Chicago Generator Info

[wimpy]

Anybody have or know of anybody that's dealt with these generator's? Harbor Freight has one for a good deal but i've never used any of their Gen's before. Looking for an extra.196cc, 3500 Watts Max/3050 Watts Rated Generator, $450 down to $300.

[wb]

you can buy three of them at that price for what one Honda EU2000i goes for.

I own the EU2000i and wouldn't trade it for 3 of them though. The Honda is light, reliable, economical, and quiet. Can't speak to the other, but I'd venture not so much.

[Hunter 2]

Harbor freight= low quality    Just my 2 cents

If you plan on using the generator often get a good one. Hondas are the best and exspensive.   Try Electricgeneratorsdirect.com
I bought a 10000 watt Coleman  but will only use it when powers lost.

[Takes Prizoners]

I have that generator at home.  Bought after the hurricane last year.  I don't think they sell the Chicago line of generators anymore.  I believe they now have Predator.  Even though the predator claims its super quiet it really isn't.  The Hondas are good, small, lighter in weight but as you already know, a lot more expensive.  I used to sell the Hondas for a company I worked for and noticed you don't get the wattage out of them.  The 800 watt HF generator put out around 1200 watts and the eu1000 put out around 750-800.  I haven't had any problems with my Chicago generator.  I start it up and run a water pump circulating in a cooler for about hour and then close the fuel valve and let the carb run out of gas to shut it off.  All small engines are fragile to stale fuel.  And just FYI, the 3200/4000 watt Predator is $300

[ChrisL]

FYI. The 120V outlets on the 3500watt model are only 13amp, despite being listed as more on the box/website.
Other than that, I'd buy one for as a source of power for storms. 
Shop rite carries similar line of generators at a reasonable price when on sale.  And they don't have the 13amp breakers. 

[fellinger]

As said above, they are cheap. In my experience most of anything from Harbor Freight is only good for occasional use. I bought their cheapest, smallest generator just to use on a night trip I did and to have around the house. For $80 it worked just fine. Would I run it everyday? No way.

[Takes Prizoners]

I have #67560. I use it to run a stand up freezer and 2 sump pumps and a few lights and radios when the power goes out.  Did you see Chicago Gens in your local store?  I know all the HF's I've been only have the 800W left of Chicago Electric.  I dont see them on the site either unless you search the stock #.  I just uncovered mine still in the box here in FL for when I'm on Vaca. lol

[wimpy]

Folks,excuse the delay in PM response. Hectic day at work , you know with the bomb threat's and so forth, so i weighed comments and a little comparison can get better:1 low oil shut-off/not alarm
       2 more peak wattage
       3 longer run time per gal
  for just pennies more than sale price. Thanks to all, going to save a bit more, but know what at least i can fall back on if i have to. Sea Ya. 

[Maritime Matt]

I have an EU 2000I myself and use this thing for everything. It even powers my 7200 btu a/c in my office with no problems. I use Stabil in the fuel  all the time and have never had a fuel issue. If its cold out or has not been run for a while, it takes a bunch of extra pulls to start it initially,but other than that no issues. I know the Honda's are expensive but well worth it.

[Reckless]

 I purchased a propane fueled generator last year. Just for emergencies. Has to be the easiest starting motor I ever owned.