23 reviews for Generac XD5000E Diesel Portable Generator
3.0out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
3
★★★★★
1
★★★★★
1
★★★★★
1
★★★★★
2
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★★★★★
Amazon Customer –
Easy ignition and delivers excellent performance.
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★★★★★
Jack Webb –
I’m amazed that I couldn’t find this at regular retail stores but discovered exactly what I needed on Amazon. The ordering process was simple and it arrived right at my door. This was a replacement unit and it fit perfectly. The noise level is standard for this type of generator.
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★★★★★
Charles –
The diesel engine performs excellently, but I’m deeply disappointed with Generac’s power generator. It stopped working properly after just 860 hours of use, and the warranty support is terrible. I couldn’t find any warranty service stations, only reached automated phone systems, and had no options for repair locations. Based on this experience, I’ll never purchase from Generac again.
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★★★★★
john anderson –
I bought a generator from CPO Outlets in June 2018, and it’s been nothing but trouble. It’s spent 6 months in repair shops and is currently still being fixed. Generac’s customer service is terrible – they keep giving the repair shop unsuccessful repair suggestions. Despite having a 2,000-hour warranty, it first broke at 500 hours when the generator separated from the diesel engine due to improperly torqued bolts, causing metal shards to embed in a nearby wall. The second breakdown occurred at 1,200 hours when it completely stopped producing power. From the beginning, I noticed mismatched hose connectors, suggesting poor quality control. I’m planning to request a refund and will update this review later.
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★★★★★
jarhead_jr –
This generator is impressively powerful – a heavy-duty portable unit with substantial fuel capacity and excellent runtime. I immediately purchased a wheel kit since it’s quite bulky and heavy, requiring assistance to load/unload from my truck. It seems like a robust, dependable generator, and I particularly appreciate the Yanmar diesel engine.
However, there are drawbacks. Despite having a pull starter and not including a battery, it absolutely requires a battery to operate due to its power-dependent fuel cut-off solenoid. Additionally, pull-starting proved much more difficult than advertised – I tried about 50 times following instructions precisely before resorting to the electric start, which worked immediately. Worth noting that the electric starter seems to ignite around the third revolution, while the pull starter barely manages two.
Be warned that this generator runs loudly, and contrary to its description, the “auto-throttle” essentially operates at full throttle constantly.
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★★★★★
Derek Curlee –
During Hurricane Harvey, my 5700 watt McCullah generator failed to start. I had to use my smaller 3500 watt Champion, which only outputs 110 volts. I ordered the Generac 6864, which arrived promptly, though power had already been restored by GVEC.
I tested the Generac using the 240 volt/30amp outlet through my main power box interlock. Living rurally with a water well, this generator successfully powered the well, all LED lights, and ceiling fans. It couldn’t handle our 5-ton AC unit, but that was expected. The microwave worked well, and two electric range burners were usable, though they put the heaviest load on the generator, causing the engine to slow but continue running.
The generator is heavy, so the wheel kit is necessary if you need mobility. The pull start with compression release is challenging, but the electric start works well. The battery (lawn tractor 330 CCA type) must be installed for the fuel cutoff system to work, and it’s not included. I plan to build an enclosure to reduce noise. Overall, I’m pleased with this generator – no more ethanol issues from gas generators, and the longer run time will make it easier for my wife to use when I’m away.
After several uses since my initial review, my 5-star rating remains unchanged.
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★★★★★
Rodrigo G. C. –
The brakes consistently fail at dawn! They are exceptionally loud and the product is incredibly difficult to move or lift due to its weight.
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★★★★★
jarhead_jr –
I purchased this generator for my mobile command trailer to ensure fuel reliability during critical situations. The engine itself is robust, starting reliably and maintaining consistent RPM regardless of load. However, the noise level is unbearable – it’s exceptionally loud with a distinctive percussion that goes beyond typical generator noise. I work in nationwide storm recovery, and this generator is louder than industrial 320kW units. The noise was so extreme that I preferred connecting to larger generators just to be able to use my phone inside my insulated trailer. Routing the exhaust upward helped somewhat with the noise.
The generator head has failed twice – once from a difficult-to-diagnose regulator issue and again at 95 hours from an unknown cause. While I’m fortunate to be a Generac vendor with mechanics available, this unit has still left me stranded during the Helene flooding recovery in Chimney Rock, NC. Generac’s customer service is practically non-existent for regular customers, so purchasing through a dealer is absolutely essential if you consider this unit.
I’m currently using a gasoline generator from Harbor Freight as a temporary solution, despite diesel being the only reliable fuel in my remote location. I plan to replace this unit with an Onan immediately upon returning home. For reference, my Harbor Freight Predator generator has four times the operating hours without any issues.
Amazon Customer –
Easy ignition and delivers excellent performance.
Jack Webb –
I’m amazed that I couldn’t find this at regular retail stores but discovered exactly what I needed on Amazon. The ordering process was simple and it arrived right at my door. This was a replacement unit and it fit perfectly. The noise level is standard for this type of generator.
Charles –
The diesel engine performs excellently, but I’m deeply disappointed with Generac’s power generator. It stopped working properly after just 860 hours of use, and the warranty support is terrible. I couldn’t find any warranty service stations, only reached automated phone systems, and had no options for repair locations. Based on this experience, I’ll never purchase from Generac again.
john anderson –
I bought a generator from CPO Outlets in June 2018, and it’s been nothing but trouble. It’s spent 6 months in repair shops and is currently still being fixed. Generac’s customer service is terrible – they keep giving the repair shop unsuccessful repair suggestions. Despite having a 2,000-hour warranty, it first broke at 500 hours when the generator separated from the diesel engine due to improperly torqued bolts, causing metal shards to embed in a nearby wall. The second breakdown occurred at 1,200 hours when it completely stopped producing power. From the beginning, I noticed mismatched hose connectors, suggesting poor quality control. I’m planning to request a refund and will update this review later.
jarhead_jr –
This generator is impressively powerful – a heavy-duty portable unit with substantial fuel capacity and excellent runtime. I immediately purchased a wheel kit since it’s quite bulky and heavy, requiring assistance to load/unload from my truck. It seems like a robust, dependable generator, and I particularly appreciate the Yanmar diesel engine.
However, there are drawbacks. Despite having a pull starter and not including a battery, it absolutely requires a battery to operate due to its power-dependent fuel cut-off solenoid. Additionally, pull-starting proved much more difficult than advertised – I tried about 50 times following instructions precisely before resorting to the electric start, which worked immediately. Worth noting that the electric starter seems to ignite around the third revolution, while the pull starter barely manages two.
Be warned that this generator runs loudly, and contrary to its description, the “auto-throttle” essentially operates at full throttle constantly.
Derek Curlee –
During Hurricane Harvey, my 5700 watt McCullah generator failed to start. I had to use my smaller 3500 watt Champion, which only outputs 110 volts. I ordered the Generac 6864, which arrived promptly, though power had already been restored by GVEC.
I tested the Generac using the 240 volt/30amp outlet through my main power box interlock. Living rurally with a water well, this generator successfully powered the well, all LED lights, and ceiling fans. It couldn’t handle our 5-ton AC unit, but that was expected. The microwave worked well, and two electric range burners were usable, though they put the heaviest load on the generator, causing the engine to slow but continue running.
The generator is heavy, so the wheel kit is necessary if you need mobility. The pull start with compression release is challenging, but the electric start works well. The battery (lawn tractor 330 CCA type) must be installed for the fuel cutoff system to work, and it’s not included. I plan to build an enclosure to reduce noise. Overall, I’m pleased with this generator – no more ethanol issues from gas generators, and the longer run time will make it easier for my wife to use when I’m away.
After several uses since my initial review, my 5-star rating remains unchanged.
Rodrigo G. C. –
The brakes consistently fail at dawn! They are exceptionally loud and the product is incredibly difficult to move or lift due to its weight.
jarhead_jr –
I purchased this generator for my mobile command trailer to ensure fuel reliability during critical situations. The engine itself is robust, starting reliably and maintaining consistent RPM regardless of load. However, the noise level is unbearable – it’s exceptionally loud with a distinctive percussion that goes beyond typical generator noise. I work in nationwide storm recovery, and this generator is louder than industrial 320kW units. The noise was so extreme that I preferred connecting to larger generators just to be able to use my phone inside my insulated trailer. Routing the exhaust upward helped somewhat with the noise.
The generator head has failed twice – once from a difficult-to-diagnose regulator issue and again at 95 hours from an unknown cause. While I’m fortunate to be a Generac vendor with mechanics available, this unit has still left me stranded during the Helene flooding recovery in Chimney Rock, NC. Generac’s customer service is practically non-existent for regular customers, so purchasing through a dealer is absolutely essential if you consider this unit.
I’m currently using a gasoline generator from Harbor Freight as a temporary solution, despite diesel being the only reliable fuel in my remote location. I plan to replace this unit with an Onan immediately upon returning home. For reference, my Harbor Freight Predator generator has four times the operating hours without any issues.