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This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Powerhorse 4500. However, you might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.
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Description
Zoom on the Powerhorse 4000
In a nutshell, the Powerhorse 4000 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Powerhorse 4000
The Powerhorse 4000's engine, 212 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 3,100W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,000W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 95 dBA (which is pretty noisy). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.9 gallons, the 4000 can operate for around 10.6 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.37 GPH).
The 4000 produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 9 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 4000 is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
The dimensions of the Powerhorse 4000, which are L25.4 x W18.8 x H19.8 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 115 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The 4000's control panel
The 4000's control center features a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when its oil levels are insufficient.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Powerhorse 4000's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which will help you start your generator promptly.
Emissions
The Powerhorse 4000 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Powerhorse 4000 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse 4000 compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- With a dry weight of 115 pounds, the Powerhorse 4000 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 2500 and 3500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, weighing just 46 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 95 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU3000iS. With just 50 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Given that the 4000 reaches an autonomy of around 10.6 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Predator 4375, as it provides around 16 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. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.37 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- Clean sine wave
- Decent weight (115 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the noisy side (95 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,100 W |
| Starting watts | 4,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 25.8/12.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 33.3/16.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.6 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Voltmeter |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 3.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 115 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25.4 x 18.8 x 19.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 95 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Other model numbers | 750138 |
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 Powerhorse
Powerhorse is a trademarked brand name of gas-powered outdoor products owned and distributed by the Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. through their store locations and online. Powerhorse outdoor products include gas- and electric-powered tools including pressure washers, wood chippers/shredders, log splitters, electric generators and inverters. The product line also offers engines and water pumps. The brand's motto is "Power You Can Depend On". Powerhorse generators are engineered, developed and tested in Minnesota, but manufactured in China or Vietnam.
Warranty Information
The Powerhorse 4000 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 Powerhorse generators, please contact the Powerhorse Customer Support: 1-866-443-2576.
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 | |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Total | 2467 W | 3942 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 2475 W | 2895 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Halogen work light | 1000 | 1000 | |
| Total | 2400 W | 3500 W |
How many hours to run before changing oil (Asked October 11, 2020)
Oil change schedule is detailed page 40 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).
User Reviews
I have one of these and never had any problem! Which is a good thing. But if it was 2-4 degrees I’m not to sure I would care unless ALL POWER WAS OUT EVERYWHERE!!
Swap out the 13.6 breakers for 20 amp breakers and it run anything.
During a recent arctic blast the temperatures dropped to 2°- 4° F. Grid power went out. I could not get my 4000 to start. I even brought it indoors (50°F and falling) to warm it up…53 hours later, the power came back. The generator was useless. It had a total of 4.5 hours run time and meticulously maintained.