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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 28 Feb 2014 10:43am
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Quoting: Truecabin all generators put out a clean power even a big cheap $300 gen but they dont all hold the 60hz steady under load for that you need inverter type
Important point and also, on the Honda EU series, if the generator load is excessive and it cant maintian voltage/cycles (loads too high) the output just stops, this is to prevent damage from sensitive electronics. So you dont get the brown out or low voltage/cycles ever from these machines.
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CCurley
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2014 10:47am
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Purchased a 10-yr old 3500w Honda generator in '93 for $1000. We used it build our cabin, rescue friends from ice storms, and a myriad of other things. It's our main power source for our 900sqft cabin. It has performed flawlessly for over 20 yrs now. Oil and spark plug changes periodically. Installed a remove start after 7 yrs and love it. If it ever does die, we've considered diesel and other generators, but can't see any reason to not purchase Honda again.
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bukhntr
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2014 01:28pm - Edited by: bukhntr
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[]has anybody tried the predator generators from Harbor Freight? Just got an ad showing a 2500 watt model on sale for 499. Rated at 64 db and consistant power for electronics. It looks like a knock off Honda. guess for the price I am curious
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rmak
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2014 02:06pm
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It got mixed reviews on the site. A deal killer is the review that said it's loud.
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Truecabin
Member
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2014 04:36pm
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64db is not loud but its not a whisper like 59db. but maybe its not 64db
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borisvonf
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# Posted: 6 Mar 2014 08:53pm
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Just to add my $.02. I have a champion 2000/1600 inverter that I got at sams. I have been reasonably pleased with it. It is as quiet as a honda but not as powerful. I added on to my deck and it would not run the same circular saw that my buddies honda 2000 would. It won't run my shop vac either. It cost $399 2 years ago and has been reliable. It is stackable to run with a second to up the ouput to 3000 watts. I haven't been able to find a second for close to original cost. I do wish I had a honda thought. One other thing to consider is that the honda has a fuel pump that makes it easy to rig up with a type gas tank for mush longer duration. My genny doesn't use a fuel pump so any extended run tank must use gravity.
One other comment, I switched to ethanol free gas and my genny seems much happier.
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Cabin_is_heaven
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2014 10:59am
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I bought a pair of champion inverter generators with the parallel kit...factory refurbished...from ebay...for $849...free shipping. They have run for 24/7 for weeks on end with no problems. 2000w peak...1600w running. In parallel they only give 3000w, about 26amps. But still plenty to run everything in my cabin(10cuft fridge, 14 cfl light bulbs, 10,000 BTU Window AC, shurflo water pump, led tv, chargers for tools and phones, and a 900w microwave when the ac isn't running). Over night with just the fridge running mainly...I leave just one gen running and it will run 12 hours on a gallon. In over two years...never had a problem. Only thing it won't run is my big air compressor...for which I have an old 5kw generator to handle that when I need it.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 04:14pm
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This has prolly been discussed a couple hunnerd times. But, to save my scrolling thumb for other things;
Our cabin is 4800' in elevation.
It gets cold there.
But it's a dry cold.
I shivering -40° partial rattling, butt numbing dry cold.
In googling diesel generators, I noticed one showed in the specs that it wouldn't operate at 3280' above sea level. Home dopey is pushing it for a grand (see pic) Here's the exact verbiage;
Max operating height above sea level 3,280 ft., max environment temp 104 Deg F
Never heard of such a thing.
Izzat common with diesel?
However;
My main question is, which is best, diesel, gas, or propane?
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creeky
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 06:18pm
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mojo how long have you had the Hyundai ? I've got a big honda, it's amazing. but it is a bit noisy. 8500...gx390. I was thinking to put a smaller genny next to the solar shed for late fall/early winter. I got the gx on final sale for 1000 canadian. and the worst thing. i could have got electric start. i took the one still in the box and didn't realize it was different from the remaining floor model. still. 4 years. gas and oil.
imho. high canadian prices are due to a) middle men. distributors buy out of the us ... so in the us the retailer buys from the warehouse. in canada the middle man buys from the warehouse, marks up and sells to the retailer. and b) small market. so even manufacturers want more money to cover the additional overhead of a regional office etc.
it is getting better. lowes for instance has pretty much equivalent pricing on some stuff now.
as true cabin points out. gennies put out sinoidal (now there's a word you won't see often. lol) current. the problem is power fluctuations. which may bother sensitive electronic equipment.
silverwaterlady. you don't have insurance. what do you care about getting a CSA. buy the cheap appliances. i will drive up and install for gas money if it helps. i haven't been up to Manitoulin Island for ... 47 years. I'm due a visit.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 07:16pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Quoting: Gary O Izzat common with diesel? However; My main question is, which is best, diesel, gas, or propane?
Gary, not sure on altitude. I know early Toyotas injection pumps on their diesels had an altitude compensator. But if the diaphragm ripped, you couldnt go up too high in elevation without a big power loss. I suspect these rigs just dont have the HAC (high altitude compensator)
I suspect the diesel generator is a 4 pole unit, meaning it gets 60Hz at 1800 rpm vs the 2 poles that get it at 3600 rpm. Maybe motorhome gennies use 4 poles. Diesel generators are heavy. All diesel engines are super heavy. Diesel is dirty, it contaminate the oil, while propane is the easiest on engine oil. I'd get the Honda EU6500is, it rolls around, heavy, but way lighter than that diesel and probably much quieter. But cost is 4K though.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 07:28pm
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Thanks T-Tech.
I'm now researching propane.
Yeah, Honda has gotta be the best, and I may get their 2000 for cabinhold (lights/computer) needs, but....not gonna pay $4K just to get my saws goin'.......
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 07:49pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Gary, I used my Hondas EU2000i to build my cabin, saws,m air compressor, shop vac, charging tools and it did it with ease. A worm drive saw takes a second to spool up. Just wait a second before you get into the wood with it. And air compressors, use a diaphragm type, not a piston type. I used the Porter Cable 6 gallon from Home Depot, lights right off. I do all of this in "eco mode" where the generator is barely above idle and closer to 45 db. It will go up a but in the heavier loads, but only as needed, never to exceed 59DB.
And in the evening, just you and cabbi setting by the fire in the evening, all lighting provided by the generator you cant even hear running outside, even when you are outside is priceless.
Get the Honda EU2000i, finest unit on the planet and I have loads of experience with it. You cant do better, period. You can get close.
http://www.wisesales.com has them now for $999 with free shipping.
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 09:01pm
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What is a worm drive saw Toyota? My gen just stopped working...ran for hours, shut it off and tried to start it two minutes later and wouldn't fire up so I may be in the market for a new one. But I need it to run power tools like a compressor and circular saw.
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rayyy
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 09:02pm
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My Generac 1600 watt bit the dust so my Honda EU2000I is still(by far) the best generator on the earth!It start's with one half tug on the cord,is so quiet that you can't hear it from 50 feet away and keep's me in electric day after day after day!
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 5 Jul 2014 09:15pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Quoting: Smawgunner What is a worm drive saw Toyota?
The motor axis is at a right angle to the blade, there is a transmission on it, so it takes a bit more energy to fire up and get spinning. Mine is the Skil brand, red handled unit which means its the magnesium case. I only paid $179 for mine, but that was years ago from Home Base! Anyone remember Home Base????
The blade spins a bit slower, more power, and the armature spinning like it does acts like a gyro and helps to keep the saw going straight on those long cuts. And when you release the trigger, it stops rather quickly.
Few pictures to show the difference. All mfg make worm drives, ie Skil, De Walk, Milwaukee, Makita etc. All the pros like worm drives. Heavier, more money, but much nicer to use.
The Honda EU2000i will run a compressor, but get the diaphragm type. I have a table saw from Porter Cable, consumes 7 amps, more on start up, EU2000i runs it all. I use the Honda EU2000i to build my cabin and it ran everything I threw at it and all in the "eco mode" which keeps it at a quiet 45 db or so.
The Yamaha is decent, but a distant second place choice. the bigger motor, consumes more fuel, doesnt run as long and when you shut it off, you have to turn the engine off, then turn the fuel off. Honda, its done in one action by the same switch/lever. And it appears the Yamaha is $10 less.  
Skil Brand "worm drive" Circular saw
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Skil Brand circular saw
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 01:32am
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech Get the Honda EU2000i, finest unit on the planet
I've been noting your comments on that Honda of yours for two/three....maybe four or more years now.
I am definitely getting the EU2000I, but......I highly doubt it'll power up my saws. Sure, a circular saw, a drill, a compressor, but after I hauled my alternate table saw out there and watched the blade move a quarter lap and die a half dozen times, I realized my HFT cheapy (3500 peak watts) wasn't gonna do it.
I'll check out all my equipment before I buy to see what I need.
Not spending $4K for a jenny.
I WILL spend a grand for clean juice to the cabin, however.
Thanks, T-Tech for your always very informative comment.
cheers
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 01:38am
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Quoting: bukhntr has anybody tried the predator generators from Harbor Freight?
I've got the Predator 3500.
Got rather used to going 'WHAT??!' all the time. Considered sticking my head into a jet engine compartment to get some relief.
The thing is a work horse, however.
I've had it a few yrs now
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bobrok
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 08:58am
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Hey Gary, I have a direct drive 8" Craftsman portable table saw and my eu2000i handles it very well. In fact nary a problem. It's all in how you feed the stock I've learned. I also pulse the motor when I start it. Works for me.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 09:06am
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Quoting: bobrok I also pulse the motor when I start it.
Interesting.
I must play.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 10:59am - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Quoting: Gary O I am definitely getting the EU2000I, but......I highly doubt it'll power up my saws. Sure, a circular saw, a drill, a compressor, but after I hauled my alternate table saw out there and watched the blade move a quarter lap and die a half dozen times, I realized my HFT cheapy (3500 peak watts) wasn't gonna do it. I'll check out all my equipment before I buy to see what I need. Not spending $4K for a jenny.
Gary, those older more fixed type table saws consume loads on start up.
Speny the $$$ on the EU2000i, then get some lower consumption table saw and stil be way ahead. I have never drug out my big gennie to the cabin. I would hate doing that. I took into consideration when buying all my building tools, "would the EU2000i run it". I have always wanted a table saw, but the weight and the fact they are hard to move around, I put it off. Then I saw the portable fold up units from Lowes, it consumed 7 amps and was light and folded up, rolls around on its own wheel like a hand truck. The EU2000i doesn't even know the table saw is plugged in. Doesn't even work up a sweat. I think I paid $299 for it from Lowes. Leave that big heavy older table saw at home or toss it on craigslist. 
Specs shows 15 amps, but I think that is the circuit you plug it into (std/typical) and I have never stalled it nor did it even load down. I usually use it to rip sheet plywood or trim work, ie 5/4 cedar build bird houses etc. Has a nice fence, adjustable blade angle, adjustable push etc.
I made sure anything I bought for tools would work off the EU2000i. And it all did. My worm drive saw and shop vac uses the most and only on start up. But still ran all with ease. It ran my compressor easily.
http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=24026
The Lowes Link, shows it for $299. This is a 10" table saw.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_510902-46069-PCB222TS_0__?productId=50146380&Ntt=table+saw&pl =1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dtable%2Bsaw&facetInfo=
I have a good buddy who bought the almost identical unit I had from Sears for $199, it looked identical to mine, suspect same mfg, but had Craftsman on it instead. Here it is.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cm-craftsman-10-in-portable-table-saw/p-00941503000P?p rdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
Here is a great video with the EU2000i and a table saw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Sj-mfVpjkw
Porter Cable table saw
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Craftsman Table Saw From Sears
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bobrok
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 11:33am
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^workhorse^
My 30+ year old Craftsman is similar to above, fewer features, but runs very well off my eu2000i.
I modified an old B&D Workmate to serve as my stand.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2014 12:11pm
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Dang, I'm sure glad for this forum.
I'll absolutely look into the fold up table saw.
(been eyeing them for years)
bob, you remind me of me
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joedepilot
Member
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2014 09:50pm
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Making an electric start gen to start by remote is simple as an on/off switch and a pushbutton start switch an a few feet of wire. Probably less than $10 total.
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rayyy
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2014 08:30am
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I use my table saw all the time on my Honda.Also my microwave and vacuum cleaner.I never have any stalling problems.Once in a while I'll trip the built in circuit breaker if I'm ripping a board length wise on the table saw but that is rare.
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MJW
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2014 08:02pm
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We have been very happy using the Hondas to run our entire place for over a year now.
A little power usage management is all you need to run everything. We use between 1 and 2 gallons of gas a day and never have to worry about an ice storm or anything weather related knocking our power out.
I'll get the solar in one day...but having those Hondas has made it much less of a priority.
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creeky
Member
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# Posted: 13 Jul 2014 04:49pm
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I use my genny for the table saw now that I've replaced the 3 kw inverter with a 1600.
But a little math on solar.
(Note: I spent 5k 4 years ago on my solar system. Ignoring that I would still need to buy batteries and a charger [full time 24/7 electrical requirement]: which was 40% of my initial investment [$2k].)
So spending 1 gallon of gas per day to run appliances and charge those "free" batteries at $4 a gallon x 4 yr x 365 days ... I have $5840. In this scenario my solar system has now recouped its cost.
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CaptCanuck
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# Posted: 30 Jul 2014 10:09pm - Edited by: CaptCanuck
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I have the Honda 2000i too, and love it. Bought it used and runs like a top. Couldn't ask for more.
Runs a table saw no problem at all.
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Trulsson
Member
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2017 03:42pm
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I have a Brigg&Straton 4000W and a 7000W EI Honda Generator. electric start 65db.
The B & S use 3 times the amount of fuel over my Honda and wake up the entire neighbor hood.
Honda cost way more but u will make up the diff in fuel savings. I only Use the B & S if I need to tick off the neighbors 5 blocks down the road lolo.
The HOnda can be 5 feet from you and you can talk normal.
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bushbunkie
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2017 05:26pm
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Hey Fishinator, keep your eye on Kijiji....I live in Sarnia, Ont. and picked this up for $1500. mint and hardly used.
RMAK....I get the fact that many of us have to pick, choose and prioritize our $$$ when thinking of the cabin. I picked up this $600. Firman 4450 Generator at Lowes over Christmas for $299.00 as an emergency back up...will come on sale again. It has a cover and wheel kit and for $299.00 I have little to lose. I start it regularly...first pull, no prob and decibal rating is 68...not a Yammy or Honda...but a lot quieter than others you pay more for.
Love my Yammy...
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Impressed so far with this...
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rockies
Member
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2017 06:44pm
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Given that gasoline can go bad after being in storage too long and the fact that should there ever be a prolonged electrical outage and the gas stations can't pump fuel out of their tanks have you considered using a propane generator?
http://www.best-portables.com/portable-propane-generators.html
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