Powerhorse 4500 (Discontinued)

The Powerhorse 4500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)

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This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Powerhorse s4500d.

Description

Zoom on the Powerhorse 4500

In summary, the Powerhorse 4500 is a portable generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Powerhorse 4500 in use

The Powerhorse 4500

The Powerhorse 4500's engine, 212 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3,600W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,500W.

The generator is rated for a noise of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a shower). Its starting mechanism is based on a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.

With its 3.9 gallons fuel tank, the 4500 can operate for around 10.6 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.37 GPH).

Featuring a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 4500 delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.

Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Powerhorse generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles.

Portability

At L24.8 x W23 x H21.3 in, the Powerhorse 4500 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Despite its weight of 125 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse 4500

The 4500's control panel

The 4500's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information.

In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.

Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.

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

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Powerhorse 4500 also comes with some accessories: funnel and tool kit are included.

The Powerhorse 4500 versus other generators

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

  • With a dry weight of 125 lbs, the Powerhorse 4500 falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC with only 58.4 pounds.
  • As this generator can emit noise as low as 70 dBA, it finds itself in the average expected noise for this kind of power. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
  • At a 50% load, the 4500's around 10.6 hours of runtime on a full tank fall within the average autonomy range for similarly powerful generators. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Predator 4375 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 16 hours.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.37 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Clean sine wave
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (125 lbs)
  • Acceptable noise (70 dBA)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start

Do you own the Powerhorse 4500 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 readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts3,600 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% load10.6 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank3.9 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight125 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.8 x 23 x 21.3 in
Noise (lower limit)70 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedFunnel, tool kit, and wheel kit
Country of originChina
Other model numbers102223

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×

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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 4500 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 generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Radio100100
Total2867 W3867 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Cell phone charger2020
Total2860 W3450 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
Powerhorse 4500
9 Total Score
1 review
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Price
9
Value
9
Quality
8
Performance
10

User Reviews

  1. 4.5
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    100

    The generator worked great tell my buddy borrowed it and had to switch the plugs for his RV and now the wiring’s all messed up and not love to rewire it cuz the generator worked great

    + PROS:
    • Quiet cheap gets the job done
    - CONS:
    • Wished it was a bigger one but I couldn't afford
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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