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Powermate Honda GX390 Generator Review

The Powermate PM0497000 is a 7000 watt, gas powered portable generator with a Honda GX390 engine. No installation is required and is ready to use straight out of the box.

This is a portable generator that can easily be moved to wherever power is needed. It has an 8 gallon gas tank that provides up to 12.3 hours of run time at 50% load. It also has a fuel gauge to let you know the level of gas available for use in the tank.

The PM0497000 portable generator can be used for many backup situations such as:

  • generating power to keep your electrical appliances and sump pump running
  • To keep your home generated during hurricane season or heated when power outages occur during winter, ice storms or when trees fall onto power grids
  • suitable for outdoor activities such as picnics, camping
  • also suitable to power your tools at a jobsite or in your own home.

Powermate PM0497000 Honda GX390 Gas Powered Portable Generator Features:

Powermate PM0497000.04 Gas Powered Portable Generator with a Honda GX390 Engine.

  • 7,000 running watts/8,750 maximum watts
  • 13 HP Honda GX390 OHV gas engine with low-oil shutdown
  • 8 gallon gas tank with fuel gauge that runs up to 12.3 hours @ 50% load
  • Control panel includes: (4) 120V outlets, (1) 120/240V twistlock outlet, and circuit breaker protection
  • Product Dimensions: 24.2 x 21 x 31.2 inches
  • PM0497000 weighs 199 pounds
  • Non-CARB Compliant / Not For Sale In California

Customer Rating: 4.1 Starsstar rating

 

Powermate PM0497000 Reviews

Many customers agreed that the Powermate PM0497000 is one of the best gas portable generators on the market in this price range.

The PM0497000 portable generator is loved for its Honda GX390 engine, the fact that it’s reliable, performs really well and it’s so easy to start.

One reviewer had this to say about it:

“You can’t go wrong on this model being it has a HONDA engine which was the major factor why I purchased this item plus the price was phenomenal. I’ve tested it and very satisfied with its capabilities of running my furnace/water softener/multiple outlets/refrigerator/Hot water. Those Black Out days are no longer dreadful!High recommended model!”

But the Powermate was mainly appreciated when it mattered the most. A majority of the reviewers who managed to have a generator in place before the storms happened were extremely glad that they had backup power. Many commented that having a generator in place was a lifesaver.

“This a very good generator I got one about year ago and and when storm sandy hit us this was my best friend for one all week”

Whilst there is no installation required, you will have to assemble the handles, wheels, supporting bracket and fill it with gas and oil.

After filling with gas and oil, a quick pull on the starter cord and it started up first time round.

Brand loyalty is a good sign and in this case it remains true. There are several customers who said that they’ve bought other pieces of Honda power equipment and so didn’t hesitate to buy this one as it was powered by a Honda engine which is reliable and easy to start, and then buying from Amazon just added to the deal.

There were also a couple of customers who bought this particular generator after Irene but just in time for Sandy…and they said it was a life-saver.

A few customers said that they fitted a transfer switch and one particular person had this advice to offer anyone thinking of purchasing the PM0497000:

“I installed a transfer panel (Reliance) in my home to compliment my new generator. Some tips on transfer panels: make sure if you are thinking of running (and I don’t know if this is a good idea for load balance issues) your central AC that you get a transfer panel that has a two pole 30 amp breaker or something similar to that. I didn’t realize it at first but the transfer panel I bought didn’t have enough 15 amp breakers for my use and too many 20 amp breakers that I didn’t really need and NO 30amp breakers. In other words do your homework and check out what you have in your fuse panel to match the right transfer switch that you may need and you’ll be OK.”

 

You can read more Powermate PM0497000 customer reviews here.

 

A summary of the Powermate PM0497000 Portable Generator:

The Powermate PM0497000 seems to be a really good buy. With over 75% of reviewers stating how happy they are with this portable generator and the fact that it’s very easy to start. Many have said that you don’t need to pull the start cord too hard or even slightly strongly. The generator started effortlessly.

At the time of writing this review, there were 39 customer reviews.

  • 25 people gave it a 5-star review
  • 6 people gave it a 4-star review
  • 1 person gave it a 3-star review
  • 2 people gave it a 2-star review
  • 5 people gave it a 1-star review

There aren’t any real negatives to say about the Powermate PM0497000 generator because it would seem that the majority of units work exactly as they should.

If anything, the only real downside would be that it doesn’t have an electric start feature, but this didn’t seem to bother most reviewers because they were delighted with the main benefits of owning this generator.

However, whatever product you decide to buy, you’re always going to come across faulty items and the same applies here.

The reasons why some people gave it a 1, 2 or 3 star review was either because they genuinely had a faulty model (two people had carburettor related problems and one person had a problem with the gas gauge), or some customers experienced non-related product issues, for example the delivery company was at fault but the generator was fine.

If you are looking for a portable generator that is reliable, easy to use and in this price range, then you will be more than happy with the Powermate PM0497000.

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