Powerhorse 13000ES (Discontinued)
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. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
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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 short, the Powerhorse 13000ES is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment..
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
Featuring a 622 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Powerhorse 13000ES operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 10,000W and a starting wattage of 13,000W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 77 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher). Its starting mechanisms include a manual recoil starter system and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery not included).
The 13000ES's fuel tank holds 12.6 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 15 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.84 GPH).
Featuring a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 13000ES delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 7 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease.
This Powerhorse generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 13000ES is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
With dimensions of L33.5 x W24.4 x H25.6 in, the traditional open frame design of the Powerhorse 13000ES ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Though weighing 324 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
One of the many 13000ES's features is the digital data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours and voltage and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, Powerhorse has included a tool kit in the packaging of the 13000ES.
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. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc, with a dry weight of just 203.4 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 77 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Genmax GM12500iET stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 62 dBA.
- As the 13000ES features an autonomy of around 15 hours at 50% load, it has one of the highest run times in comparison to the other generators of its power range.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. This generator provides better fuel efficiency than most others in its wattage range, consuming approximately 0.84 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.66 GPH.
The bottom line
- 4 different AC outlet types
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (77 dBA)
- Battery not included
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (324 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 622 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 10,000 W |
| Starting watts | 13,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 108.3/54.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 15 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 12.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 324 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 33.5 x 24.4 x 25.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 77 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Other model numbers | 799215 |
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 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?
| 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 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 7992 W | 9467 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Disc sander | 1200 | 1200 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Total | 7990 W | 12490 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




User Reviews
Using it right now , powering everything required heat furnace freezers fridges tv its a champ , however it’s a little on the noisy side so I’m rubbing my power into the faces of neighbors whom have no power
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.
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.
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.