Wacker Neuson Portable Generator Reviews: 4 Models Built to Last

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Wacker Neuson portable generators are what you what if you need power at a jobsite. Sure, you could use them at home too, but they are intended to really shine on the job.

The models I examine here are really quite similar to each other. I will show you how they stack up against each other, and I’ll point out their differences as well, so you can better decide which one would suit your needs.

How Do the Wacker Neuson Generators Compare to Each Other?

I like to use tables for comparisons, so I’ll start with one here that gives you an easy look at these four models side by side.

You’ll see that the main difference among them is simply the engine size and, by extension, to wattage available.

Model	GP2500A	GP3800A	GP5600A	GPS5600A
Maximum Watts	2500	3800	5600	5600
Running Watts	2250	3400	5000	5000
Engine	Honda GX160	Honda GX240	Honda GX340	Honda GX340
Start Type	Recoil	Recoil	Recoil	Electric / Recoil
Displacement (cc)	9.95	16.5	23.7	23.7
Fuel Capacity (gal.)	3.0	4.94	4.94	4.94
Runtime (hrs.)	6.6	7.8	5.8	5.8
Oil Capacity (qt.)	0.65	1.2	1.2	1.2
Receptacles	1 125V, 20A Duplex GFI; 1 125V, 20A Duplex	2 125V, 20A Duplex; 1 125V, 20A Duplex; 1 125V, 30A Twist Lock	2 125V, 20A Duplex; 1 125/250V, 30A Twist Lock; 1 125V, 30A Twist Lock	2 125V, 20A Duplex; 1 125/250V, 30A Twist Lock; 1 125V, 30A Twist Lock
Dimensions LxWxH (in.)	22 ¼ x 17 ⅛ x 17 ½	27 x 21 x 21 ¼	27 x 21 x 21 ¼	34 ¼ x 21 x 21 ¼
Weight (lbs.)	98	167.8	196	209

The only real difference I can see between the GP5600A and the GPS5600A is that the latter has an electric start option.

Wacker Neuson GP2500A

Wacker Neuson calls the GP2500A a “lightweight” generator. Well, compared to the others in this lineup, yes, it is lighter, but I wouldn’t consider it to be lightweight. You probably wouldn’t want to move it by yourself, even though it has wheels.

Wacker Neuson also says that all of these generators have a “unique step-start generator technology with AVR (automatic voltage regulation)”. Take the term “unique” with a grain of salt then, because this feature (which is good) is not unique to a particular machine you’re looking at but to the overall line compared to similar machines from other companies.

I couldn’t find the decibel sound output level for any of these models. So when I read that they are “quiet” due to a muffler, I’m a little skeptical. These are machines designed for the workplace and the jobsite, so they don’t really need to be as quiet as any you would use around the house in a residential neighborhood.

All of these models have a low oil shut down feature to protect the Honda engine. They are also fully EPQ compliant regarding evaporative emissions regulations.

Wacker Neuson GP3800A

Starting with the GP3800A (and including the two 5600 models), you get a central GFCI sensor system to protect you and your equipment electrically. The receptacles meet both NEC and OSHA jobsite standards.

To help save on fuel, as well as reduce noise and wear, there is an “auto-idle control with time delay” that sets the engine at a low speed when not in use. This feature is also touted as being “unique”, but other systems do have similar mechanisms, so I’m not sure just how unique this really is.

Wacker Neuson GP5600A

Suggested uses for this generator include compressors, grinders, and fusion welders “as well as all your Wacker Neuson electric power tools.” Obviously the company wants to promote its own products – and there’s nothing wrong with that – but you can just as obviously use other brands of power tools too.

Wacker Neuson GPS5600A

Again, the only difference I can see between this model and the previous one is the electric starter. This adds to the overall weight of the machine due to the battery it requires.

Conclusions about the Wacker Neuson Portable Generators

Other reviews of any of these models are virtually impossible to find online. Wacker Neuson may be known more for its larger equipment, such as dumpers, excavators, rammers, light towers, loaders, rollers, and so on. I have the feeling that these relatively smaller machines get overlooked.

This doesn’t mean that their quality is any less than models from other companies. After all, they are built around standard Honda engines, which are highly rated in general.

As I stated at the top, these units are really intended for jobsite use. If that is where the company wants you to use them, you can probably be assured that the quality is quite high and should have little hesitation about implementing them in those situations, even though reviews are lacking.