Echo Bear Cat may be best known for their wood cutting tools, but the same expertise that lawn care professionals have come to depend on carries over to their line of generators. The IG2000 and IG3500E offer electric power that’s safe to use with electronics and appliances in a portable package that’s easy to use and durable.
IG2000
This generator is powered by a 79 cc four stroke engine that is compliant with California emissions, making it legal to operate across the U.S. and Canada. If the oil level gets too low, the engine will shut off automatically to protect internal components.
Instead of making alternating current directly, the motor drives a DC generator. The electricity is then converted from DC to AC using a computer controlled inverter. This extra step lets the IG2000 generate power with a “clean” waveform, switching polarity smoothly as the current alternates. The result is electricity that functions just like grid electricity, safely powering sensitive electronics like TVs, media players, and computers.
The IG2000 produces 1,600 watts of continuous output and can produce up to 2,000 watts for brief periods to handle spikes in loads from the startup of appliances. The engine’s throttle adjusts automatically to fit the current load, saving fuel and reducing noise. If you need more power, Bear Cat offers a parallel kit to link two of these inverters together so they act like a single unit.
Electricity is accessed through a 120 volt duplex plug that splits 20 amps between two outlets. There’s also a 12 volt DC outlet that handles up to 8 amps, letting the generator directly charge automotive batteries and run equipment built to use vehicle power. The generator components are neutrally grounded to the frame, but an additional ground can be added to comply with local regulations.
With a dry weight of 48 lbs, it’s not hard to lift this generator and carry it wherever you need it.
IG3500E
In essence, the IG3500E is the same as an IG2000, just bigger and more powerful. At 93 lbs. including the starter battery, it’s not as light as the 2000, but the wheels on its base make it easy to move around.
Power is provided by a 212cc four stroke that, like the IG200, is 50 state emissions compliant. This engine comes with an electric starter and has a recoil starter as a backup.
It uses the same generator/inverter combo, too, but this model produces up to 3,000 watts continuously and has a 3,500 watt maximum output. Along with the duplex outlet and 12 volt outlet, there’s also a 120V 30A twistlock outlet for high power demand equipment. If you need more power, a parallel kit is available to link two IG3500E’s together.
Sourcing Parts and Accessories for Echo Bear Cat Generators
If you’re looking to buy one of these generators or need to have one serviced, visit Shank’s Lawn Equipment. Our shop is at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. That’s just off Route 11, or you can get here from I-81 by taking Exit 10 to Marion.
Not in the area? We can still ship all the parts you need to keep your generator running, even if you live in Canada. Visit us at our website, www.shankslawn.com.