engine, excellent durability, quiet operation....etc.
Troy bilt was an independent American corporation that made it's name by producing high quality roto-tillers. It was acquired by the conglomerate MTD corporation. MTD frequently rebrands equipment for resale in certain markets. Let's hope Troy Bilt's well earned reputation for quality doesn't suffer. The Troy bilt 5550 is a mass produced, multi branded occasional use general purpose generator. This model was made specifically and exclusively for sale at Lowes stores. Briggs & Stratton ( Another MTD owned company) produces a 5550 generator which is similar to the TB 5550 with only minor cosmetic changes......engine and generator are identical.
I purchased the Troy-Bilt 5550 on 6/04/05 in Florida during the tax-free days at the local Lowe's for $645.00, assembly was a 20 minute non eventful exercise. The supplied manual was clear. Something that wasn't in the manual and in my opinion is very important is the new engine break-in period. To extend the life of your engine....in this case a Briggs & Stratton 10hp.......run the engine for at least 2 hours with no LOAD!! 4 hours if you have the time. Then drain the oil and replace with fresh. This simple step will greatly increase the longevity of your engine. I ran this generator at my shop for 4 hours after assembly and then changed the oil. First impression.....LOUD. There's a reason the majority of manufacturers don't put the decibel levels in the spec sheet. The following day I began adding loads to the unit. Remember this is not a commercial generator you can quickly destroy the rectifier by overloading!! It has no generator overload circuit breaker......this is different from the circuit breakers on the front panel. Nor does it have voltage regulation or load dependent engine speed. I started by using a circular saw, then adding other power tools until max running wattage was reached. The generator performed well, but was very loud at full load. All of the small power tools were 115 volts. I then removed all load from the generator and hooked my 220 volt /20 amp table saw to the unit. It ran the table saw without any problems.
Conclusion: You get what you pay for.....This generator is acceptable for occasional use with good power management practices (calculate your wattage-don't overload). Note: if your planning on using this generator as a home backup system.....plug “every” device into a surge suppressor not directly into the generator. Ideal for short power outage at your home ( will run the fridge, lights, small heater, small a/c unit, TV, radio....not concurrently) If your neighbor's don't kill you because of the noise.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
polarhelix
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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