It has been a while since we reviewed a generator. In fact the last one we tested was a Generac which turned out to be a piece of junk. Now this PowerStroke has a lot more power, but this is a relatively new brand that is built in China. Again, I not knocking this thing, but it does make me a little cautious of how it will perform over time. One thing I can say, this generator currently performs like a charm and I am very happy with it. One pull and it’s running, no hassle starting is great.
Generators are a must for anyone who has lost power, needs additional power or doesn’t have a power source around. One thing I learned is you just can’t walk into a store and buy a generator. You must first understand what you will be powering and then match your generator to your needs. There is an easy solution to find out what size generator you need. First figure out all the items you want to power with the generator. Then take the Amps x Volts and that equals the watts you need. One note is that electric motors require substantially more watts for starting than running.
When Dan told me we were getting a PowerStroke to test, I was excited because I thought we were getting a Ford PowerStroke. Then he told me it was a generator. I was still excited because I really need a generator for two reasons. First, we get some pretty bad storms in my area and sometimes the power goes out. I am tired of throwing away food. Second, there are plenty of times I could use a generator on a job site because either there’s no power around or the power that is around isn’t sufficient.
The PowerStroke (Model PS905000) is a 5000 Watt, 6,250 starting/surge Watt Generator. After we opened the box, it was apparent this was going to be easy to put together. All we had to do was attach the rubber feet, the wheels and the handle. The assembly took about 10 minutes. To our surprise the directions were very clear. The other thing that surprised us was the unit shipped with oil. You still have to add the oil, but it comes with just the right amount to top off the oil tank. Just add gas and go. This doesn’t have an electric start, it uses a pull start.
On the front of the generator, there is the choke and run switch. There is also a a valve for the gas on/off. The other switch is to turn the generator off once it’s running. On the right hand side of the generator, it’s very easy to access the oil and check it. I have seen generators where the oil is hidden and hard to access. On the same side is where there are 4 120V (20 amp) outlets and one 240 Twist outlet (20 Amp).
On the top of the unit there is a large steel 6 gallon tank that runs up to 10 hours on 50% load. One thing to note is the unit is equipped with a low oil shut down feature. We were able to run the following items with this generator all at the same time:
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw
- 2 Air Compressors
To my surprise it ran them fine. I thought this load would bog the system down, but it just powered through with no problems. One thing I think that really helps is the automatic voltage regulator which provides reliable power. I do like the handle. When you need to move the unit, just push the handle in the upright position, lock it and you are set to wheel the unit wherever you want. You can fold the handle down for easy storage.
All in all I really like this generator. It starts up easy, it was easy to put together and has a lower price point than most of the generators with the same size watt and engine. However, time will tell and hopefully it will last. One thing that does make me feel better is it comes with a 3 year warranty, which is awesome!
SPECIFICATIONS of the PowerStroke
| Amperage (amps) | 41.7 A | Assembled Depth (in.) | 24.125 in |
| Assembled Height (in.) | 29 in | Assembled Width (in.) | 23.875 in |
| Auto idle control | No | Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| Built-in inverter | No | CSA Listed | No |
| ETL Listed | No | Electrical Product Type | Portable Generator |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 389 | Engine manufacturer | Power Stroke |
| Fuel Gauge | No | Fuel tank capacity (gallons) | 6 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Full load fuel consumption (gallons/hour) | 0 |
| Horsepower (hp) | 0 hp | Item Package Type | No Package |
| Low oil shutdown | Yes | Manufacturer Warranty | 3 Year Limited |
| Muffler | Yes | Number of circuits/outlets | 5 |
| Operational volume (dB) | 0 | Osha Required GFCI Outlets | No |
| Output Receptacles | 4x 120V 20A 1x 240V 20A Twist | Product Height (in.) | 24 |
| Product Length (in.) | 29 | Product Weight (lb.) | 190 |
| Product Width (in.) | 24 | Rated wattage continuous (watts) | 5000 |
| Rated wattage peak (watts) | 6250 | Returnable | 30-Day |
| Run time at 50% load (hours/tank) | 10 | UL Listed | N-No UL Code Rating |
| Voltage Rating | 120 / 240 |
http://www.powerstroketools.com
Includes
- 5000 Watt Portable Generator
- Engine Lubricant
- Wheels and Feet with Hardware
- Operator’s Manual
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Great write up, I am sold. The 3 year warranty is great. I have been looking for a gen for a while now and this one looks perfect.
do you still think this is a good unit? i am looking for a generator foor household emergency and camping. the china thing has me worried though…any thoughts?
Hi Jason, So far so good. for the price it is a good all around generator.
Got a 3500 W unit for hurricane Sandy. Efforetlessly powered refrigerator, lights, TV, shop-vac, and occassionally 2 HP air compressor (other loads disconnected) for 120 hrs without bogging down. Great unit so far. Power control is smooth & effective. Accidental dead short (twice) on my part was handled without incident. Started on every occassion on 1st pull, even out of box.
Thanks for the Review on the PowerStroke Generator; China has the generator market pretty much tied up, like the Japanese did in early years. So glad about theGenerac comment, for I find that all medium priced generators are a product of China, even those Generacs, B&S, ETQ. They are becoming a necessity to folks, so checking out their background and reading recommendations such as yours is very important.
Thanks
I just bought a new 5000 wat 240 volt 20 amp power stroke generator will it run my 5hp 240 volt air compressor
It should as long as the compressor draws 20 amps or less.
The power stoke generator is a peace of junk. The pull cord broke in 40 says and power stoke will not help me. Now its past 90 days cant return it or get parts. Power stroke will deal with the general public. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER POWER STROKE PRODUCT AGAIN AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM EITHER
Bought the same gen about 6 months ago and use it roughly 2 to 6 hours a day powering a small window unit ac and an air compressor. Yesterday it suddenly shut off and when I started it again it revved so high I thought it would blow the motor. Ever heard of such a thing? I cant figure out what’s wrong with it.
does the power stroke motor have a cast iron sleeve, and are the valve pushrods aluminum or steel
This is a cheap Home Depot short life genie. Works well, but there is zero support nationwide. The warranty is absolutely worthless. No idea on THD, but I have had minimal issues ither than a replacement generic carb a year ago. Maybe a total of 50 hours, so cannot complain, but minimal use.
Bought one years ago , and use it for everything , work great and has never missed a beat ..one down fall she’s loud other then that beautiful gen!!