WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY EBAY ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Powerhorse 4000 (Discontinued)

The Powerhorse 4000 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,100 W and a starting wattage of 4,000 W.

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 1

Powerhorse 4000Powerhorse 4000Powerhorse 4000Powerhorse 4000

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.

Description

This Powerhorse Portable Generator provides clean, reliable electricity with less than 5% total harmonic distortion. 100% copper-wound generator head allows continuous operation without overheating. Features automatic voltage regulator with voltmeter and low oil shutdown.

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 in use

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:

Four Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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

Panel of the Powerhorse 4000

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Clean sine wave
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (115 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the noisy side (95 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Powerhorse 4000 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
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,100 W
Starting watts4,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)25.8/12.9 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)33.3/16.7 amps
Run time @50% load10.6 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 4x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerVoltmeter
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tankSteel, 3.9 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight115 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)25.4 x 18.8 x 19.8 in
Noise (lower limit)95 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedWheel kit
Country of originChina
Other model numbers750138

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.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

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?
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 wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
DVD player350350
Total2467 W3942 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
LED TV150150
Pair of small speakers4545
Total2475 W2895 W
For workGrinder14002500
Halogen work light10001000
Total2400 W3500 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).

Powerhorse 4000
7.1 Total Score
3 reviews
Add your review
Price
7
Value
6.7
Quality
7.7
Performance
7

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 4.5
    Price
    90
    Value
    80
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    100

    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!!

    + PROS:
    • Easy to start. Large gas tank.
    - CONS:
    • Well let me see, wish it got longer run time on a full tank.really not much to bitch about. So far
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 2.4
    Price
    50
    Value
    60
    Quality
    60
    Performance
    20

    Swap out the 13.6 breakers for 20 amp breakers and it run anything.

    + PROS:
    • Large gas tank.
    • Fairly decent on fuel consumption.
    - CONS:
    • 13.6 amp 120 outlets.
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 3.75
    Price
    70
    Value
    60
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    90

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Lots of plugs,easy to use.
    - CONS:
    • Extremly sensitive to cold temperatures. It wont start in sub freezing temperatures.
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0