Coleman’s Premium Line of Generators

August 30th, 2006

The Coleman Premium line of generators is made up of 7 models, or maybe better described as 7 generator models or variations of those models.  These units are designed with the home consumer in mind, and serve a variety of purposes from fun convenient portable power to offering a back-up power supply for your home. 

The line begins with the two smallest models: the Pulse 1850 and the Sport 1850.  They are actually nearly the same generator.  They are both on the same casing and weigh 70lbs dry.  Each is powered with a 3.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine, and is designed to run quietly by fully housing the engine, including a noise dampening and spark arresting exhaust, and having rubber feet added to reduce noise and vibration.  The difference is the Pulse 1850 comes with four normal wall plugs, where the Sport 1850 comes with two normal wall plugs, and a DC plug.  The DC plug allows you to plug in the DC charger and charge a battery.  This can be used to charge boat batteries among others, hence the name Sport.

The next step up is a popular model for its unique design: the Ultra 2500.  This model bumps up to a 5.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine that sits on a portable hand cart.  The engine is accessible, and easy to start, but is not fully protected.  It is lightweight at 75lbs and incredibly easy to transport with its permanent portability kit.  This is what makes it so popular.  At 2500 Watts, it is big enough for a large number of power tools, but as an industrial power generator, may leave a little to be desired.

The Maxa 4000 Generator moves up to an 8hp Tecumseh, and it built into a casing for protection.  This model is designed for power tools, and is their first model size to offer a 240 volt outlet.  The Wattage rating on the Maxa 4000 is actually 4000 running Watts and 5000 max Watts.  The generator is the entry model into the high power class.

The Maxa 5000 Coleman Premium generator is the basis of the final three models in the Premium line.  The three models are the Maxa 5000 ER, the Maxa 5000 ER+, and the Maxa 5000 ER+ with a wheel kit, although you could add a wheel kit to the others.  At this level we are up to a 10hp Tecumseh engine that cranks 5000 running watts and up to 6250 max Watts.  They put a nice big gas tank (5 gal) on with a locking 20 amp 240V plug along side a set of regular wall mount plugs.  The + models offer circuit breaker protection and the Maxa 5000 series is large enough for running tools and being used for a home power back-up system.

Yamaha Generators: The Market’s Best

August 25th, 2006

Yamaha generators are some of the finest quality generators produced world wide.  The Yamaha brand has a great track record of producing generators that consumers can count on to provide energy when they are camping, hiking, on a construction site, or when they need power generated in their home.  Most people do not want to take a chance buying a generator that may or may not work when they need it most, and that is why Yamaha is the fastest growing major producer of generators on the market today.  Reliability and affordability make Yamaha generators a best buy.
 

Yamaha offers several different types of generators.  The first is portable generators.  These are generators of various sizes and capabilities that offer clean power to consumers that need it when they are camping, hiking, or even on a construction jobsite.  These portable generators come in handy and generally pay for themselves after one or two uses.  Portable generators can be carried quite easily as they are usually lightweight, or can be attached to carts to make their mobility even more convenient.  Portable generators are quite affordable, with prices starting right around $500.
 

Not only does Yamaha provide generators to those that need portability, the company also produces industrial standard generators for homes and businesses.  These Yamaha generators can be used when power goes out, as a backup during hurricanes and other natural disasters, or even when building an addition on your home or business.  These generators vary in size and power output, with prices increasing as power output increases.  You’ll also find that there is a huge difference in fuel capacity, which will usually increase as power output increases.  Yamaha produces generators that can be powered by gasoline or diesel fuel, so that consumers can buy the generator that runs on the fuel of their choice.  There are a variety of models that run on gasoline, but there is a limited number that run on diesel fuel as they are not as popular.  Generators for your home will typically cost anywhere from $600 to over $3,000.
 

When you buy Yamaha generators you should also consider what you will need for it.  Yamaha offers extended warranties, which is a great idea because a generator is an investment.  In addition to an extended warranty, consumers may want to buy a generator cover, a battery charger, and replacement batteries so that their generator is always ready to provide the power they need.  Yamaha is the most trusted generator on the market, and that is because they offer everything you could need, and then some.

Honda Economy Generators

August 23rd, 2006

Honda overhead valve commercial grade engines power the economy series of generators.  Designed for homeowner and light contractor use, this series is definitely low-end:  no bells and whistles available. 

The EN2500 has a full frame to protect the engine, which puts out a maximum of 2500 watts.  This size unit can provide back-up temporary power for lights, fans, TVs, and many appliances.  Refrigerators, freezers, and sump pumps can be run during power outages from this generator.

The EG2500 is a bit more rugged and can be used for commercial applications.  The protective tube frame makes this suitable for basic power requirements on a job site, such as for operating power tools.  The EG3500 has stable power output with an automatic voltage regulator.  Surge power of 3500 watts at120/240-volts is available.

The EG5000 is the biggest of Honda’s economy line of generators.  It provides a maximum of 5000 watts and is housed in a protective tube frame.  The automatic voltage regulator provides stable power output. 

Honda Deluxe Generators

August 23rd, 2006

The deluxe line of generators from Honda has a number of convenience features, such as:

• Simultaneous AC/DC use

• Fuel meter

• Large fuel tank capacity

• Electric start capability (not the EB3000c model)

• Auto-choke

• Fuel solenoid for remote starting capability (not the ES6500 model)

• Voltage regulation for continuous stable power.

The EM3800S has a maximum power output of 3800 watts. The full frame provides protection to the unit. A voltage selection switch allows total generator output to be channeled through each of the 120-volt outlets individually to allow starting power for larger motors. The 2-wheel portability kit comes standard, while electric start and remote start capability are both options.

The EM5000S has a maximum output of 5000 watts. Other than that, it is virtually identical to the EM3800S. The EM5000isAB has a maximum output of 5000 watts of inverter power. Honda’s inverter technology reduces the size and weight of their generators by building the alternator into the engine. The microprocessor converts raw power into ultra-clean power with a sine wave equal to that coming from most household wall outlets, preventing surges which can harm sensitive electronic equipment. The i-monitor on this generator provides information on hours of operation, wattage and engine speed, and diagnostics for troubleshooting. The Eco-Throttle system conserves fuel by adjusting engine speed to the load, which lowers emissions and noise. This unit runs at 62 - 68 dBA, or about the level of a vacuum cleaner. A similar model, the EM7000isAB provides the same features with a maximum of 6500 watts of inverter power.

The 13-HP EM6500S has a maximum power output of 6500 watts. Ideal for emergency home back-up power, this generator can run a 1-HP deep well pump. The voltage selection switch assists with large motor starting. Electric start and a remote start kit are optional.

The ES6500 is a liquid-cooled twin cylinder engine with up to 6500 watts of commercial power. Electric start and automatic idle are standard, as are a temperature alert and 120/240-volt operation. A 2-wheeled Transport Kit is also standard on this model.

Propane Generators & Conversions

August 22nd, 2006

If you are looking for a back-up power solution, a generator is a great option, but a constant fuel source is necessary to avoid ongoing refills and check-ups of gasoline tanks.  Your fuel options are diesel, propane or natural gas.  Propane is generally the most common and most practical option; however; if you have natural gas piped in already, it may be worth considering.  If you are converting a generator designed to run on diesel or gas, the general rule is to discount the output 10% for a propane system and another 10% for a natural gas conversion.  If the generator is designed to run on propane or natural gas, the base ratings will hold accurate. 

Generator Definitions

August 20th, 2006

Continuous Load: The amount of power that a generator can continuously supply for longer periods of time (30 minutes plus).  Typically 80-90% of the surge power. 

RPM: Engine’s revolutions per minute.

Spark Arrester: A screen over the end of a muffler to keep sparks in and reduce the chance of fire.

Surge Power: Top power to be achieved from a generator, normally is the number associated with the generator model.  Cannot be sustained, but can serve long enough to start reactive loads.

Transfer Switch: A second power box that sidesteps your primary fuse box and runs your home (usually on a limited basis) with power from you generator rather than your normal power service.  Designed to prevent power from back-feeding into you lines.