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 a nutshell, the Powerhorse 13000ES is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure.
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Powerhorse 13000ES is equipped with a 622 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 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 vacuum cleaner), 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.
With a fuel capacity of 12.6 gallons, the 13000ES can run for around 15 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.84 gallons per hour).
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:
Additionally, it offers 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
This Powerhorse generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. 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
At L33.5 x W24.4 x H25.6 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Powerhorse 13000ES ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its weight of 324 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
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 allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to 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).
- With a weight of 324 lbs, the Powerhorse 13000ES sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among generators rated from 9500 to 10500 watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Genmax GM12000XiT is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 194 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 77 dBA. If you value reduced noise levels, the Genmax GM12500iET could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 62 dBA.
- In terms of run time, the 13000ES surpasses similarly powerful devices, boasting one of the highest run times at around 15 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator is one of the more fuel-efficient options in its power range, consuming approximately 0.84 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse WGen9500DFc EFI, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.66 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Waffle iron | 750 | 750 | |
| Total | 7992 W | 9492 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Circular saw | 1200 | 3200 | |
| 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.