Cat INV2000 (Discontinued)

The Cat INV2000 is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,800 W and a starting wattage of 2,250 W. (Read full specs)

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This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
If you were looking to purchase it, you may want to have a look at the WEN 56225i, which has similar specs.

Description

Clean, reliable power that out performs other generators in its class. Power up your campsite, tailgate party or other outdoor activities with clean, quiet power from the Cat® INV2000. Inverter technology provides a high quality power that's safe for your sensitive electronics. Full panel GFCI makes it safe for you, your family and friends.

Zoom on the Cat INV2000

In short, the Cat INV2000 is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:

  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.

Power & Run Time

The Cat INV2000 in use

The Cat INV2000

The Cat INV2000's core is the 79.7 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 1,800W and a peak wattage of 2,250W.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a refrigerator). Its starting mechanism is based on a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.

The INV2000 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 1 gallon, allowing it to run continuously for up to 10 hours (with fuel usage averaging around 0.1 gallons per hour).

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the INV2000 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel is equipped with the following 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI

Additionally, it features 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets and a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.

Portability

As an inverter generator, the Cat INV2000 showcases a closed design (L19.6 x W12.5 x H18.1 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.

With its weight totaling only 48.8 lbs, the INV2000 stands out as a lightweight generator. The product’s power can be enjoyed on-the-go, as it can be moved by a single person without trouble. It can also be carried without effort with a featured handle (molded in the case), further improving its convenience.

Features

Panel of the Cat INV2000

The INV2000's control panel

The device's light indicators will illuminate to indicate if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low. To offer greater control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.

Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.

From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.

Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, Cat has included a tool kit in the packaging of the INV2000.

Product Videos

The Cat INV2000 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat INV2000 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).

  • Having a dry weight of 48.8 lbs, the Cat INV2000 belongs in the expected weight range for inverter generators which produce 1500 to 2500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Genmax GM2000i, standing at just 34.2 lbs.
  • Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 52 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU2200i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 48 dBA.
  • With a runtime of up to 10 hours under a 25% load on a full tank, the INV2000 falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Yamaha EF2800i, which is able to run for up to 14.7 hours.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is a rather fuel-efficient one within its wattage category. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen2800c. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.08 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Illuminated control panel
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Inverter
  • Quiet for its power (52 dBA)
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (48.8 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No parallel ports

Do you own the Cat INV2000 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine79.7 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts1,800 W
Starting watts2,250 W
Running amps15 amps
Peak amps18.8 amps
Run time @50% load6 h
Run time @25% load10 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
DC outlets2x 5V USB port
1x 12V 8A receptacle
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tankPlastic, 1 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight48.8 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)19.6 x 12.5 x 18.1 in
Noise (lower limit)52 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedTool kit
UPC815683024881

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

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About Cat

Caterpillar Inc., often abbreviated as simply CAT, is an American engineering corporation, whose product range includes machinery, engines, financial products, mobile phones and of course, power generators. The company, founded in 1925, is one of the backbones of the US Dow Jones index and is placed among the Fortune 500 list. While CAT mainly focuses on industrial scale generators, it also provides a wide range of portable and household-scaled devices. CAT portable generators were engineered and designed in Mossville, Illinois, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, their production was outsourced to China.

Warranty Information

The Cat INV2000 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cat generators, please consult Cat's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Washing machine9001650
Laptop150150
Total1242 W2242 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
Radio100100
Cell phone charger2020
Total1420 W1420 W
For workDemolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total1340 W1340 W
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