Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $1,299.99
Sale Price: $1,249.00
Today's Bonus: 4% Off
At first the lack of reviews and some issues discussed with other models made me leery of this purchase, but after research on other sites and talking to people here in the Northeast who used their generators after the ice storms heavily, I decided on this generator and I am very pleased. The generator arrived promptly, in excellent condition, was put in my garage for me, and took me all of 15 minutes to go from in the box to running. With the battery start, I know that my wife can start his up and key warm if we loose power in the winter, even if I am at work.
+ Easy set-up. Box to power in less than 15 minutes. Only tools needed is a box knife, socket set, and a box wrench.
+ Quick Start Guide. Really every thing you need to know to put it together and get it running.
+ Easy start. Kicked right over on the first turn of the key and the choke was off within a minute
+ Fuel Gauge. Some sites said it didn't have one, but it does.
+ Low Oil Shutoff. Some sites said it did not have one, but it does
+ Battery. Later I complain about what this unit did not include in the box, but they did include the battery. Some generators do not.
+ Weather Protectors. There are rubber covers over the power connections. Although this unit is not rain-proof, it dies keep moisture at a minimum.
+ Battery Trickle Charger. Plug in your generator to trickle charge the starter battery to keep it at its peak readiness.
+ Large Wheels. In conjunction with he fold down handle, rolls around easily.
+ Looks Good. Okay. it's a generator, but it does look nice.
Neutral Noise. Although not as quiet as a Honda, this unit is about the same noise level as my lawn tractor. Tolerable, but not great.
Neutral Oil Fill Location. Instructions say a funnel is optional to fill the oil. I recommend using one if you want to keep oil off the floor.
Minus What it Does NOT Come With. Many generators include a power cord, fuel stabilizer, a funnel, etc. The only thing you get with this generator is the oil and the starter battery. Is it too much to ask that you get everything you need out of the box and don't need to run about buying the pieces? It is not like these are inexpensive items to begin with. (NOTE This is not unique to this unit or this company. As you research, you will find that different companies include different things).
Update In October 2011 the NE suffered a early snow and this caused power to go out at my home for four days. The generator supplied us power for the entire four days and ran without issue. By balancing our load, not use any heavy demand items (oven, stove top, dryer, AC, etc.) and keeping the generator fueled (burned just under a gallon an hour on full load) we lived normally. My only complaint is that the keyed socket for the generator cable appears NOT to be the quality I would have liked and removal of the cable after the power came on was difficult and I could see damage to the socket.
Update #2 Maybe it is and October event, but the East Coast suffered another serious storm in October 2012 knocking out power in my area for a day. The generator had no real use since October 2011 (although I do run it under load once a month and use fuel stabilizer). The generator started right up and supplied us power for the duration. Again, other than the noise of he generator, you would have not known we were without power. As far as I can see, it looks and runs like brand new. I remain very satisfied with my purchase.
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After waiting almost a month for it to come in stock Amazon finally shipped my 30471. No problems with the delivery or the state of packaging. Once opened the box I was surprised to see that manufacturing date was January 2010 which did not give me a warm fuzzy feeling about it. Upon further inspection I have noticed that inside base of the metal fuel tank is already have early indicators of rusting. To top it off, after fueling it up almost to a full, the fuel gauge is not working and sitting at empty. A call to Briggs only added further frustration as the woman answered the phone after 20+ minute hold time (which was suppose to be only 3 minutes as per the automated system) was the nastiest, most unhelpful customer I every had with my entire dealing with any customer support line. I was expecting any minute for for her to curse me for calling the customer support. First she says she can't find anything in English on the unit and then she claims that there is no gas gauge on that model and I must be talking about the gas cap. Upon convincing her that there is a gas gauge she finally finds it. She tells me that she is not sure if they have any fuel gauges available, if they do !!!! she would send me one. I asked if there would be instructions included on how to install the replacement gauge, she started to bark NO, it is just 2 screws holding it and if I am not comfortable doing it I should take it to a service center. So, this is the kind a sub human service you will get from Briggs apparently. Very promising for my future purchases. Briggs if you give the a damn about customer service, you should listen to your customer service call recording.
Anyway, the generator appears to work as it should otherwise and the battery had full change on it and started without issues. With all the rust starting to creep on the metal fuel tank you should make sure to install a fuel filter on the gas line before your engine gets destroyed...
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This generator functioned very well when we needed it. During Hurricane Irene, we lost power. Fortunately, we had installed a generator connection sub-panel. This generator worked perfectly to give us the power we needed until our electricity was restored.
The generator came well-packaged with easy to understand instructions. The wheel kit was the only thing that needed to be assembled. After attaching the negative wire to the battery and adding some oil, the machine was ready to go. After making sure that the fuel feed was in the "on" position, the generator started on the first try with the key-start. Although it is not "quiet," it is probably more quiet than other generators with similar power ratings. For the money, this is a great generator that I do not hesitate to recommend to anyone needing a portable gasoline powered generator with 8,000 watts of running power.
Honest reviews on Briggs & Stratton 30471 8,000 Watt 420cc Gas Powered Portable
Please Read This Complete Review !!
I always liked Briggs and Stration products.
When I was a kid we purchased Briggs and Straton engines for our Go-carts and Mini-bikes. Never had any issues, they just ran and ran well.
I purchased the first model 30471 in 2010, It ran well and did it's job powering up my home. There were a few small issues: Rust under frame paint in one area and paint blistered off. Fuel valve screen was made defective,some of the plastic molding filled 1/2 of screen. The top engine chrome cover leaked oil out after runnning. Fuel gauge float was defective and did not work properly.
When I called Briggs and Stratton for help, They sent out parts needed. Sometimes there were errors in parts sent, but at least I did not need to take to a shop for repair! After fixing these issues all was well.
Being stupid I sold the 30471 generator and purchased a Generac XG8000E, Thinking it was better overall Made in USA.
What a mistake I made buying a new Generac XG8000E,There are so many cons and issues. The frame is not one piece,the handle end section was bolted to the main frame with bolts that were self threading and had a drill tip to cut hole. Both of these self drilling/threading bolts were stripped out. I called Generac for help, they say they do not carry or sell parts to call Parts Tree.
Parts Tree does not carry or know what the end frame is. This went on with every issue on this generator.
Issues on Generac XG800E are: Poor workman ship in assembly and no quality control. Fuel splashes back when carefully trying to fill tank (fine inlet screen not letting fuel pass through). 90% of assembly bolts had stripped threads and cross threaded. Plastic fuel shut-off valve would turn very hard or fall into control panel. Plastic fuel filter rests on vibrating metal motor shroud. To service battery you must remove frame side plate and gas tank (tank has no drain or close shut-off). The narrow hard rubber wheels do not roll over the slightest step easily. Replacement metal parts do not fit as original. Many common parts are not available (on backorder). The outlets on control panel are weather covered,but not breaker buttons,charging jack or start switch. Louder rennning then Briggs and Stratton 30471. Latch on handles does not always work (sticks inward and will not lock).
I ran this new Generac XG8000E for 1 3/4 Hrs,the lift handle,entire right side of frame, part of gas tank and end frame plate Were so hot I burned my hand trying to move generator after it was shut off. Very poor design! Muffler exit sets inward of frame facing direction of lift handles,Exhaust heat blowing on end frame lift handle and frame end plate where battery is mounted on backside of end plate.
Maybe the engine with pressure oil system is good but the rest of this Generac is crap.
If you email Generac,You most likely get a reply from Sara,a phoney name..
*I purchased a new 2012 model of the Briggs and Stratton 30471 revision 01, There are improvements. The frame paint is better, The gas cap is vented through a hose (no more vented gas on the tank around the gas cap. Screening in fuel valve is improved. Some improved frame welding changes.
Ok I am a true American! But honestly this Briggs and Stratton is such a better design then the Generac XG8000E. Briggs 30471-01 runs quieter, Better frame, Metal fuel valve with removeable bowl and filter screen, Key start, Easier to roll tires, All outlets switches and buttons are weather protected, You can call and get most warranted parts. 3-Year warranty.
I give this 30471-01 5***** over Generac any day!!
Even though the Briggs has several China parts and was assembled in China. The Generac has some China parts assembled in USA with poor workmanship and no quality control.
To get a good view of the revised Briggs and Stratton 30471-01, See ad and pictures at globalindustrial.com
Thanks for reading my honest review, Have a Great Day.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Briggs & Stratton 30471 8,000 Watt 420cc Gas Powered Portable
Wonderful generator. Came well packaged with easy to follow instructions for the minimal assembly that was required. After putting the wheels on, connecting the battery cable and putting the provided oil in the crankcase it was ready to go. Started first time. Working well. Best part, American made.
