Honda EU3000iS vs Yamaha EF3000iSEB?

Huntindog wrote:
There are more BTUs in gas than there is in propane.

Propane generators don't produce as much power as gasoline ones... That means less power to run the AC.

I also am skeptical of 20# of propane being the equivalent of 5 gallons of gas, for the same reason.

Propane as a generator fuel really only has one benefit.
No carburetor to gum up in storage.

"What is the fuel consumption of the generators on propane or natural gas?

This is the top question. The simplest answer is that the generators typically use about the same amount of propane(92,000 btu) as they do gasoline; gallon to gallon. For natural gas one therm (100,000 btu) is about one gallon of gasoline (110,000 btu). The biggest mistake most "experts" make in opinionating that a propane or natural gas generator will lose power is based solely on these figures and not on any data they personally have. When figuring power output of any fuel, the size of the engine has to be a significant factor of the equation. For instance, comparing a vehicle with a V8 engine to a generator with an 11hp generator attached can not be calculated the same. This topic is covered in detail on the Fuel Consumption page. Use the link on the left side of the page to access this further information."

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/faq's.htm

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
That would be impossible. Propane only has 73% of the energy of gasoline. That means you will use about 25% more propane than gasoline.

"Is there any power loss when operating on alternative fuels?

No, we have never had a single unit show a loss of power on alternate fuel. Though lower gallon-to-gallon in BTU content, sometimes they perform even better than running on gasoline (see also fuel consumption). The engine regulator we install has an external fuel mixture adjuster that can be turned with your fingers and can be fine-tuned to your elevation and to the fuel supply connected. That's why we include the Engine Hour/Tachometer Meter with every generator. You can watch the engine rpm output while turning the mixture adjuster for peak performance and high efficiency. This allows full control over the fuel mixture no matter what elevation. Unlike operating on gasoline where the carburetor is a fixed jet and it can not be adjusted only replaced. This is a big advantage that allows the engine to be reset at anytime. Engines would not use the same fuel mixture in different areas especially as diverse as say Florida would be to Colorado. Unlike gasoline, setting the mixture lean on alternative fuel is cool running, clean burning and efficient."

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/faq's.htm

Huntindog wrote:
There are more BTUs in gas than there is in propane.

Propane generators don't produce as much power as gasoline ones... That means less power to run the AC.

I also am skeptical of 20# of propane being the equivalent of 5 gallons of gas, for the same reason.

Propane as a generator fuel really only has one benefit.
No carburetor to gum up in storage.

And the oil lasts forever in a propane engine. :)

dieselenthusiast wrote:

bfast54 wrote:

dieselenthusiast wrote:
The Yamaha is starting to look appealing because I can get a propane kit for it!

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/

You can get a propane kit ,for Honda also......WORD OF WARNING..... right from Tri-Gas propane......THE PROPANE GENERATOR IS VERY THIRSTY.....


Try,,100 lb cylinders......you know the Tall ones,outside Food Trailers,food trucks...
Take his advice.....and HE SELLS PROPANE....

The kit that I'm looking at does not consume a lot of propane. "For instance, a portable 20# grill type propane cylinder is equivalent to 5 gallons of gasoline." Plus, the kit also allows you to run gasoline and natural gas. You can read more about it here:

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/

That would be impossible. Propane only has 73% of the energy of gasoline. That means you will use about 25% more propane than gasoline. Link

Propane engines run much hotter than gasoline engines of the same base model. For an engine to be multi-fuel, I have to believe that there are compromises somewhere. A propane engine often times has larger diameter head bolts, lower compression and different head gasket material than the same engine running on gas.

jaycocreek wrote:
Owe, didn't know that... That's cool...I always like lots of options if one should fail. I'll be looking into that for my Honda.

Thanks for the explanation.

No problem! Plus, they add a Tachometer/Hour meter to each generator. "In seconds you can dial in the correct fuel mixture for any elevation. This can save a lot of fuel. For instance, the gasoline carburetor has a fixed jet that cannot be adjusted for better economy; if it is rich it will be wasting fuel for no reason. The alternate fuel system is easily adjusted with one finger tip control. Watch the TACH and dial in the leanest, cleanest, and most efficient mixture for your current needs."

I had two EU2000 Hondas but they took up a lot of room . I ran across a deal on a EU3000 Honda for $1,100 which was like new, used one time. Sold the two EU2000 for $750 each. I bought both a yr or so before for $1,200 for both.
and run the 3000 from my p/up bed which has a shell. Later I picked up another EU2000 Honda for $300 which I use if I know that I will not need A/C. IMO you cannot beat the EU3000 Honda or two EU2000 Hondas

Atlee wrote:
Do you plan on keeping it in your truck. If so, either of those 3ooo's will do fine. I do not run my generators from the truck, since I want to use it to run around. That's why I have two 2000's. I can get them out of the truck.

You bring up a good point. We would keep it in the truck some of the time, but not all the time. The weight isn't too bad, my wife and I could lift and maneuver the Yamaha without too much difficulty.

Yamaha EF3000iS = 136 lbs.
Yamaha EF3000iSEB = 154.3 lbs.

Highway 4x4 wrote:
I bought my Honda E3000is back in 02. Just change oil and air filter. 1 new battery for the electric start. No issues, always runs. I think I paid about 1800 for it back then. I have not found a better gen yet.

I sure haven't found many problems with the Honda. The problems that I have found seem to be related to recalls. The Yamaha doesn't seem to have many problems either. Ha ha, tough decisions!