Yes, this IS a 3500/4000 watt generator. The description is correct, don't be thrown off by the photo that shows a 3000/3500 watt generator. If you order this, you will receive a 3500/4000 watt generator that otherwise looks exactly like the one in the photo.I received mine today. Took about 30 minutes to unbox, install wheels and handle, hook up the battery, add oil, add gas, and press the start button. Started right up. Runs quieter than most lawn mowers, which was a welcome relief from the last (old) generator I had that sounded like a battle tank. This Champion 4000 has a nice big muffler, the size of a half gallon milk carton, unlike snow blowers and lawn mowers. No, it's not whisper quiet, but it compares favorably to the average lawn mower, in my estimation.
Seems to be well put together, and the electric start/remote features are great. It does have a pull starter for backup, and even the pull start is relatively easy. But I got this for my 75-yr-old mother, who doesn't quite have the arm strength for the pull start. So she can just press the electric start button (or use the remote start fob).
It also has a digital readout that shows (1) output voltage (mine is running at 125V), (2) cycles per second (mine is running at 63 Hertz), and (3) hours.
So far, I'm impressed.
PS--engine oil is NOT included. You'll need one quart of 10W-30.
PPS--If you really need the electric start to work a year or two from now when your power goes out, I also recommend buying a Battery Tender Junior 12 volt battery charger to keep the battery charge topped up. You can connect the Battery Tender to the generator battery and keep it plugged into a wall outlet in your garage year-round. The Battery Tender will keep the generator battery topped off, and will shut itself off without over-charging the battery and frying it. You cannot do this with a regular car battery charger, which will keep charging the battery and will eventually fry it.
10/29/12 Update: I just pulled the generator out of 12 month's storage to get ready for Hurricane Sandy. After filling with gas and cranking repeatedly with the electric starter, it wouldn't start. I finally removed the air filter cover, removed the foam filter element, and sprayed starter fluid into the carb, and it started right up. So if your generator won't start after a long storage, try this trick.
This is when I discovered that this item is not eligible for the return. I followed the instructions and contacted the seller: Generators-Plus. They told me they do not accept returns nor do they replace the unit. They can either ship the part to me or to the authorized repair shop. The nearest repair shop for me is at least 1hr drive, not to mention that this is over 120LB unit and I'm not a bodybuilder. They told me to contact Amazon for replacement. Called Amazon and they told me they have nothing to do with it because the item left the warehouse in a good condition. They told me to first try and repair it and then if I can't they would see what they could do.
I told them I would try, but I said, I was still not happy with how this is handled, seems the customer's interest are the least of their priorities. I said I would reflect it in the review, which is what I'm doing now.
And then she really disappointed me, she said: that would be perfectly fine, good bye, and hung up on me.
I hope I will be able to repair it and I will post the update. Regardless of the outcome, this is not a good service.I just recieved my champion generator and so far I am very happy with this purchase. I ordered it standard shipping on a Tues. and it arrived on the following Monday. The box was in great shape no dents or holes. The wheel kit had to be assembled and you have to put oil in it before you start it no big deal. It is delivered with the battery and remote start. Once i put the oil in and added gas I tried the electric remote start and it started right up first try. I was supprised how quiet it ran without allot of vibration quiter then some of the other generators I have seen. I only ran it for about a half hour or so but so far I would definitely recomend this genetor.While the generator was delivered promptly and was easily assembled, the engine refused to start. It cranked over fine, but would not run. I verified the oil level, tested the spark capability, and engine compression. No problem found with any of these items.
That suggested a fuel problem. I found the engine would only start after I injected a small amount of fuel into the cylinder, or carburetor air intake. Of course this is not normal practice, and should not be required. This suggests this unit has a fuel priming problem.
I've tried to call Champion tech. support, but have not yet gotten through or had my voice mail contact message returned. The literature that comes with the item states they have a 24 hour technical support line, but that is only for emergencies (not sure what constitutes an emergency). The normal Tech Support 877 number is open M-F at 0830 (PST). My call at 0845 was met buy an "all technicians are busy" message and a 37 minute wait time... Needless to say so far I'm not impressed by this "support"...
1/13/2012: The generator has come back from the repair shop. Although the carburetor was replaced, the Tech believes the problem was more the result of a weak battery effect on the choke stepper motor. He feels that the stepper motor does not operate properly when the battery has less than a full charge. Right now the unit will start without "fuel injection" into the air intake. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts that way.
Still, this unit (a new model for 2011) is quite a value even with this little 'glitch'.
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