Honda EU3000iS vs. Yamaha EF3000iSE/B

[pickerdd]

I've read numerous threads on both of these inverters and the specs seem to be very similar except the weight difference. The Yamaha is about 20 pounds heavier than the Honda generator (without the wheels attached). So, the question that I'd like to ask is, is there a specific reason to favor The Honda over the Yamaha, or the Yamaha over the Honda?

Thanks for your assistance.

[tpi]

I bought the Yamaha for the simple reason the wheels are included and installed. I roll it around all the time.

It also has a boost function which may help start difficult motors or loads.

But other than that... six of one, half dozen of the other.

[zedex]

Honda because hondas are very reliable. 5 years down the road the honda will start every time where as other brands? Not so much.

[Jack46]

Check out the Honda 3000 Handi. About half the weight of the Yamaha - 78lbs. We bought one and it is terrific.

[JFScheck]

Honda 3000i Handi may be light - but it is NOISY at 57 - 65 dBA with most reporting closer to the higher end of 65 dBA - sacrifices noise insulation for lighter weight, smaller fuel tank plus lighter engine might be a factor in longevity, etc.

Yamaha EF3000iSE/B not only is quieter at 53 - 60 dBA with mine at full load running at 57dBA and only spiking at 59 dBA when in "boost" mode but also - you gotta ask yourself - do you wanna be having to get up at night to refuel your generator - you will with the Honda...

BTW - 5dBA is a MONSTER DIFFERENCE, OH - and the Yamaha's are proven at least as reliable as the Honda's - some say even more so...

EF3000iSE/B
1. Maximum AC Output at 3000 watts
2. Boost capable using onboard battery to 3500 watts for 10 seconds (battery also starts generator)
3. Rated AC Output at 2800 watts continuous
4. Continuous Operation at 1/4 rated load = 19 hours
5. Fuel Tank Capacity 3.4 gallons
6. Dry Weight 154.3 lbs

Honda 3000i Handi
1. Maximum AC Output at 3000 watts
2. Rated AC Output at 2600 watts continuous
3. Continuous Operation at 1/4 rated load = 7.7 hours
4. Fuel Tank Capacity 1.56 gallons
5. Dry Weight 78 lbs

Yamaha EF3000iSE/B would be my first choice....
Yamaha EF3000iSE would be my second choice....
Honda EU3000iS would be my third choice....
Honda EU3000i Handi would be my fourth choice....

BTW - Did I Mention The Yamaha is BLUE?

[3 Dog Nite]

I'm looking into options to replace my onboard Onan generator. Do either of these have a remote start option or are they both pull start only?

Ricky

[tkasten]

I use the Honda EU 3000 ie. It is the quietest on the market 49 - 58 db. It is heavy so I have it chained into the back of my truck for the entire season. Most of the time I am able to run it in the eco mode (less rpm's) and it will run 8 hrs. on a tank of gas. I love the electric start.

[pickerdd]

Thanks for the suggestions and comments! I'm not including of the Honda Handi 3000 here... Other than brand loyalty, weight difference, the Yamaha has wheels on it as a standard feature, and the Honda is a little quieter (according to the published specs) there really are no major differences between the two units. I guess it comes down to red or blue.

A question of a separate nature to you all. How do you secure your Honda 3000 or Yamaha 3000 generator in your Airstream? My TV is a 4Runner and I don't want the generator in the 4Runner, so I need to find a way to secure the Generator in the AS.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but would 2 Honda 2000's be louder than the 3000?

As always, thanks for your help!

[tpi]

Originally Posted by 3 Dog Nite

I'm looking into options to replace my onboard Onan generator. Do either of these have a remote start option or are they both pull start only?

Ricky

Yes. I know at least the Yamaha has one. Both the Honda and Yamaha are electric start.
Yamaha Inverter EF3000iSE/B Accessories, Yamaha Inverter EF3000iSE/B Yamaha QuickStart Remote Start Kit

A question of a separate nature to you all. How do you secure your Honda 3000 or Yamaha 3000 generator in your Airstream? My TV is a 4Runner and I don't want the generator in the 4Runner, so I need to find a way to secure the Generator in the AS.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but would 2 Honda 2000's be louder than the 3000?

I like the single 3000 vs. two 2000s due to run time. Yes the twins can be made to run a long time with remote fuel kit. Noise should be about the same, one way or the other.

For carrying inside the Airstream maybe a ramp and some kind of tie down system for the 3000 generator. In this case the 2000s could be easier to transport.

[JFScheck]

Only down side to the remote start - it's kinda pricy... At least on the Yamaha it's a simple "plug into the harness" and done install....

[jsvetrano]

Everything Yamaha that I owned was high quality. This includes 3 motorcycles and a bunch of their PA/musical instrument gear. However, I would go Honda because...

1) The front wheels on the EF3000 don't swivel making it difficult to maneuver
2) The EF3000 is 20 lbs heavier.
3) Higher resale value

I frequent lots of fairs and festivals as a DJ/outdoor movie contractor. I see far more Hondas than Yamahas. I only know 2 people who own Yamahas. I have 14 Honda dealers within a 30 mile radius of NJ zip code 07753 as opposed to only 6 Yamaha dealers

[Bruce B]

I'm sure that both Honda and Yamaha generators are top notch. No gain one way or the other...
As to a single 3000 watt unit being about the same noise as a pair of 2000's? Well that is simply wishful thinking! The two EU2000i's that replaced our beloved EU3000is have a real bark compared to the 3000. The difference is quite real in both pressure levels and more importantly tone. The 3000 is a joy to run as you can barely hear it.
The only reason we sold our Honda EU 3000is was because I am simply too dumb to stop lifting heavy loads and I hurt my back. I knew where this was heading...

I think red or blue sums it up pretty well!
Bruce

[hfc7713]

I own 2 Yamaha EF2000's and a Yamaha EF3000. I love them for different reasons. The smaller ones for the smaller jobs and convenience factor of being able to parallel but the larger one runs for a longer time before refill. They have been fantastic - reliable and quite economical too. The EF3000 is really quiet - more so than the 2000w units especially when paralled together.
I can maneuver the larger one quite easily - the wheels help. I need help to lift it up though.
The smaller ones can be carried easily.
I would have been very happy with Hondas but I got great deals on these and I have always had good service from Yamaha products.
I fitted magnetic dipsticks in the 2x 2000 units but I cannot find anything available for the 3000w unit - the thread size is larger. Does anyone know of one that would fit?

[Jack46]

I originally replied in 2011 about having a Honda 3000 Handi which I traded for two 2000 i's for the same reasons you outlined. To overcome the fuel capacity issue I found a 6 gallon fuel cell on line that solves the problem for one or both units. I think it is Bass Industries in TX