Richie
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
|
If quality and quiet is a priority to you, as it was for us, and purchasing an inverter type generator with a surge rating of 3,500 watts (25A) with a continuous current rating of 2,800 watts (23.3A) is what you're looking for, this Yamaha is for you. Yamaha includes everything you need except for gas, oil, and the cover.
Electric start was not a necessary option for us, but when it comes to this generator, when additional power is required to start higher amp motors, the Boost Control Unit (BCU) senses this and diverts full battery power to the alternator boosting output voltage for up to 10 seconds when needed.
It also goes beyond the auto-idle feature of other generators. When switched to 'Economy mode' the engine RPM automatically adjusts to match the load allowing the engine to run only as fast as it needs to. This is a wonderful feature and adds greatly to fuel economy.
It also features 1- 20A 125V duplex and 1-30A L5-30 125V twist lock, although this generator is not designed for 220V applications. It also has electronic breakers for the receptacles rather than the typical manual type. A fuel gauge is located on top of the 3.43 gallon fuel tank and it can also charge 12 volt batteries with the included cables.
Unlike the Honda EU3000I we almost purchased, the Yamaha comes standard with the wheels installed which includes a locking caster and front and rear grab bars that are part of the frame. Rolling it is just effortless. The battery and tray are also standard. These items are all extra with the Honda and cost several hundred dollars. Not such a good deal and why we went with Yamaha.
This is also the most quiet generator you can buy on the market today. We were really amazed at how silent it really is. Fit and finish is that of the finest automobile. It was very obvious to my wife and I that a tremendous amount of engineering went into the little unit.
I also loved the centralized control panel. It features a key switch for the starter or you can use the recoil starter, both are excellent and effortless. Fuel shut-off control knob, Green AC power LED, red overload LED, choke switch, low oil warning light that will automatically shut down the engine.
We purchased this generator for our home in the event we have a brown or blackout. We wanted it in order to power our full size refrigerator, microwave, 6,000 BTU A/C unit (summer months) and for our oil fired furnace. Naturally some lights and a 27" TV. We did test it with the refrigerator and microwave both on at the same time. The microwave alone pulls over 11 amps and the frige another 8 amps and it ran both effortlessly.
Since it's an inverter type generator, it's perfect to run sensitive equipment like our computer.
Date Purchased: 7/27/05
Price Paid: $1899
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Economical 5.5 hp engine that sips fuel
Electric and recoil starter
Boost Control Unit (equivalent starting power of a 3,500 watt generator)
Inverter Pulse Width Modulation type
Provides true Sine Wave clean power
Standard wheel kit with grab bars
Fuel gauge
Green LED AC power on indicator
Low oil warning light (automatically shuts down engine if low on oil)
Economy mode - Engine speed adjusts to load
DC battery charging
2 year warranty
Cons:
Haven't found anything |
This message was modified Jul 30, 2005 by Richie
|
