On 3/26/10, I purchased a new Generac portable generator. Previous to that, I had a Troy generator for over a year and never had any problem with it starting. Un fortunately, someone stole my Troy generator, so I spent $1611.50 for this Generac that always has a dead battery. Generac told me I could use the manual pull to start it. If I was physically able to start a manual pull, I wouldn't have purchased an electric start. This Generac is completely inferior to the Troy generator I had before. Do not waste your money on the Generac garbage.