Generac XT8500EFI - 8500/10000W Portable Generator With Electric Start And EFI Engine
The Generac XT8500EFI (7247) is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 8,500 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Tractor Supply | Price history for the Generac XT8500EFI |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,099.00 Lowest Price $899.00 Current Price $1,499.99 |
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Description
Generac’s XT8500EFI portable generator boasts electric start capabilities, consistently smooth power and enhanced protection from the elements to ensure reliable power is available when and where it’s needed most. Also equipped with COsense® Technology that STOPS, ALERTS, SAVES.
Zoom on the Generac XT8500EFI
In a few words, the Generac XT8500EFI is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for:
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Generac XT8500EFI
Running on gasoline, the Generac XT8500EFI operates with a 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, with a running wattage of 8,500W and a peak wattage of 10,000W.
This generator can be started via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism, or a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included).
The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances the engine's reliability, lowers fuel consumption, improves startup, reduces servicing, boosts stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.
The fuel capacity of 8 gallons allows the XT8500EFI to operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.89 GPH).
The XT8500EFI ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
With its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the XT8500EFI is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
With dimensions of L31.4 x W20.5 x H26.5 in, the standard open frame design of the Generac XT8500EFI provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While weighing 214 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The XT8500EFI's control panel
With a digital data center integrated into its control panel, the XT8500EFI provides real-time insights into the lifetime run hours, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.
The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
The XT8500EFI also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Generac XT8500EFI's package also includes these accessories: oil, battery charger and funnel.
The Generac XT8500EFI versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac XT8500EFI compare to generators of similar power (between 8000 and 9000 W).
- Weighing in at 214 lbs, the Generac XT8500EFI fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 8000 to 9000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGL9000BCO, with a dry weight of only 149 lbs.
- Concerning its runtime, the XT8500EFI provides around 9 hours at a 50% load, indicating that it falls on the lower side compared to other generators of its power range. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Champion 100416, which is able to run for around 12.5 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.89 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Powerhorse s10500id, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.59 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 8000-9000W generators, the Generac XT8500EFI is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- COsense® technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Decent weight (214 lbs)
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Generac XT8500EFI and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,500 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 70.8/35.4 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 214 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 31.4 x 20.5 x 26.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 696471078336 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Generac
Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.
Warranty Information
The Generac XT8500EFI is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Waffle iron | 750 | 750 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 6787 W | 8262 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Total | 6780 W | 7200 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
What is the noise rating of the XT8500EFI?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
Hi. Does the battery need a charge in order to run the fuel injection system? Will it run without the battery??? (Asked July 15, 2020)
The battery does need a charge for the fuel pump and electronics to run. If the charge is not sufficient, the EFI fault indicator light will flash and the generator will not start.
Can the xt8500efi be connected to a transfer box to power a gas home furnace/AC? (Asked August 05, 2020)
It absolutely can. Best way would be through Generac's HomeLink transfer switch (opens in a new tab), but a licensed electrician should be able to do the connection to your existing transfer box.
The instructions and everywhere else I read say to change the oil filter. Where is the oil filter? (Asked September 30, 2020)
It is located near the dipstick. Look page 5 of the owner's manual. Make sure to check the PDF version (opens in a new tab), as it will allow you to zoom in.
Which Genertor cord should be used with XT8500EFI ? What should be the Amperage and gauge of the cord? (Asked October 18, 2020)
As a guideline, you can refer to the table below:
Does the Generac XT8500EFI automatically charge the starting battery used for it's electric starting system? If so, do I still have to employ a trickle charger when the generator is not in use?? (Asked October 24, 2020)
Running the generator automatically charges the battery. However, the engine will not start if there's not at least 10V at the battery connections, which can happen if the unit is left unused for too long. In that case, you'll need the trickle charger.
Given the aforementioned issues with the battery, can you simply use the pull cord to start it and then allow it to self charge or will it not start at all if the battery isn’t charged? (Asked November 01, 2020)
The unit cannot run if the battery isn't charged. The EFI engine contains electronics that need power from the battery in order to operate.
What is the life span of the generator? (Asked November 15, 2020)
Life expectancy of any generator is dependent on maintenance, conditions of operation, and overall care it receives.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I’m not very patient when it comes to buying things as far as researching specs. such as run time and fuel consumption. I went solely on the good name of Generac and that I got it from Costco. They typically have some of the best quality items. In hindsight,I wish I had chose a generator with a longer run time.
If you need a gen this is the one to buy. Runs whole house minus range,dryer,hwh. Runs 2 ton mini split and 2 ton carrier heat pump along with entire house 120volt at same time.
I have one and the battery goes dead within 2 weeks. was sent new battery, same problem. It is a great generator but pull to start does not work if battery is dead. Can jump it to start.
Love this generator. For the $1k price, I couldn’t find another name-brand 240v generator with this much power that had <5% THD (clean power for sensitive electronics) and a relatively low noise level, both of which were my must-haves for home backup. It's much quieter than my neighbor's Troy-Bilt XP7000 but roughly the same as my Honda EG2800i inverter. (I registered 77db @ 23 feet on my phone's decibel meter app with no load). The battery does drain after a few weeks when the unit is off and the manual pull start doesn't work if the battery is less than 10 volts, so I keep the battery hooked up to a battery tender at all times when not in use. Works great. It's always ready to go and hasn't let me down yet.
As far as I can tell, the battery issue is because it is not being trickle-charged when not in use. In order to maintain the freshness of the battery, and to have it ready to be used at 100% when it’s needed, please keep the charger on it at all times when it’s not in use.
Had to use it for the first time a few days ago because of a power outage. Worked great. It ran just about everything in my house including the pump for the well and refrigerator and freezer. My only problem was the battery was dead after less than a month so I had to boost it from my truck to get it started
It Works flawlessly. For this price a reliable engine with EFI and <5% THD nobody has anything like it on the market except Honda @ $4000+. Only issue is the noise level seems a bit high. Call to Generac corporate to confirm the dBA rating was unsuccessful. Rep had me on hold and cane back and said Generac does not publish dBA ratings on any of their portable generators. If you can find one buy it