Yamaha 6,600-Watt Industrial Generator with Electric Start #YG6600DEC

6,600 Max Rated Watts Generator can produce 6,600 watts for up to 20 minutes 6,000 ra...
Customer Review: Reliable, Hard-Starting
It seems that reviews are going to vary quite a bit on this generator. I bought mine new from a marine supplier going out of business and have used it as a backup generator for about 5 years in two different houses in two different climates (the South and northern New England). My generator has been hard-starting since new, with no adjustments, plug changes, or anything else making any difference whatsoever. (And the gas has a preservative in it.) I absolutely cannot pull-start mine unless the engine is hot. Because of this, I start mine with the electric starter and always keep a battery charger attached. The good news is that it always starts without fail and runs smoothly immediately on starting, even though I have to crank it a bit. Starting is pretty much the same in warm temps or sub-zero. I bought this generator because of its excellent reputation for clean power and for its ability to handle surge demand - important for a backup generator as you don't want power to sag too far when motors in well pumps and furnaces kick on. The generator motor is brushless and high quality. The engine is built for long life and my direct experience has proven that out, having had to run through outages lasting days. It is also reasonably quiet given that it is an open frame design. The 6600 is heavy. I highly recommend getting the mobility kit. As an FYI, the frame has a lifting eye on top - very handy if you have the ability to take advantage of it. My generator panel carries the well pump, 1st floor furnace, refrigerator and freezer, pellet stove, a selection of light circuits, and a few other circuits. I start the generator with all circuits running motors off, switching them in 1 minute increments to offset any starting loads. The switching sequence is kept on a list in the panel. I'm not sure what direction I'd go if I bought another generator. On one hand, it would be convenient to have a built-in, whole-house unit. Then again, they are expensive and you leave those behind when you move. Another direction would be an inverter-based unit. The advantage there is cleaner power, but they have a higher risk of breakdown (more electronics). Pick your compromise, I guess. A high-quality, air-cooled, open frame generator is an excellent choice, but you need to put the emphasis on quality when you buy. Pass the discount and home center brands by and pick up something like the Yamaha, a Honda, or an Onan. This is an excellent generator, though I have to knock it down to 4 stars because of the starting issues I've experienced with my unit.
Customer Review: The Best!!
A quiet strong and nicely made generator. Works great and the lockplugs are easy to hook up. Best I have ever seen in its class! The guy complaining about his has not read his handbook. In a blackout, it will run the heater, the fridge,lights, pump, tv etc. I use a surge protector on mine.

Oversize vehicles are a vital part of the rural development in Western Australia. WA is a huge state and road transport is the only way some items can be transported around the state. Just have a look at some of the huge mining trucks.

There are many types of oversize vehicles, all of which display a sign indicating that the vehicle is greater than the standard width or length. The standard width for a truck is usually no more than 2.5 metres wide and cars are around 1.9 metres wide.

MEETING AN OVERSIZE VEHICLE

Headlights on and OVERSIZE sign displayed. This indicates the vehicle (or load actually) is up to half a metre wider than the normal vehicle width and/or 22 to 25 metres long.

When you meet this vehicle, take care and keep to the left (or right for International readers who drive on the right hand side of the road).

Headlights on and an amber rotating beacon. This indicates the load is up to 3.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is longer than 25 metres.

Slow down and pass with care - you should be able to keep to the made surface of the sealed road.

Headlights on, an amber rotating beacon and a pilot vehicle in front with amber beacons and OVERSIZE VEHICLE FOLLOWING signs. This indicates the load is up to 4.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is up to 30 metres long.

You should slow down and be prepared to move off the side of the road. When you do this be aware of loose gravel on the side of the road and of course and guideposts, drains, culverts etc.

Headlights on, OVERSIZE signs, an amber rotating beacon and a pilot vehicle in front with amber beacons, flashing headlights and OVERSIZE VEHICLE FOLLOWING signs. There will also be a pilot vehicle with amber beacons and flashing headlights at the rear of the vehicle. This indicates the load is up to 5.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is up to 30 metres long.

You should slow down and be prepared to move off the side of the road. When you do this be aware of loose gravel on the side of the road and of course and guideposts, drains, culverts etc

Headlights on, OVERSIZE signs, an amber rotating beacon, a pilot vehicle in front with amber beacons, flashing headlights and OVERSIZE VEHICLE FOLLOWING signs and a Police escort with blue and red flashing lights. There will also be a pilot vehicle with amber beacons and flashing headlights at the rear. This indicates the load is over 5.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is over 30 metres long.

You should slow down move off the side of the road. When you do this be aware of loose gravel on the side of the road and of course and guideposts, drains, culverts etc. and wait for a signal from the rear pilot before moving back onto the road.
Note - Pilot vehicles are usually some distance in front of the loads to give you plenty of warning. So slow down and stay at a lower speed until you have passed the oversize vehicle.

Further Note - Sometimes two oversize vehicles travel in convoy with one another and may be escorted by only one pilot where applicable. Normally, the two loads are not too far apart, but with normal road conditions and traffic etc this may cause them to be further apart than usual. Be aware of this and make sure the road is clear ahead before pulling back onto the road to ensure the second vehicle has had time to pass, particularly when there is no rear pilot vehicle.
Additional Further Note - When meeting an oversize vehicle (or any vehicle for that matter) on a narrow sealed section of road, slow down and move as far left as practicable. This will reduce flying debris like stones that can cause your windscreen to break and dust which could impair your vision.

OVERTAKING AN OVERSIZE VEHICLE

• The most important thing is to BE PATIENT. Overtake when a safe opportunity arises via an overtaking land or break in oncoming traffic. Where it is possible, drivers of oversize vehicle will normally give you plenty of chances to overtake.
• Stating the obvious - only overtake when the road is clear. If you are towing a caravan or trailer, make sure you can see a long way ahead (normally at least 1km).
• Never overtake an oversize vehicle at an intersection, because this vehicle may have to turn left from the right hand lane or right from the left hand lane.
• Remember to give oversize vehicles plenty of room to stop or slow down.
• When you do decide to overtake - do so with confidence.
• A little warning, be prepared for wind buffeting (or lack of it) when you are overtaking.
• You should allow the oversize vehicle to stay on the sealed section of the road.
• When you do get past the vehicle and move back into the left hand lane, allow enough room for the oversize vehicle and pilot - don't cut them off even though you should be travelling at a faster pace.

Note - Waiting a few seconds could not only save your life but lives of other road users.

Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.

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