Dewalt DXGN4500 - 4200/4500W Portable Generator

The Dewalt DXGN4500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,200 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W.

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Picture of the Dewalt DXGN4500

Description

The DEWALT DXGN4500 is designed with the professional contractor or rental operator in mind. This unit is powered by a 270cc Honda GX270 manual start OHV engine with auto shut off for low oil. The premium alternator provides low harmonic distortion. The large 7 Gal. tank with fuel gauge runs up to 15 hours at 50% load. Features include a hydraulic/magnetic circuit breaker that provides overload protection, a digital hour meter for monitoring run time and tracking maintenance and an idle control to reduce noise and save fuel. The steel frame is job site tested and includes a lifting hook. An optional wheel kit is available. (source: Dewalt (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Dewalt DXGN4500

In a nutshell, the Dewalt DXGN4500 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Dewalt DXGN4500's design includes a gasoline-fueled 270 cc (8.5 hp) Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 4,200W and also a peak wattage of 4,500W.

The generator is rated for a noise of 76 dBA (less noisy than a vacuum cleaner). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

The fuel capacity of 7 gallons allows the DXGN4500 to operate for around 15 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.47 GPH).

The DXGN4500 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<6%).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 20A (L14-20R) receptacle

Even if this Dewalt generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.

Portability

The Dewalt DXGN4500 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L28.2 x W21.3 x H24.1 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 160 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport.

In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.

Features

One of the many DXGN4500's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.

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

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Dewalt DXGN4500 also comes with some accessories: oil and tool kit are included.

Emissions

The Dewalt DXGN4500 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.

The Dewalt DXGN4500 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Dewalt DXGN4500 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • At a dry weight of 160 pounds, the Dewalt DXGN4500 is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 76 dBA can be judged as noisy. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
  • The DXGN4500 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 15 hours at 50% load. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Predator 4375, which is able to run for around 16 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.47 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Honda engine
  • High run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the heavy side (160 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (76 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Dewalt DXGN4500 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts4,200 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)35/17.5 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)37.5/18.8 amps
Run time @50% load15 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 20A (L14-20R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankMetal, 7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight160 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)28.2 x 21.3 x 24.1 in
Noise (lower limit)76 dBA
THD< 6%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil and tool kit
Other model numbersPD422MHI005
UPC696471618594

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 Dewalt

DeWalt is a well renowned, US-based, tool and power equipment company, founded in 1922 by Raymon DeWalt. DeWalt is nowadays a subsidiary of the Stanley Black & Decker corporation, owns 7 manufacturing facilities in the US and offers a large selection of products, from screwdrivers to portable generators. DeWalt’s portable generator line consists of conventional, open designs of various outputs, some of which are powered by Honda engines. However, unlike many of their tools, they are apparently not all made in the US and are manufactured under license by Generac.

Warranty Information

The Dewalt DXGN4500 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 Dewalt generators, please consult Dewalt's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-4-DEWALT (800-433-9258).

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 homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Washing machine9001650
Total3017 W4492 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total3335 W3755 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Drill600900
Bug zapper8080
Total3340 W4440 W

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