I got this thing as an insurance policy to run my refrigerator in the event of an extended power outage. With several hundred dollars worth of food at risk, I figure it could pay for itself one day, maybe. I don't think I will be using it much other than running a hedge trimmer in the back yard, 100 feet away from the house.I have run it with a small load and without a load. The engine will run steady for about 20 seconds then rev up and down for 20 seconds. It leaks oil. It doesn't start real easy. Everything about it looks cheap, cheap, cheap. I got what I paid for.It does not inspire a lot of confidence. If you plan on using it a lot, do yourself a favor and buy a quality device. I can't see this thing holding up under continuous use for any length of time.