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| Price history for the Generac XT8500EFI | |
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Latest updates:
Since: March 2, 2022 |
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Description
Zoom on the Generac XT8500EFI
In a nutshell, the Generac XT8500EFI is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Generac XT8500EFI houses a 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 8500W along with a peak wattage of 10000W.
This generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant 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.
With a full tank, the XT8500EFI can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.89 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 8 gallons.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the XT8500EFI generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
Since the XT8500EFI bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
The Generac XT8500EFI has the following dimensions: L31.4 x W20.5 x H26.5 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Since the generator weighs 214 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The XT8500EFI's control panel
Monitoring of the XT8500EFI's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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 minitgate CO poisoning. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Generac XT8500EFI, the following accessories are also included: funnel, oil and battery charger.
Emissions
The Generac XT8500EFI is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
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).
- As its weight is 214 pounds, the Generac XT8500EFI falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 8000-9000 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Dewalt DXGNR8000, with a dry weight of just 183 pounds.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the XT8500EFI, reaching around 9 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Champion 100416, with around 12.5 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.89 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Pulsar PG10000B16. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.55 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, 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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Decent weight (214 lbs)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8500 W |
| Starting watts | 10000 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 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 696471078336 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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 made in the USA. However, the company provides no information about the origin of their components.
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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Printer | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 6792 W | 8292 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Total | 6790 W | 7380 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.