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.
For
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 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 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’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.
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