Everything You Need to Know About Yamaha Generators

Reviewed by Linda D. Jones

Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Alice Benny

Mention the words Yamaha generators to people, and they’ll equate it with quality. You may have seen Consumer Reports ranked the Yamaha 2000 inverter generator as a quality recreational generator.

It ranks well for reduced noise, power quality, and power delivery. For years, Yamaha has manufactured a number of high quality inverter generators that pack power in a small package.

If you’ve been using these products before, you’ll have a good idea of what to buy. If not, here’s a guide to the best that Yamaha Generator has to offer.

Here you’ll see their specs, features and what separates them from the rest.

You can compare and contrast the models and what they offer as well as read customer reviews. This will save you the trouble of getting one of these home as they are heavy.

Here’s everything you need to know about generators with a focus on Yamaha generators.

Many people, homesteaders and preppers in particular, also consider the option of a solar backup generator.

Yamaha Generator

Choosing one of their portable inverter generators can give you peace of mind should you need power in an emergency. It will also power mobile devices and other electronics when camping, RV traveling, tailgating, and other recreational use.

You may also find it convenient to move it around on your property for home projects. These types will power many devices but will not have the output of a home standby type.

Yamaha Generator Inverter 1000

The Yamaha generator Inverter 1000 epitomizes the power and portability that Yamaha 1000 generator has become known for. If you are looking for a small portable generator, this is one to consider.

Unlike others, the Yamaha Generator Inverter provides power and electrical output without compromising portability, which has always been one of the biggest concerns for consumers.

Yamaha 1000 generator inverter has a specially designed inverter system that allows it to produce up to 1000 watts of power.

Once the generator is up and running, you can use it nonstop for up to 12 hours without the need to fuel up again.

The Yamaha 1000 Generator Inverter also uses Yamaha’s fuel efficiency system so it lasts much longer.

It also distinguishes itself from others is the way it delivers clear and superior quality power. The Yamaha Inverter generates sine waves which is purer power when compared to other sources.

Basically, this means when you run their 1000 model, you don’t have to worry about the kind of energy you are using.

Different Generator and Inverter modes – Yamaha 1000

Just like other generators from this brand, this has several modes. When you set it to Economy, you can run it for 12 hours continuously.

The unit also has a Smart Throttle Load that allows it to adjust the speed of the engine dynamically.

With the Smart Throttle Load, the Yamaha 1000 generator is able to tweak the output according to the requirements, making it even more fuel efficient.

It also has a dual coil alternator stator that reduces fuel consumption by cutting back engine speed.

For all its power and versatility, the Yamaha 1000 Generator only weighs 27.6 pounds, making it more portable than others in its class.

The control panel is well-designed too as you can access its features with a single button.

Because it can recharge via its 12V DC output, you can use it on boats, cars and RVs.

It also has a noise reduction feature built in so you can run it without having to put up with excess noise. The glass wool used in its construction acts as a natural sound absorber. Noise is minimized, even when running at full power.

Yamaha Generators Inverter specifications

Maximum AC Output: 1000 watts

Rated AC Output: 900 watts

Continuous Operation at 1/4 Rated Load: 11.9 hr

Engine Speed at 1/4 Load: 3000 rpm

Noise Level (1/4 Load – Rated Load): 47- 57 dBA

Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.66 gal

Dry Weight: 27.9 lb

L x W x H: 17.7 x 9.4 x 14.9 in

Engine: OHV, air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke

Rated / Maximum AC Current: 7.5 /8.3 amps @ 120V

Yamaha Generator 2000

The Yamaha generator 2000 is equipped with a 79 cc 4-stroke OHV engine, and judging from the built and cast iron cylinder, it’s built to last.

Performance-wise, it delivers in terms of dissipating heat especially when ranged against other generators in its class.

With a maximum output of 2000 watts, it’s also equipped with the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control from Yamaha.

It’s this feature that allows the Yamaha generator 2000 to produce clean sine waves.

Even if you don’t understand all the technical details, what’s important to note is that it’s this purity that allows it to operate air conditioners, refrigerators and other electronics.

It’s most ideal for powering up a couple of essential appliances.

If there’s a power outage for instance, you can use the Yamaha Generator to power a good sized refrigerator as well as a pump, some lights, or a host of other small appliances.

It comes with a 1.1 gallon tank which handles regular unleaded.

This tank seems small but in spite of this, it’s capable of operating for 10.5 hours straight with a 25% load. The unit also has an impressive design: a pull start mechanism is utilized and will start with a single pull.

Very reliable

Yamaha generators 2000 are known for being quiet and this model is no exception. When running, it has a noise level of 51.5 dB to 61 dB, and that’s quiet any way you look at it.

Because of this, and its reliability, Yamahas have become one of the most widely used generators for camping.

The Yamaha generator 2000 has a dry weight of 44 lbs. and measures 19.3 in long, 11.0 in wide and 17.9 in high.

This means it only takes up 2.2 cubic feet, making it much more compact than most generators.

It has a good warranty as well. It’s good for three years and covers the entire unit.

Another reason it’s worth considering is its number of 5 star ratings in customer reviews.

It’s easy for a manufacturer to say that their product can do this or that, but when you get confirmation from customers, then it’s another story altogether.

Any way you look at it, it offers good value for your money.

Yamaha Generator 2000 specifications

Maximum AC Output: 2000 watts

Rated AC Output: 1600 watts

Noise Level (1/4 Load – Rated Load): 51.5 – 61 dBA

Continuous Operation at 1/4 Rated Load: 10.5 hrs

Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.1 gallons

Dry Weight: 44.1 lb

DC Output: 8 amps @ 12V

L x W x H: 19.3 x 11.0 x 17.9 in

Displacement: 79cc

Engine: OHV air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke

Yamaha Generator
Yamaha Generator

Yamaha Generator 2400

The Yamaha  generator 2400 has several features that more than justify its price tag.

Compared with the other generators by Yamaha, the 2400 has a more powerful motor and is capable of providing clean power.

The controls have also been simplified so it’s easier to run. It can make adjustments to the engine speed to correspond with the load. This is an important feature as it helps conserve fuel and energy.

It also has a built-in safety feature that prevents possible damage to the engine when oil is running low.

With the way the unit has been constructed, expect it to last, which will alleviate concerns about down times or repairs.

As far as performance is concerned, it can handle portable air conditioning unit, blow dryers, microwave ovens and other appliances.

Yamaha Generator 2400 Fuel gauge

It has a fuel gauge so you see how much is left, and as one of Yamaha’s High Current models, it is built to last and is made for heavy duty use.

These generators also have an aluminum die-cast frame, and because the TCI rotor is aluminum as well, it makes it compact and light, weighing 75 lbs.

It also has the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) found in other Yamahas. This produces high quality electrical power.

When you run it, you can use it with confidence on your sensitive electronics and devices.

If you need to make adjustments to the configuration, the Smart Throttle feature will do it for you.

What all this means is the Yamaha Generator 2400 runs quietly. When at full power, it can run for 8.5 hours with a ¼ load capacity.

In addition, Yamaha Generators 2400 have a Watch Warning System which will keep the engine from getting damaged.

As far as versatility goes, the generator is very useful when it comes to starting and running electric motors. Just like the other generators featured here, the generator runs quietly and is built for long term use.

In particular, it has a solidly built engine and the framing is durable. You will find the controls easy to use, and it has above average fuel consumption.

Yamaha Generator 2400 specifications

Maximum AC Output: 2400 watts

Rated AC Output: 2000 watts

Noise Level (1/4 Load – Rated Load): 53 – 60 dBA

Continuous Operation at 1/4 Rated Load: 11 hr

Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.6 gal

Dry Weight: 75 lb

L x W x H: 20.8 x 16.5 x 18.2 in

DC Output: 8 amps @ 12V

12V Battery Charge Cord: included

Engine Speed @ Maximum Output: 3400 rpm

Displacement: 171cc

Engine: OHV air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke

Rated / Maximum AC Current: 16.7 / 20 amps @ 120V

Yamaha Generator 3000

The Yamaha generator 3000 is one of the most powerful inverter generators available.

One of its main features is the Pulse Width Modulation, the same system used by other generators to produce superior quality electricity.

When it is running, it’s going to generate the sine waves necessary to operate computers and other appliances.

One of the more common problems with generators is they produce a lot of noise. However, with this model that’s not going to be an issue because of its sound reduction system.

If you examine the enclosure on the Yamaha Generator 3000, you’ll see that it uses sound absorbing elements set in specific locations.

Yamaha generator 3000 also has a uniquely designed muffler that keeps the noise down.

Just like the other generators featured here, it has a Smart Throttle Load Sensing Throttle Control that adjusts the engine speed so it corresponds to the load it is carrying.

What this means is when the generator is running, it makes the maximum possible use of its fuel.

Yamaha Generator Oil Watch Warning System

The Yamaha Generator 3000 also has an Oil Watch Warning System that will notify you if fuel is running low.

More importantly, the Yamaha generator 3000 turns itself off when the fuel has reached a certain point, and you won’t be able to start it up until you add more.

With this safety feature built in, you don’t have to worry the engine will suffer damage.

The running time for the Yamaha Generator 3000 is 20.5 hours under the Economy Mode with ¼ load capacity.

Its 12 volt batteries can also be charged on cars, RVs, boats and even aircraft.

When the generator is running, a noise reducer runs along.

There’s also a centralized control panel that gives you access to all the options, and there’s an electric starter included as well.

It runs very well. It’s not noisy, has a stylish look and the gas gauge is a nice feature.

Furthermore, the power used is clean and doesn’t cause any problems when it comes to using different types of appliances.

The Yamaha Generator also lets you turn the fuel off with the valve as it’s convenient.

Yamaha Generator 3000 specifications

Maximum AC Output (Watts / Amperes): 3000 W / 25 A

Rated AC Output (Watts / Amperes) – Continuous Use: 2800 W / 23.3 A

DC Output (Volts / Amp): 12v / 8.3a

AC Voltage & Frequency (Hz): 120 V / 60 Hz

Engine Oil Capacity: 0.6l

L X W X H Mm (In): 680 X 445 X 555 (26.8 X 17.5 X 21.9)

Dry Weight: 68kg (150 Lb)

Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 13.0

Operating Hours (@ 1 / 4 Load): *20.5 Hrs

Noise Level (@ 7 Meters): 4.5 ~ 61 Db

It is wise to consider what is the best backup power during outages.

This is especially true if you are counting on multiple income streams at your home, as in the case of a small farm, etc.

How to tell the year on a Yamaha generator

You can call Yamaha customer service and they can decode your engine serial number and convert it to year and model type.

Or you can match the serial number on this list.

Yamaha Generator Prices

The cost of these Yamaha generators depends on the specs and where you buy them. They are about $800 on average, with the 2000 a few hundred dollars more.

Yamaha generator 2400 is more expensive at approximately $1,300, but that’s not surprising given its specs.

The costliest among the products reviewed here is the Yamaha generator 3000 which retails for $2500 to $2600.

Purchasing one may be a great investment if you are making a plan to overcome food crisis and are storing meat, etc.

These are just meant to give you a general idea of the price of a Yamaha generator because the specific figures will vary depending on where you buy and the time of year.

Also keep in mind that most online retailers offer discounts or free shipping so it’s always a good idea to have a look around different shops and compare the prices with Generac generators as well.

Generally speaking though, you cannot go wrong with a Yamaha. They are built to work and last, and are reliable and relatively quiet.

5 thoughts on “Everything You Need to Know About Yamaha Generators”

  1. I’m not sure exact hours. But I would imagine its like all small engines (and cars as well), how you treat it, maintenance, etc. Some small engines and cars if treated well and maintain will last a long time.

  2. I found an EF6300iSDE with 3000 hours (ouch) for $1200. It was on a food truck, supposedly regularly maintained. Good buy or about to die??

  3. Yamaha generators will run for tens of thousands of hours as long as you maintain them, there is a YouTube video of a Yamaha inverter generator with 50,000 hours on it and it is still going.

    Compare that to the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 inverter generator where the best I have been able to find is one YouTube video claiming 6,000 hours on it but the engine uses oil, the electric starter is broken and does not work and the pull cord is about to break as the pull rope is worn through. In other words that Predator 3500 is worn out and done.

    I own two Yamaha inverter generators, the EF3000iS and the EF4500iSE, both are reliable and have run perfect from day one.

    You can’t say that about Harbor Freight Predator 3500 generators, some people have had to return them four times, others three times still others two times and even more had to return at least one time. The Predator 3500 is a cheap Chinese made generator that is problem plagued. Every time you return a Predator 3500 you have to drain all the fluids out of it then drive it back to Harbor Freight using up your time, then you have to purchase another quart of oil and break in the replacement Predator 3500 all over again using even more of your time.

    My advice save a few more dollars and buy a quality Yamaha generator and be done with it, they will run when you need them to and allow you to use your time on other activities. There is a reason Yamaha ranks at the top of reliability rankings all the time, Yamaha builds quality products.

    Remember if you want cheap you will get a low quality cheap product in return, if you want quality you have to pay for it.

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