Lots of features for the money Electric start is almost unheard of in this size class, let alone in a model

that costs less than $750. The engine is very high-q uality: Aluminum overhead-valve, with full-pressure lubrication, automatic low o il pressure shutoff, and an automotive-style spin-on replaceable oil filter. Int erestingly, this "Nagano" engine is actually designed and built by Generac, unli ke most of the other brands that use Honda or Briggs engines. (The Generac Porta ble Power division that produces this model was recently bought by Briggs & Stra tton, so parts and service now also available from B&S dealers.). The alternator produces a clean waveform and has very good voltage regulation. T he surge capacity is 6.6 KW - pretty amazing for a 4 KW model. The 4.5 gallon fu el tank is claimed to run the generator for 14 hours at half of rated power (hav en't verified that, but it seems very frugual). Up to 10 amps of 12VDC power is also available for charging an external battery; the internal battery is charged via a separate circuit. Both 120VAC and 240VAC outlets are included Unlike many cheaper models, the 120VAC side is fully capabl e of supplying the generator's full 4KW rated power through a single circuit. The generator includes some nice no-cost extras Wheel kit with pneumatic tires, an AC-powered battery trickle-charger for the 10AH Gell-Cell starting battery (a lso included), twist-lock plugs that mate with the 30 amp 120VAC and 20 amp 120/ 240VAC outlets, a battery charger cable with alligator clips, and a small packag e of fuel stabilizer. I get the feeling that Generac did'nt cut costs with this model, in spite of the fact that it's priced hundreds less than comparable produ cts. About the only down side of this model is the noise level, which I'd describe as in the "medium" category not nearly as noisy as the entry-level cheapies, but n ot nearly as quiet as some of the high-end Hondas, either. The muffler is decent -sized, but the lack of engine shouding or noise insulation materials means that there is still plenty of mechanical and fan noise. I've put about 160 hours on mine so far, with absolutely no problems. It starts on the first couple of engine revolutions, as long as you rememer to flip the ch oke first to prime it on cold mornings. Generac recommends oil changes every 50 hours, which I consider to be excessive. I'm running synthetic 10W-30 in mine, a nd will be changing the oil every 100 hours. Oil consumption is nil. The pricey $8 "Generac" oil filter cross-references to much cheaper automotive filters just ask for a filter for a 1988-2002 Toyota Corolla/Celica 1.5/1.8L (Fram PH4967 or equivalent). Note that this exact Generac-branded model is only currently sold at Home Depot ($729)