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Hours of Power (20-3) By Steve Fennell
Whether you’re at work or play around the dock, boathouse or cottage, these current models take charge to provide the power when need it.

Honda EU 1000i
onda’s EU1000i is a portable, quiet unit that can provide more than enough juice to run a wide variety of electronics around the cottage, dock or campsite. In addition to its many features, the EU1000i incorporates what the company calls the Honda Inverter Technology, a system designed to produce a clean sine wave of energy to prevent surging. This means you’re offered reliable power to run a computer (plus a printer), small power tools or kitchen appliances such as a blender or food processor. The EU1000i also features Honda’s unique Eco-Throttle, which incorporates a load-dependent speed control governor offering excellent fuel economy by automatically adjusting engine speed. In addition to being able to run up to 8.3 hours on a single tank of gas, the unit allows impressive fuel consumption, operating noise and even has low exhaust emissions to meet the CARB and EPA emission standards. For peace and quiet, the EU1000i cranks out only 59dB of sound at seven meters running at full power. It weighs 29 pounds and also incorporates an Oil Alert function that shuts the unit off when the oil drops below a safe operating level.

Honda GeneratorFor those days when you need just a little more power, Honda offers its EU3000is gas inverter generator. Powered by Honda’s GX200 OHV four-stroke 6.5 hp engine offering a maximum AC output of 2800 watts, the unit is lightweight, compact and has a dry weight of 129 pounds. The EU3000 features what Honda calls the Eco Throttle system, an automatic, load-dependant electronic governor that continuously matches engine speed to the exact electrical load requirements. This is said to result in less operating noise, longer running operation without refuelling and lower fuel consumption. Combine its two-layer soundproof construction, and the unit provides whisper-quiet operation. Another highlight is the Oil Alert function that shuts the engine down if the oil drops below a safe operating level. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of the Automatic Voltage Regulation, which protects power tools or electric motors from surges or dips by monitoring output voltage to ensure consistent, low fluctuation output. The EU3000 also meets EPA standards.

For more information visit www.hondapowerequipment.ca.

Yamaha
The EF1000iS inverter generator is just one of three units in Yamaha’s inverter series and comes ready to charge with its clean four-stroke power that meets the strictest emission standards. The EF1000iS measures a trim 17.7x9.4x14.9 inches and weighs just 28 pounds, while its 3.8 liter fuel capacity provides power for up to 12 hours. Its signature sound is rated between 47-57dBA. With its rated AC output of 900 watts and maximum output of 1000, plus a maximum current of 8.3 amps, this unit can handle a wide variety of electronics and appliances.

Yamaha Generator

Yamaha also offers its larger EF3000iSE that provides more current than the Niagara River. This unit utilizes an OHV air-cooled four-stroke, single-cylinder engine offering a displacement of only 171cc, making it portable to bring along on any trip. In addition to its rated AC output of 2,800 watts and a maximum AC output of 3,000 watts, this powerhouse can offer up to 25 amps and has a continuous operation rating of 20.5 hours. Some other added bonuses include a 13 liter fuel capacity, a noise rating between 51-57 dBA and DC output of 12 amps. Add the four built-in wheels, easy access control panel and effortless electric starting provide considerable convenience around any waterfront property.

Coleman
Coleman Generator Coleman has been pleasing outdoor enthusiasts with reliable gear for more than three decades and that reliability continues for 2005 with the Pulse 1850 and Pulse Sport 1850 generators. Housed in fully enclosed casings to reduce noise, these units come complete with rubber feet to minimize crawling and vibration, a 1.3 gallon gas tank and either two (Pulse Sport) or four (Pulse)120V AC outlets with circuit breaker protection. Both provide up to seven hours of power at a 50 per cent load, generating 1,850 watts and 120 amps – enough to power a variety of tools and electronics. Both models weigh in at a relatively light 70 pounds and accept a broad range of optional accessories, including a cover, spark arresters, wheel kit and a tune-up kit that includes an oil filter, air filter, a set of spark plugs and a spark plug wrench. (Page Top)

Robin Subaru
Work or play with Robin Subaru’s R1100 portable generator. This unit is lightweight, compact and comes packaged with an air-cooled, four-cycle, OHV, gasoline engine that is designed to meet the strictest environmental regulations. In addition to highlighting a frequency of 60 Hz, a rated output of 900 watts and a maximum output of 1100 watts, it boasts 120 volts which means you can hook up a variety of electronics or power units. The R1100 measures 19.3x11.6x17.5 inches, has a dry weight of 55 pounds and offers a fuel capacity of 4 L, which allows it to run 4.2 continuous hours. Another benefit of the R1100 is its silent running operation of 59 dbA at just seven meters.

Robin Subaru also offers its R1700I, a compact 1,700-watt portable inverter generator.
This unit measures just 19.3x11.6x17.5 inches and has an impressive dry weight of 45.2 pounds. It boasts an air cooled, four-cycle, OHV, gasoline engine, which meets the strictest emission regulations, and features a fuel capacity of four liters and dbA rating 59 at seven meters.

For more information visit www.robinamerica.com

Briggs and Stratton
Briggs and Stratton Generator Briggs and Stratton’s 900 watt Elite Series portable generator sports a 2.5 hp OHV engine and a 1.2 gallon fuel tank, to provide about six-and-a-half hours of operating time. In addition to its 900 watt capacity and 1000 watt starting capacity, there are three power outlets plus a 12V battery charger for added convenience. It can offer up to 120 volts to power most electronics or appliances, while some safety features include a low oil warning system plus circuit breaker protection in the event of overloading. It has a compact design measuring 18x13.5x14 inches and weighs just 55 pounds.

Kohler
The 88-pound Kohler 5ERKM measures just 27x19x18 inches yet produces 5,000 watts of power.

The air-cooled unit boasts state-of-the-art features such as solid state ignition, automatic choke, single-side servacability and an electric fuel pump. A captive vibration-isolation mounting system and quiet operation give it manners, while voltage regulation of plus/minus two percent prevents surging. A smaller 4 kw model is also available, along with diesel and LP models. (Page Top)

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