I see Harbor Freight lists 25 different generators -- I don't know about availability.

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), February 20, 1999

Answers

I ordered Model #31224, 7000 kw w/Honda 13hp back on 11/20/98. It finally arrived 02/18/99 via freight company. It was originally promised in December and again in January and finally the end of February. The customer service rep at Harbor Freight said they are now telling their customers it will be a six-month wait. And, of course, they charge your credit card immediately -- said the company won't even consider an order unless prepaid.

-- Drew (Itfinallycame@generator.com), February 20, 1999.

I've read lately that it is illegal to charge a credit card before the order is shipped. Don't know the truth of this. I can see the logic -- the card-holder is paying interest on money he/she has in effect lent to the shipper. While the shipper earns interest on the money advanced. Doesn't seem fair.

Anyone know the facts on this?

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), February 20, 1999.

Tom,

I went round and round with the people at Harbor Freight about them running my card through before the generator was delivered. They asked if I wanted my money back several times, that what I had purchased was the P.O. for the generator. They would gladly refund my money but the generator would never come. Legal or not, that's the way it works in today's market. Their attitude was take it or leave it, it's going to take 4 to 6 months for delivery. Oh, well, it came and it's paid for by now.

-- Drew (itfinallycame@generator.com), February 21, 1999.

Check out Northern Tool at (800)533-5545. hey are suppose to be the largest generator dealer in the country and have many units in stock. If they need to order something the lead times are pretty short.

-- Rick H (gotmyownpower@home.house), February 22, 1999.

The Costco by me had Generac 6500 gens at what looked like a good price so I got it but am now wondering if it is a good one or not since they are not even on the above list. Anybody know?

-- needtoknow (needtoknow@once.help), February 22, 1999.

Need to Know: I also bought a Generac, the 4000XL. Yours is (I believe) 2 models up from mine. I think the Generac's are fine products, probably the best value out there. And I think the OHV industrial engines in our generators are as good as the Honda's. I fired mine up this weekend for the first time, worked great.

-- Rick H. (gotmyownpower@home.house), February 22, 1999.

I recently placed an order for a generator from a China Diesel distributor. The credit card charging issue was a non-issue because they are not acceptable! A cashiers check is required, no ifs, ands or buts.

Welcome to The Law Of Supply And Demand.

-- Jack (jsprat@eld.net), February 22, 1999.