Every now and then we get a few questions about emergency backup generators, and also about commercial generators that are meant for contractor and professional use.
I was asked who makes a good commercial generator. This is a tough question to answer, since you cannot exactly test generators in the same manner as hand and power tools. But if I were in the market for a generator, Dewalt would be among the first brands I would look at, with the DXGN6000 being a good starting point.
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The Dewalt DXGN-series generators are built with some nice features and Honda engines. These generators are said to be designed for professional contractors and rental operators in mind, so they should be built to withstand daily use and even demanding usage cycles.
The Dewalt DXGN6000 gasoline generator is one of several commercial generators the brand offers. This is a 6000 Watt model, and Dewalt also has 4500 Watt (DXGN4500), 7200 Watt (DXGN7200), and 14000 Watt (DXGN14000) generators.
Dewalt’s DXGN6000 generator is a middle-range model that looks to provide enough power to run a couple of corded power tools and typical jobsite equipment.
These generators are designed for powering tools and other construction equipment at jobsites where sufficient electrical power might not be available. Other times, commercial generators like these come in handy when residential breakers aren’t capable of powering heavier duty tools that would otherwise constantly trip the breakers.
Features
- Built with Honda GX340 engine (389 cc manual start, with auto shut off when oil is low)
- Premium brushless alternator (for low total harmonic distortion)
- Large 8 gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge
- Steel frame with lifting hook
- Idle control for reduced noise and to conserve fuel
- 2 operation modes – 120V (full power) and 120V/240V modes
- Digital hour meter for runtime and maintenance tracking
- Several outlet styles, including GFCI and twistlock
- Hydraulic/magnetic circuit breaker for overload protection
- EPA, CSA, and Carb compliant
- Wheel kit is an optional add-on
Specifications
- 6000 Watts max AC output
- 5300 Watts rated AC output
- 44.2Amps Max current (120V/240V):
- 22.1Amps rated current (120V/240V)
- (2) 120V GFCI 20A receptacles
- (1) 120V twist locking 30A receptacle
- (1) 120V/240V twist locking 30A receptacle
- Noise level (idle, calculated at 35 feet): 79 dBA
- Runtime at 50% max output: 14 hours
- Weighs 189 pounds (dry/empty)
Price: ~$2000
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If you need something a little smaller and lower powered, check out the Dewalt DXGN4500 ($1820 via Amazon). If you need a higher powered generator, the Dewalt DXGN7200 ($2250 via Amazon) and Dewalt DXGN14000 ($3350 via Amazon) generators have similar features to the DXGN6000 but are built with beefier Honda engines, and a larger fuel tank in the case of the 14000 generator.
Power Ratings
Whether looking to rent or buy one of these generators, double-check that the specs meet your needs. Although the DXGN6000 can provide 6000 Watts of peak power, it’s really only rated to 5300 Watts. I don’t know if there’s a rule of thumb when it comes to selecting which size generator to buy or use, but if you often approach the continuous power rating of a generator, it might be a good idea to step up in size.
Personally, I like to work with a larger 25% cushion when it comes to generators and power supplies.
6000 Watts seems to be a good size for medium demands, but multiple users should coordinate with each other to ensure they don’t overtax the generator.
For example, if one worker will be using a 15A table saw, another a 15A miter saw, and another a 15A air compressor, all simultaneously, peak power could be as much as 5400 Watts, maybe more if the motors draw a surge as they start or stop. That might not happen, but it could, which would push the Dewalt DXGN6000 beyond its 5300 W rating and towards its 6000 W peak power limit.
If power consumption gets within a couple hundred Watts of the rated power level, it might be a good idea to step up to the next higher model.
Reminder: NEVER use a gasoline or fuel generator indoors or closer than the manufacturer-recommended safe operating distance.
Hang Fire
When shopping for generators, I look for two things first: 1.) a brand name generator head, usually Generac, and 2.) a brand name engine, the usual suspects, G&S, Kohler, Honda, Onan, etc.
fred
Nice starting-point discussion.
Lots of folks seem to buy this sort of generator for backup power for storm and other emergencies. Depending on expectations they may be satisfied or not. The same can be true for purchase/use for construction sites. Noise – especially under load, runtime, and power quality can be issues for the backup power user – perhaps more than for the contractor. Nonetheless, we sometimes found noise an issue even on jobsites. We had a couple of small Honda inverter generators – we sometimes used at night mostly for lighting – they were really quiet – but expensive. I’ve heard that Yamaha also makes a quiet unit. When we needed more lighting – we rented engine-powered (not so quiet) units. We also had a few engine-powered hot-dog compressors – also more suited for daytime use because of noise. Naturally anything larger (e.g. a towable compressor and jackhammer ) were even noisier We had a truck-mounted diesel-engine Miller Trailblazer for welding – it also had power outlets – and was not so quiet – and we seldom brought it out to use as a generator. Overall most time we did not have a need to bring a generator – but that might have been more a result of the sites we worked and work we did.
Jimmie
Out of curiosity, what makes this generator 3x more expensive than the similarly-sized portable generators that you find in box stores? Is it the brushless alternator or the Honda engine? Or just the name on the front?
Stuart
To be honest, the Dewalt does look to me to be a little pricier because of the Honda engine. And with the Dewalt name there’s a better chance the generator is built to better withstand jobsite conditions than common backup generators.
Generac’s XG series generators are appreciably less expensive and with higher power ratings (their 6500 W generator has a 6500 W continuous rating and 8125 W peak rating), but they’re still well featured, making it reasonable to presume the price difference is due to the 3rd party brand name engine and Dewalt branding.
Comparing backup generators to jobsite generators, the two are going to be supporting very different kinds of loads. The backup generator will likely support lower continuous loads while the commercial contractor generator is going to see power spikes, higher loads, and everything in between.
Compared to a common inexpensive sold-everywhere backup generator, the Dewalt discussed above should provide cleaner power and some level of power surge protection. Plus there’s the brand-name engine. It also has GFCI outlets, lifting points, idle control to save fuel. They are also often designed and tested to be OSHA compliant.
It’s a matter of having the right generator that’s designed for your intended usage. Portable backup generators are often designed to be used infrequently and for casual or emergency use. Commercial generators for contractors are designed for much harder and heavier use.
Generators aimed at contractors are typically more robust and more user-friendly features. You *could* use these generators in place of a portable backup generator, but doing so could potentially lead to needless expense.
Jerry
I always considered the peak output good for starting electric motors, and not much else. I would be afraid to run a generator near peak output for more than maybe 20-30 seconds at a time, and then allow for a cool down period.
I agree also with the idea of not running it near peak continuous output for any length of time, either. A generator’s enemy is heat, and anytime you push it to the limits, you create excess heat, which shortens the life of components.
Also, anyone who has a generator, needs to run it at least once a year, preferrably twice a year, with some kind of load on it. It doesn’t have to be a heavy load, but enough to energize the windings. I know of people who bought a generator, left it sit for a couple years, and it wouldn’t work. The generators needed to be polarized. Had they just run them once or twice a year, they would have worked fine. Myself, I like to run mine to get the engine good and warmed up, and usually plug in a power tool, to verify it is working properly.
Hang Fire
Thanks to Constellation Energy, I have not had this problem!
Phil
Yes.
Basically, a genuine Honda engine costs more than a Chinese clone, the generator head is an unknown, as brushed or brushless doesn’t make a huge difference if any as far as cost. The DeWalt brand name probably adds the most next to the engine choice.
John
Stuart, if I remember correctly you live in a smaller apartment or condo. If that’s the case, how do you handle reviews of larger tools and equipment if a vendor comes to you looking for such a thing? If there is a need, would you be interested in getting other people’s input if there are instances where you can’t adequately review a product?
Stuart
I didn’t review this generator.
For tools I cannot use or test at ToolGuyd HQ, I arrange for off-site testing by myself or a contributor. While ToolGuyd is open to external contributors, something as high-valued as a generator isn’t something I would be able to trust anyone else with. If a review runs off with a $50 in hand tools, I can cover the expense.
I am always open to readers’ inputs and opinions, and every now and then there are guest reviews. But for something like this, I cannot arrange for test samples, even loaners. There’s just too much risk.
John
Understood. I was curious what your methodology was for products and suggestions when large items can’t be adequately reviewed.
Godfred Cole
Hello,
Please i need 5 Units of The Dewalt DXGN6000 Gasoline Generator, and i want you to find out the freight cost to address below i want you to ship it next day delivery express and get back to me with the grand total cost for payment right now.
[redacted]
Waiting to hear from you again soon.
Cole
Stuart
$499,999.97 USD + $75 if you need a lift gate.
OnGuard
Thank you for the cautionary statement at the bottom of the article. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when using portable generators such as those you have reviewed above. People tend to go out and buy these after a disaster and put them in their garage or a porch and don’t realize they could be leaking gas into the house.