Yamaha vs. Honda Portable Gen.

Pirate · Dec 21, 2009

It will be used for backup power only. I have a 3K watt now. I figure if I double it I will be better off. I would like to power up at least one water heater. Doesn't sound like an inverter model is for me.

ultrarunner · Dec 21, 2009

Mickey_Fx said:
This model appears to be a typ "contractors" style genset. Yamaha make qlty products. Do you have the need to justify the price for the amount of time it will likely be run? You have to decide.

As a contractor model it has to be running 3600 rpm while delivering any amount of power as it is needed to produce 60Hz A.C. One needs to have an inverter model for engine speed to vary with load. Down side to an inverter model is if you exceed rating for even a few secs, it will shut down the inverter. A non-inverter design will keep running and bog down some and returning to normal operation when load gets back down within range. This is an important factor when dealing with electrical motors as they need 2-3X the running current to get started.

The longer one needs to run a genset, the better the qlty of the generator one needs to withstand the rigors of long periods of operation at high loads. Some of the low end units are only designed to last in the hundred's of hrs and not thousands of hrs.

I've got an older Honda 5000... the quiet one and it has an auto-idle feature.

The generator speeds up when a load is applied.

Pirate · Dec 21, 2009

In a perfect world, I think I would like the Honda first, then the Yamaha, but with my budget and needs, I'm thinking the Generac 5681 8000 watt. It's a lot a watts for my bucks and it is only for emergency use. I emailed my elec. company about the Generlink ATS. I would like to put that in. I'll keep my Pep Boys $280 3KW unit for a double back up.

Dargo · Dec 22, 2009

Interesting. I have three 'small' portable generators right now rather than what I want; one do all generator. I bought the Yamaha you listed last year to go along with this Honda Power Equipment - EM6500S Honda generator I've had for a while. I used the Honda listed above along with a "Honda Powered" 8500 watt generator I bought from Sam's Club for the main house and the Yamaha for the guest / pool house. I ran all of the generators 24/7 for well over a week until the power came back on this last January after a bad ice storm. I did follow the manual for oil and filter changes and always shut them down when refueling. Since it seemed like I was always changing the oil in them, since I was running them non-stop, I did use Royal Purple synthetic oil in all of them on their last change. I've not had any issues with any of the generators and they've all started, even in the dead of winter, no problem.

The third from Sam's is a "Blackmax" 8500 that is powered by the GX390 Honda engine. It was a third of the price of the actual Honda brand generator and I probably have 600 hours on it to date and it's been perfect. Other than not being a 'real' Honda generator, it's been flawless in it's operation. Unfortunately, it appears as if Sam's Club no longer carries them. If they did, based on my experience, I'd recommend it since it costs far less and I've not seen any less quality after what is considered a fair amount of run time on it. Good luck.

Specop_007 · Dec 22, 2009

My opinion, and its worth what you paid for it, is that either a Yammy or a Honda will work wonderfully well. Of the two I would choose a Honda every time all the time.

Honda is the bar by which others are measured.

whistlepig · Dec 22, 2009

A Honda "powered" generator and a Honda generator are not the same thing. I have had a couple of the off brand generators. These almost soured me out on generators all together. I couldn't get them to start when I needed them most. When we moved to well water a generator became a necessity. We bought a Honda generator. It starts the first time and every time. If you really have to rely on a generator don't buy bargain basement.

CurlyDave · Dec 23, 2009

Every time I have bought the "as good as" version instead of the top name brand I have come to regret the decision. Especially where there is very little cost difference.

Kyle_in_Tex · Dec 25, 2009

Another tip of the day I'd like to suggest. Try to get your hands on some Avgas 100LL. Pay the extra buck or more per gallon. Use it to fill up your unit when going into storage. Avgas stays good for a long time. IMO, Much better than Stabil or most any other fuel stabilizer.

TheGoose · Dec 25, 2009

Also do a search for Wise Equipment. They had the best prices on honda generators last I looked. They won't put the price on the web, you have to call them. Free shipping for a lot of stuff too.

Dirtball · Dec 26, 2009

I own a 8-9 yr old Yamaha 6600 , flawless. I think this Yamaha Generators YG6600DE - Industrial Generators - is where I bought it. They have changed their web name since I bought it. Free ship to you, about $2000. Add the wheel kit if you may need to move it, cover is nice to keep dust out, and hour meter is handy. I run Mobil 1 oil. I hate not buying local , but my local Yamaha cycle guy charges $2900 for same unit , now and 9 yrs ago. I think the seller is a west coast huge outfit selling boatloads of yamaha gennies. Great unit like I said, an expert friend said the generating unit , not just the powerplant is the best in it's class. The powerplant is Japanese perfection too- never coughed, hardly uses any oil like a cheaper engine. Use a garden tractor battery ($30), plus a trickle charger (HF $10). Batteries last 4 yrs. Only nicer unit in it's class is Kubota 6600w , diesel, liquid cooled , 300lbs heavier and $3000 more dollars. Yam 6600 puts out 25amps/220v , 8 gallon tank , 200lbs is manageable. wife and I have lifted it into truck to take to other locations.