Yamaha EF5500DE - 4500/5500W Portable Generator With Electric Start
The Yamaha EF5500DE is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,500 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W. (Read full specs)
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| Price history for the Yamaha EF5500DE |
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Highest Price
$1,697.00
Lowest Price
$1,697.00
Current Price
$1,697.00
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Page Content
Description
POWER‑PACKED AND LOADED WITH FEATURES. The EF5500 offers the Contractor and home back up customer 5500 watts of power at a great value.
Zoom on the Yamaha EF5500DE
In a nutshell, the Yamaha EF5500DE is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Yamaha EF5500DE
Yamaha EF5500DE runs on gasoline, powered by a 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 4,500W alongside a starting wattage of 5,500W.
At a noise rating of 74.1 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator provides the choice between a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included) for starting.
The fuel capacity of 6.9 gallons allows the EF5500DE to operate for around 13.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.51 GPH).
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the EF5500DE is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<7%).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Yamaha generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EF5500DE is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
Measuring L29.1 x W29 x H31.5 in, the Yamaha EF5500DE showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 238.1 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
A lift hook located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.
Features
The EF5500DE's control panel
A digital data center, one of the features of the EF5500DE's control panel, gives you information on the voltage and lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will signal if the oil level is too low.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
Yamaha's Oil Watch warning system gives you an extra peace of mind. This feature enhances long-term durability by preventing engine damage and costly repairs. Once the oil begins to run low, the generator automatically shuts off and cannot be re-started until oil is added.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Yamaha also included a tool kit in the EF5500DE's packaging.
Product Video
The Yamaha EF5500DE versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Yamaha EF5500DE compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- With a weight of 238.1 lbs, the Yamaha EF5500DE is notably on the heaviest side among generators in the 4000-5000 rated wattage range. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, weighing just 64 pounds.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 74.1 dBA is on the noisier side. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Yamaha EF4500iSE stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 58 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 13.5 hours at 50% load, the EF5500DE benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If run time is one of your main concerns, the NorthStar c5500 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 15.1 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.51 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the WEN DF480iX is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.27 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the Yamaha EF5500DE is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO sensor
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- High run time
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (238.1 lbs)
- On the noisy side (74.1 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Yamaha EF5500DE and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 6.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 238.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29.1 x 29 x 31.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74.1 dBA |
| THD | < 7% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EF55DEX |
| UPC | 765053823098 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Yamaha
With a rich history of over 130 years, the Japanese based Yamaha Corporation, founded in 1887, has tipped its fingers in every industry imaginable, most notably motorcycles, musical instruments and electronics. The company boasts with a wide range of products, including many of the top rated portable generators. However, many of their models are made in China, rather than Japan.
Warranty Information
The Yamaha EF5500DE is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Yamaha generators, please consult Yamaha's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-962-7926.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 3567 W | 5042 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 3595 W | 4015 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
