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Powerhorse 13000ES - 10000/13000W Portable Generator

The Powerhorse 13000ES is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 10,000 W and a starting wattage of 13,000 W.

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Price History
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Price history for the Powerhorse 13000ES
Latest updates:
  • $1,999.99 - July 6, 2023
  • $1,799.99 - June 20, 2023
Data source: northerntool.com
Since: June 20, 2023
  • Highest Price: $1,999.99 - July 6, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $1,799.99 - June 20, 2023

Description

This Powerhorse Portable Generator is built to handle high-power demands in emergencies and on the job. Less than 5% total harmonic distortion allows you to enjoy clean power for running sensitive electronics.

Zoom on the Powerhorse 13000ES

In a nutshell, the Powerhorse 13000ES is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working.

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Powerhorse 13000ES in use

The Powerhorse 13000ES

The Powerhorse 13000ES's engine, 622 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 10,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 13,000W.

Enjoying a noise rating of 77 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), this generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery not included).

The 13000ES can operate for around 15 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.84 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 12.6 gallons.

The 13000ES generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 7 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.

Even if this Powerhorse generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 13000ES is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.

Portability

With its dimensions of L33.5 x W24.4 x H25.6 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Powerhorse 13000ES offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 324 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse 13000ES

The 13000ES's control panel

The control panel of the 13000ES includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours and voltage.

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Powerhorse also included a tool kit in the 13000ES's packaging.

Emissions

The Powerhorse 13000ES is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.

Product Videos

The Powerhorse 13000ES versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse 13000ES compare to generators of similar power (between 9500 and 10500 W).

  • At a dry weight of 324 pounds, the Powerhorse 13000ES is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 9500 and 10500 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Rainier R12000DF, with a dry weight of only 196 lbs.
  • When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 77 dBA is on the noisier side. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the A-iPower SUA13000EFI. With just 69 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • The 13000ES provides one of the highest run time among similarly powerful devices, reaching around 15 hours at 50% load.
  • 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. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.84 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is a rather fuel efficient one within its wattage category. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.55 GPH, the Rainier R12000DF is a device you could look out for.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 9500-10500W generators, the Powerhorse 13000ES is on the expensive side of the price range.

While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Electric start
  • Clean sine wave
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • Battery not included
  • No remote start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (324 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (77 dBA)

Do you own the Powerhorse 13000ES and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine622 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts10,000 W
Starting watts13,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)83.3/41.7 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)108.3/54.2 amps
Run time @50% load15 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerLifetime run hours and voltage
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 12.6 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight324 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)33.5 x 24.4 x 25.6 in
Noise (lower limit)77 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedTool kit and wheel kit
Country of originChina
Other model numbers799215

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.

Spec Improvement×

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About Powerhorse

Powerhorse is a trademarked brand name of gas-powered outdoor products owned and distributed by the Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. through their store locations and online. Powerhorse outdoor products include gas- and electric-powered tools including pressure washers, wood chippers/shredders, log splitters, electric generators and inverters. The product line also offers engines and water pumps. The brand's motto is "Power You Can Depend On". Powerhorse generators are engineered, developed and tested in Minnesota, but manufactured in China or Vietnam.

Warranty Information

The Powerhorse 13000ES is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Powerhorse generators, please contact the Powerhorse Customer Support: 1-866-443-2576.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Blender400850
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Cell phone charger2020
Total7992 W9467 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Circular saw12003200
Reciprocating saw730960
Total7990 W12490 W
I need the replacement wheels and parts that go with them, and the feet for the frame. Can I buy these? (Asked July 28, 2020)

Replacement parts can be ordered directly from Northern Tool + Equipment: 1-800-657-0516

I have a powerhouse 13,000 ES generator I’m trying to find an old filter for If I can get a part number on it. (Asked July 04, 2021)

Replacement part numbers can be found pages 49-54 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).

I lost my key, is there a replacement key i can buy from somewhere? (Asked November 03, 2022)

Replacement parts can be ordered directly from Northern Tool: 1-800-657-0516

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

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Powerhorse 13000ES
6.2 Total Score
3 reviews
Add your review
Price
5
Value
6.3
Quality
5.3
Performance
8

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 3.9
    Price
    60
    Value
    80
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    90

    We have only used the generator a few times during brief power outages. The generator connects to a generator inlet (50amp/240V) on the load-center. It has performed very well each time it has been used. It handles loads very well. It performs very well.

    + PROS:
    • Power
    • Wheel kit
    • Many power receptacle options
    • Electric start (w/pull-start backup)
    • Large gas tank (w/fuel level meter)
    - CONS:
    • Weight
    • Bonded neutral (not sure if this can be setup for floating)
    • Wheel kit needs larger tires for this size of generator
    • Separate 12V battery required
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. Avatar
    Russell Lambert May 22, 2023 at 8:40 pm
    1.25
    Price
    20
    Value
    20
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    50

    DO NOT BUY this piece of crap machine. Got a blown engine on mine, called Northern Tool/Powerhorse and was told engine parts are not available, only a complete engine for $1100. If something happens to your engine which is highly likely, you’re out off luck for internal parts.

    + PROS:
    • Ok when it works.
    - CONS:
    • No engine parts, complete engine only.
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  3. 4.15
    Price
    70
    Value
    90
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    100

    Powerhorse 13000ES is definitely a beast. The electric start is very convenient and easy to use. The power this thing has is amazing, we are in a prone hurricane area and have power outages on regular basis and this beast can almost supply the entire house. We run the AC, our well, microwave all at the same time and never hear this thing struggling. Just have to get the fuel shut off valve fixed, plastic valve won’t shut the fuel off. Want to replace it with a metal valve to see if that fixes the problem.

    + PROS:
    • Tons of power, easy to start up, can run nearly an entire house. Has a big gas tank and long running time.
    - CONS:
    • Some cheap plastic parts already failing, on the heavy side, pricey(for a machine with cheap plastic components.)
    • Loud
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this

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