I recently had a 4400w. xl Generac which was chained, locked & stored in a secure storage place disappear from the back of my travel trailer,! I was told that Generac sold its lower wattage or recreational line to B&S. I had that gen. for 6-7 years. was less noisey than the big fancy rigs at the dog shows,had a spark arrestor & was dependable. I had a steel rack built on back of my trailer for the gen.and used a thin rubber mat for it to set on, & did not have any noticable vibration. This looks just like it. Please does any one know if I ordered the right one? I hope the one that disappeared blows up!

I bought this generator in Feb. '07 from Amazon. Both delivery and start-up operations went very smooth. This is a very solid piece of hardware for the price.
If you plan on connecting it to a load center inside your house instead of running wires all over, you will need a Power Transfer Kit for Portable Generators. I strongly recommend the Reliance kit over the Connecticut Electric kit. The later has much shorter warranty (1 year vs. 5 from Reliance), it's outdated and it comes with some seriously terrible technical support.
Also remember to add fuel stabilizer if you are not using your generator periodically and use synthetic oil if you live in a cold region of the country. Bottom-line, this is really a great product, thanks Amazon.

Spend some time at the gym before you buy this one. the engineers naild the performance but the weight distribution to carring design was probably thought of by somebodies five year old son. If you are going to use thei genrator please take along an extra pair of strong hands you will need them. Not for a single mom.

This generaotor is a great buy for the money and free shipping too. For the occasional use by the home owner during power outage to run the bare minimum appliances and lighting, it is perfect. I was worried about the loudness of the muffler based on other reviews, but I did not find it too loud. I have so far only test started it and ran it with some load and it did fine. Wish it came with a twist-on special plug for the 220 V outlet.
Couple of tips I'd like to pass on: 1) buy the same size steel rim pneumatic tires from Harborfrieght ($5.00 each) and get rid of the plastic ones....they will crack in time with vibration. 2) cut the fuel line and install an in-line fuel filter using plastic tie-wraps to attach the filter (I use a filter with ceramic type element that has clear housing which you can see the fuel coming through - I buy them from my ATV dealer and I put them on every gas powered equipment I buy). This will keep trash out of the carburator in the long haul.

My son helped me with the simple assembly that was needed and we started her up and tested the power with an extension cord with a lamp on the end. It is very easy to move to a location where I want to use it. It's very easy to start up. I bought 3 HD extension cords and got 2 6+ gallon cans of gas set aside. I feel secure knowing I'll have power if we have a power outage as hurricane's are ever increasing in size and quantity.

My son has a business that requires him to rent a generator occasionally at $80/day. He's going to take the generator and it will pay for itself quickly. He thinks it's great and he didn't like B & S, being a fan of another manufacturer. Hope this is helpful.

P.s. The price is fantastic from amazon. Looking at the home/trade store flyers I can see that I saved a good chunck of money.

$499 was the best price I found anywhere with free delivery. Works as promised. Easy assembly, started on the first pull.

I purchased on of the Chinese 4000W generators from a local store and on second thought returned it for this generator. WOW! wat a vast inprovement! I mean this is a well build generator that will hold up over time. From opening the box to the first pull I was up and running in a little over a half hour. This generator can susstain 5500Watts but has "startup power" for up to 8000+ watts! When you budget things out, if you have GAS heat you can pretty much run an average house at without overloading the generator.

The fact that it is portable is a plus as I like to do some tailgating in the fall. However, it is about as loud as a riding lawnmower. There is no getting around it, it is loud. But inside my house it is barely noticable.

I mean, who cares if it is a little loud. Just turn up the TV! If your neighbors have a problem, invite them over!

New, in box, delivered free for about half of list price.

It doesn't get any better than this.

Purchased this in Feb during a big sale for less than $500 bucks from Amazon after the freaky snow storm that hit the midwest in Feb. The shipping was free too. Very easy to install, just put on the wheels and front skid/stand and the handle and fill the engine oil. The manual was alittle confusing because it is one of those that tries to cover various models and printing in different languages all on one page. But to start, basiciall DO NOT PLUG ANYTHING TO THE AC OUTLETS till the engines run. 4 step process - turn the on switch, turn the fuel line on, and place the engine on choke then pull the starter motor. Once the engines is started, switch from CHOKE to run. Just like starting a lawn mower.

Also, I'm having a professional electrician install a transfer switch (purchased separately from Lowes or even Amazon) for $200 bucks so I can run the sump pumps, a refrig, furnace and hot water heater, etc.

I purchased this from Amazon and it was shipped by ABF Freight. It arrived in great shape and I had no shipping/delivery problems. It starts very easily no the first tug. It is NO louder than you would expect from an 11HP OHV engine. I found the sound level to be very tolerable, but it does not have the advanced muffler you'd find in a $1000+ Honda Generator. Just make a note to use synthetic 5W-30 oil as recommended in the manual if you live in cold climates, NOT the 30W they put include in the box, as the 30W won't flow (too thick) in cold climates and could damage the engine. The engine manual makes this point, but it needs to be made more prominent prior to setting up the unit.

When I ordered this item the first time, it was shipped through ABF Frieght. The short story: They are terrible. They only deliver 9-5, M-F only, and refuse to leave your package after phone consent. They returned my package to Amazon after I had arranged delivery, and are now charging me $50 for 'storing it' four days until deciding themselves that they could not deliver it, after a date/time had already been arranged.

I am still giving this 4 of 5 stars though, because Amazon Customer Service is AWESOME. Every issue I have had has been address (except the $50 one, but thats pending), and customer service has been very quick, helpful, and responsive to all of my concerns. I'm sure the last remaining issue will be worked out.

I'm also sure I'll be delighted with my generator, as are all reviewers before me. But if you're not home 9-5, M-F, you might want to call Amazon before ordering to avoid an experience like mine. Specialty frieght companies are less flexible than regular shipping companies.

Amazon provides the BEST SERVICE that I have experienced, period. I ordered my generator on 2/16/07 and received it on 2/21/07, now I think that's GREAT SERVICE. The generator is just as described in the advertising. It is easy to assemble, starts on the second pull and runs quietly. Everything about the generator is top quality. As you can tell, I am a very satisfied customer and I will shop with Amazon again.

I bought this generator summer 2006 on sale at Home Depo for $550, so if you don't need it right away you can watch for the sale price again as I have seen it at this price one other time since my purchase.

We had an ice storm go thru NH Jan, 2007, so I got to use the generator my first winter with it. Over the summer 2006 in tests, it always started first pull. At 20 degrees F, it took about 10. I have a 10 circuit transfer switch, highly recommended!!! (Don't bother with a smaller 4-6 circuit switch, this generator has plenty of output to spare. If you are going to bother installing the switch you might as well power as many circuits as you can. I got the switch at HD also, $300 bucks and it comes with a 20 foot 30 amp cord, a male 30amp plug, and a video that shows you how to wire it into your main panel, which was easy to do myself). This generator powered my fridge, freezer, well pump, furnace, garage door opener, as well as several general lighting circuits without an issue.

As some have mentioned, it was louder than I expected it to be, I compare it to the same noise level as is made by my 18hp lawn tractor. You don't really hear it with all the windows closed in the winter, and neighbors close windows also and just wish they had power...

Also, we ran it for just under 5 hours until the power came back and the 5 gallon tank was still just under 1/2 full!

Very happy with this generator overall. It will power everything a normal household will need during a power outage.

I bought this as our power has been down 2 times this winter for more than 3 days each time. It has more than enough power to run my "essential" household circuits. I did put in a transfer switch which has made it much easier to run the house. The important aspects of this generator are:
1. Watts-I want to run 2 refridgerators, furnace fan, microwave, septic and various lights.
2. Start up power (some generators have as much watts but not as much start up power) This is important because when your furnace, fridge or other appliances start they require more watts to get going.
3. Fuel tank size-I wanted it to run as long as possible without having to refill the tank.
4. Quite-come on it is load no matter what you buy however an Overhead Valve engine is less loud.

My brother-in-law went 10 days without electic after a freak ice storm 2 years ago. That same year I bought this same generator at Sears. Runs great a little load but starts on the first pull. I would suggest buying a transfer switch. I have mine wired to power our fridge, freezer, sump pump, basement lights and electric, pluse our furnace. The generator took everything I threw at it and more. I even ran the sweeper and it hardly hiccuped! I also suggest using synthetic oil, runs smoother, quiter and protects the engine during winter use.

Had an ice storm go through the area, and used this generator for 10 days straight. Ran very well, and is very fuel efficient! Runs every bit as long as the advertised run time. Several other brands in the area when this storm went through didn't run as well. From what I have heard, beats about everyone when it came to fuel consumption. This gets a thumbs up!

This past summer we experienced a long black out. We decided we needed a portable generator to insure that our basic needs were taken care of (fridge, freezer, a few lights, tv). Last week we had another black out that lasted an hour or so. This generator handled the load without any problems. It is a little loud, but the price is spot on, it is easy to start, and worked without any problems.

After a storm ripped through Illinois I was out of power for 2.5 days, I decided to buy my own generator. I had borrowed a friends 15+ year old 2000 watt B&S which was way louder than this 5550. The 5550 is a lot louder than the Honda models but also half the price. Who really cares how loud it is when you are desperate? Quick 15 minute assembly. Great wheels. Starts with one easy half pull (Anyone can start). Gas tank is a bit awkward to fill but other than that it seems well built. Looking at buying the GenTran transfer switch kit to setup the right way $350.

(Update 6/07)
The generator still starts perfect one pull after sitting unused in the garage for a year (I try to start it up once a month to run some gas through it).

I installed a reliance 6 circuit transfer switch and an outside outlet(Cheap from EB~Y and 2 easy hours to install). Now I just have to hookup the supplied 220 cable to the generator then flip the circuits to turn on all my lights, fans, gas boiler, all outlets, and microwave. The microwave almost maxes out the generator but operates fine. With everything else in the house on: lights, ceiling fans, & TV's the amp meters on the transfer switch hardly approach 1000 watts. Now I'm just waiting for a storm! No more extension cords!!!!

Very satisfied with the quality of the generator. Briggs and Stratton lives up to its long and excellent reputation. I hope I never have to use the generator because of a prolinged power outage but it is comforting to know it is ready. My only negative comment is that it is loud as the hinges of Hell. But I read about that in one of these reviews so it was not unexpected. The neighbors will probably forgive the noise if I let them plug in.
As the title indicates, all it took was a very short tug on the starter rope to get the thing going.
The price was right.

What do you want to do? If you are thinking of power your whole house; move on. If you want to run the important stuff when the power is out get on this one now. I ordered this on a Tuesday night and the following Monday it was here. Opened the box, put the wheels on it, put the oil in it, added some gas and with one pull it was up and running. Twenty five minutes tops and I had power. I went to Lowes and bought a 220 Yellow Jacket 25 foot extension cord for a 100 bucks and hooked it up to my transfer switch and I have my refrigerator, deep freeze, TiVo, TV, computer, DSL, and several lights all on with no issues. If I shut down a few things I could run the AC.

It is only 5500 watts so keep a close eye on the amount of power you ask from this one. If you stay within the range of the output it just sets there and hums along. A little louder than other but the peak power rating is more than worth it. I would high recommend that if you want to run things inside that you invest in a transfer switch like the owners manual says. You do not want the fumes in the house and you do not want to burn the house down. Do the right things with this one and it blows the other away for $699.99.

I bought the same generator at Costo last year for $529.00. Check it out I am telling you the truth.

The generator did sustain some shipping damage (cracked cover for bearing carrier). We bought this through Amazon directly and was shipped by ABF. The unit took a little longer to get here as it was routed to Detroit instead of Florida where we live. The broken cover did not affect operation. Amazon has said it will order and ship a new part. They do not accept returns of generators (or other gas powered products) even when they have not been used, so be sure you want it before you buy it.

After installing the wheel kit and handle (in less than 15 minutes), I filled the oil and gas and started the unit with 1 easy pull. The generator is loud, but no more than others this size. It has a large, easy to fill gas tank on top with an easy to read gas gauge. The oil fill opening is rather small and close to the ground, but a small funnel helped prevent spills.

The only other negatives is that it does not have a throttle control (only one setting "run") and no oil dip stick. You just have to fill the oil fill spout up to the top till almost overflowing.

We bought this for potential power outages after hurricanes. Hopefully, we will not need to use it too much!

This came within 4 days of purchase and ready to go after approx 10 mins of installing the handle,wheels and the rubber vibration feet. Started after about half a pull and runs perfect. I bought it mainly for use in my travel trailer when we go camping and it fits throught the door with wheels on, perfectly with room to spare. For a generator that puts out this much power under a load of a circular saw and powering my travel trailer, with the A/C on it is surprisingly quiter than I would have thought. Actually much quiter than alot of other generators I've heard. Buy it and you'll be happy.

The unit itself looks great. The removable gas tank is nice. Very loud...don't believe the literature. I called B&S...they wouldn't even give me the Decibel rating of the engine. I bought this unit at Home Depot and will be returning it shortly.

Didn't actually get this exact same model but got one with very similar specs. Briggs and Stratton (wheelhouse)from Home Depot 5550 WheelHouse (#1646)5550 running and 8550 starting. I will be using the generator for light construction and home use. The first thing I noticed was the generator has a no fuss one pull start. I'm sure this could change over time depending on how well it is maintained, but for now it's very dependable. The oversized wheels and the cart like handle make moving the generator a very simple one person task even in tight spaces. To test the generators output, I hooked up the following tools and turned everything on:

Bosch 7 1/4 Worm drive circular saw: 1600-1800 watts
Hitachi 2hp compressor used with framing nailer: 1600-1800 watts
Ryobi 10" miter saw: 1500-1600 watts
Radio: 100-200 watts

The generator powered everything for the short while that I tested it. However, I read somewhere in the owners manual that for every 1000' in elevation 1% of actual output is reduced so if you are living in higher altitudes you might need more HP. If needing to power sensitive equipment (tv, pc, etc) this unit might need a surge protector. If there was one thing I could change about this generator it would be the super silencer muffler. This thing is LOUD.

According to consumer reports, this one (at least the wheelhouse model) was rated a best buy and other reviewers particularly in the gulf coast regions were saying lots of positives.

After a 28 hour winter power outage, I decided to get a generator to keep our housing essentials alive... like heat, refrigerator, microwave, etc. I bought this generator because it had a good price and ratings that would handle my needs, plus extra starting power for motors. The listing said it could take 10 days to arrive, but it only took three days. I did some wiring to allow me to connect the generator to our electric dryer outlet. Then I took it outside on a cool day, poured in a little bit of gas, turned off the main house breaker, and plugged it in. It started on the first pull, and then we turned on the furnace and then let everything else in the house just work naturally until it ran out of gas about an hour later. This generator powered it all with no problems. Some people were without power here for 7 days. I highly recommend this unit.

The generator had shipping damage. The control panel mounting studs were sheared off. Briggs & Stratton asked me to take it to the local warranty dealer and have it repaired. I opted to drill the studs out and replace them with stainless machine screws. This was done with agreement with Briggs and would not negate the 2 year warranty. The generator performs great. Voltage is correct and steady. The missing bolt mentioned by the previous reviewer is really a mounting bolt for the generator that has to be removed and reused for the leg.
The packing carton should be made sturdier to prevent damage.

The unit arrived slightly damaged from shipping. The product should have been better boxed. Only the paint was scratched, but new is new. After assembly the rubber foot on the base is not designed correctly. (2) bolt hole pattern in the foot bracket is fine but the frame is not drilled to fit it. Funny, Briggs only sent one bolt to mount it. Amazon advertises set up for their $49 delivery fee. This was never offered by the delivering van lines.