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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)

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Powerhorse 13000ES
⚠️

This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.

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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment.

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 Powerhorse 13000ES in use

The Powerhorse 13000ES

Powerhorse 13000ES runs on gasoline, powered by a 622 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 10,000W alongside a starting wattage of 13,000W.

At a noise rating of 77 dBA (less noisy than a shower), this generator provides the choice between a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism or an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery not included) for starting.

Thanks to its 12.6 gallons fuel tank, the 13000ES can run continuously for around 15 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.84 GPH).

The 13000ES produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 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

In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.

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, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 13000ES 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 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 generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While weighing 324 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse 13000ES

The 13000ES's control panel

Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the 13000ES features a digital data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the lifetime run hours and voltage for tracking activity and status.

Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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.
  • This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 77 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the WEN TF1300iX. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 64 dBA.
  • At 50% load, the 13000ES achieves one of the longest run times compared to devices of similar power, sustaining operations for around 15 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. 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 minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.66 gallons per hour.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Electric start
  • Clean sine wave
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (77 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • Battery not included
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (324 lbs)

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

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.

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 wattage calculator.
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
Disc sander12001200
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

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(2)You have already voted this

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