I purchased a Powertrain PTG6500EXCS from Norwell Power Systems for about
$1,000 (including shipping). The Powertrain generators appear to be
powered by Honda (clone) engines and are marketed as reliable and durable
units. I received mine in April of this year (05) and proceded to break
it in by running it for a few hours every two weeks (or so) as a means to
season it for use as back-up power for the winter. After about 8 hours on
the unit, the engine dropped a valve and lost compression. To say the
least I was very disappointed, and concerned as to the long term quality
of the product once it was repaired. The good news, though, is that the
factory replaced the unit at no cost after I called their customer service
group to explained the problem. The new unit has been received and is once
again undergoing a break in period...I hope that the problem encountered
with my first unit was unique and will not be repeated. The unit appears
to be physically well made, with a lot of the features of generators
costing twice as much...time will tell. The $750 price at your local ACE
hardware appears to be a good value for the unit. As far as my
recommendation...my vote is out on the quality of the unit until I get a
few more hours on the replacement, but the factory warantee service is
great...good luck.
