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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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Cat INV2000
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This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.

If you were hoping to purchase it, you might want to take a look at the WEN 56225i, which offers 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 summary, the Cat INV2000 is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.

Power & Run Time

The Cat INV2000 in use

The Cat INV2000

Running on gasoline, the Cat INV2000 operates with a 79.7 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 1,800W and a peak wattage of 2,250W.

Operating with a noise level of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a conversation at home), the inverter generator starts up via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1 gallon, the INV2000 can operate for up to 10 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH).

The INV2000 ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:

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

In addition, it provides 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently and a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.

Portability

As the Cat INV2000 is an inverter generator, its encased design (L19.6 x W12.5 x H18.1 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.

Considered a lightweight portable generator, the INV2000 weighs just 48.8 lbs. As it can be moved by a single person without much effort, the generator and its power can be enjoyed on-the-go. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.

Features

Panel of the Cat INV2000

The INV2000's control panel

The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient. To offer greater control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.

The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout 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).

  • With a dry weight of 48.8 pounds, the Cat INV2000 finds itself in the expected weight range for inverter generators able to produce between 1500 and 2500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of only 34.2 lbs.
  • With a lowest possible noise of 52 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering 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.
  • The INV2000, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 10 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Yamaha EF2800i could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 14.7 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 inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP2300iH, with a fuel consumption of 0.08 GPH could be in your good books.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Cat INV2000 vs Predator 2000.

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

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.

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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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Washing machine9001650
Game console150150
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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