2.8 kVA Portable Petrol Generator

I can't quite make up my mind about this generator. My first concern is that I'm not sure what I've actually purchased. The Amazon advertisement rates it at 2.8 kVA, as does the supplier's website, but a sticker (and it is only a sticker) on the unit says 2.5 kVA. This may not be important, since I think I'd be bonkers to attempt to load it to anywhere near that level but, still: it doesn't inspire confidence. The manual is rubbish -- laughable, in fact. To be fair, operation is pretty self-explanatory, but maintenance instructions are uselessly vague. You should clean the spark plug when it's in "no good condition" apparently. The oil should be changed every 30 hours or, it seems, every "10 hours work", whatever that means. Incidentally, despite what other reviews have said, filling the oil is easy enough if you tip the unit up, and use a funnel. Emptying the oil, however, will be a bear -- you have to pour it out through the filling hole, which means tipping the unit upside down. I guess you don't get a sump drain for this price.And don't even get me started on the noise. Probably on a busy construction site it's not too bad; but in a quiet environment it's shockingly loud. Prospective buyers should be aware that the unit runs at full RPM all the time, even with no load. Applying even a kilowatt load doesn't change the engine sound all that much, except that it makes stuttering noises, as if it's going to stall (but it doesn't). Presumably it uses a direct-coupled AC generator, so the engine RPM is set by the mains frequency.Buyers with an interest in electric safety should be aware that the socket earth is continuous with the frame but not with the neutral. This means that a live-earth fault in a connected appliance will not generate sufficient fault current to trip the breaker, nor will an RCD, if used, work properly. Uncertain earthing arrangements are common in portable generators, but what is problematic here is that no relevant information is provided in the manual.But...It was £150! A Honda 2kW generator will set you back at least a grand, new; I could buy four of these Parkers for the price even of a used Honda. A certain amount can be forgiven at this price. The standard of construction really isn't that bad, and it isn't much louder than other generators of the same general type. The 230V socket delivers bang on 230V (I measured it). It's simple to use and, although it's heavy, it's not too heavy for a single person to carry (with care). There's a decent size petrol tank, so it should run for a while. It certainly looks the part.I don't use a generator often enough, or for long enough, to justify the expense of a Honda. I don't expect to use it where other people will be irritated by the noise, and I'm usually wearing ear protection anyway. This looks like an OK purchase, so long as the buyer doesn't expect too much.[Edited to add -- it's still working after a year of being left outdoors. However, after a long period without use, it's an absolute bear to start. I've discovered also that the fuel tap is very fussy -- it has to be in exactly the right position to turn on. Still, I'm reluctant to complain at this price.][Edited again -- I've increased my rating of this product. Anything at this price, that's still works fine after being left outside for two winters, gets my vote. I don't use it much but, whenever I do need to use it, it just works. It just keeps chugging away. One problem I've noticed, though -- petrol evaporates from the tank. I've learned not to fill it more than I need for day's work.]

Works really well and it's easy to start. Plenty of power for what I need and really economical.

This is what I asked customer service below who just keep saying I need to get it serviced / fixed myself, even though it has never been used, and wont work. I bought it 7 months ago and put it into storage unused."Why wont you response properly?You can't even be bothered to spell correctly in your response. I have a big brand new unused paperweight!Just because I didn't use it straight way (it went into storage new unused) doesn't mean you should categorise it as over the warranty period. You're failing miserably at basic word of mouth marketing, customer services and ethics."

I am living in Crete and the generator was bought as one of a number of generators to provide an alternative power source - electricity cuts are common place, I kept it outside for some years before starting to use it in earnest last year (2019), and apart from two small problems: (1) the cord for the starter motor could be made of stronger material - broken twice - and (2) with the length of the fuel pipe connecting the tank to the carburettor (it was too short, causing a petrol leak) Aside from that, it has worked well and coped with the environment Recently, the voltage output failed - which I put down to the fact that it had not been sufficiently protected from rain - and so I am waiting to get this repaired. The basic motor has always been reliable, starting without issue. Whenever I called the support number, they were courteous and polite and willing to help. Recommended.

Sent out from Fife in Scotland and travelled well. When it did arrive in Llandudno North Wales (parcel hub) the driver from Yodel decided it was to heavy for him and he left it at the depot. Waited all day for this and eventually had to collect it myself!. Thankyou Yodel.The product is great. I use power tools and it runs with ease, I use grinders, electric drills, compressors and with no problem. So far, so good. There were no issues with getting this up and running, fill with oil, petrol, turn on fuel tap etc and off you go really.I did prime the engine before I started this up fully by just keeping it in effect switched off and pulling the cord a few times to circulate the oil around the engine to avoid dry start up on a new engine.Starts first time, each time so far, I do not see any why it should falter, after all, all you need is a spark, fuel and air and this looks impressive too. Instructions are a bit poor but look at the illustration and with what it says, add a bit of your own initiative and it is pretty straight forward. 5 out of 5 on looks, use and ease.. No problems restarting if you switch off a couple of hours and then restart after only 5 minutes. No hesitation with 2 or 3 pulls, again first pull and away you go. Cracking product.

I researched this item very carefully before purchasing, I needed it to power woodworking power tools in a remote location where I was building a shepherds hut, so it was going to be worked hard. I was initially disappointed as it arrived with a broken engine mounting, but after a chat with Amazon they gave me the distributors address (plus a £50.00 refund!) and I contacted them, pleased to say they were helpful and responsive and sent out a couple of new mounts for me to fit as requested.I have now been using the generator every day for about three weeks and it is fantastic, I must have started and stopped it at least 100 times each week and unbelievably, you give it full choke (even when hot!) and the engine literally jumps into life before you've pulled the cord halfway, honestly it has started first pull EVERY time!I have been using powerful (1500w) chop, rail and jig saws and working them hard and it just works like a dream. One of the best pieces of kit I have ever bought, it has already paid for itself, incredible value.Highly Recommended