The Firman T04073 is a portable open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Firman T04073
In short, the Firman T04073 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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 following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Firman T04073 delivers 120/240V and boasts with a tri-fuel technology enabling it to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 4,000W and a peak wattage of 5,000W. Upon using propane, it gains 3,600 rated watts and 4,500 peak watts. Its operation with natural gas provides 3,200W of rated wattage and 4,000W of starting wattage.
Enjoying a noise rating of 67 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), this generator offers the versatility of starting with either a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included).
Concerning its running time, the T04073, featuring a 5 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.36 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers around 9 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH) of runtime.
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the T04073 is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<14%).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 4 AC outlets:
Even if this Firman generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included), thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the T04073 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
Measuring L29.8 x W27.5 x H26.1 in, the classic open frame build of the Firman T04073 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Even at 123.4 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
The T04073 and its control panel include a convenient meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when the generator is ready.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its 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, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
The T04073 also benefits from Firman’s CO Alert carbon monoxide shutdown, which automatically shuts down the engine when harmful levels of carbon monoxide accumulate around the generator or a CO Alert fault occurs.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Firman T04073 ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit, cover, RV adapter, funnel, oil and propane hose.
Product Video
The Firman T04073 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Firman T04073 compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a weight of 123.4 lbs, the Firman T04073 is notably on the heavier side among multi-fuel generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN DF402iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 66.1 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 67 dBA. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
- Since the T04073 boasts with a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most multi-fuel generators of a comparable output. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 15 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. The generator utilizes approximately 0.36 GPH of gasoline at a 50% load, placing it within the typical range of fuel consumption seen in products of comparable wattage. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W multi-fuel generators, the Firman T04073 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
- Tri-fuel
- CO Alert technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- RV adapter included
- Electric start
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (67 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (123.4 lbs)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Tri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas) |
Engine | 223 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | LPG | NG | |
---|---|---|---|
Running watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W | 3,200 W |
Starting watts | 5,000 W | 4,500 W | 4,000 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 33.3/16.7 amps | 30/15 amps | 26.7/13.3 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps | 37.5/18.8 amps | 33.3/16.7 amps |
Run time @50% load | 14 h | 9 h | N/A |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown | N/A |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | Output ready |
Fuel tank | Steel, 5 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 123.4 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29.8 x 27.5 x 26.1 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 67 dBA |
THD | < 14% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, RV adapter, cover, battery, and wheel kit |
Country of origin | China |
Series | Tribrid |
UPC | 840876140734 |
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.
About FIRMAN Power Equipment
Founded in 1999, Firman Power Equipment is a company with a short, but established history in the power equipment industry. Based in Arizona, the company offers an immense range of products, including power tools, automotive equipment, storage utilities, work wear, but most importantly, a wide selection of generators of all sizes, designs and outputs. Interestingly, Firman is a wholly owned subsidiary of the China National Machinery Industry Corporation - a somewhat well renowned company in China and acts as a de facto distributor of their products in the US.
Warranty Information
The Firman T04073 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 Firman generators, please consult Firman's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-FIRMAN1 (844-347-6261).
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 | |
Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
Total | 3192 W | 4667 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 3185 W | 3605 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
Does the T4073 have a bonded neutral, and if yes, how to you make it unbonded ? (Asked May 07, 2023)
The neutral is bonded to the generator's frame. To unbond it, you may contact Firman for specific instructions, or refer to our article on bonding and floating a generator's neutral.
What are the harmonics for this generator? (Asked July 18, 2024)
THD is under 14%.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.