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Powerhorse 4500 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator

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.

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Price History
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Price history for the Powerhorse 4500
Latest updates:
  • $569.99 - March 25, 2023
  • $619.99 - March 25, 2023
  • $569.99 - March 6, 2023
  • $619.99 - October 12, 2022
Data source: northerntool.com
Since: October 12, 2022
  • Highest Price: $619.99 - October 12, 2022
  • Lowest Price: $569.99 - March 6, 2023

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
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

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 Powerhorse 4500 in use

The Powerhorse 4500

The Powerhorse 4500 is powered by a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,600W as well as 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 conventional pull-start mechanism.

The fuel capacity of 3.9 gallons allows the 4500 to operate for around 10.6 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.37 GPH).

As the 4500 produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:

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

Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Powerhorse generator is RV Ready.

Portability

With its dimensions of L24.8 x W23 x H21.3 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Powerhorse 4500 offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 125 lbs. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse 4500

The 4500's control panel

To help you monitor the 4500's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.

In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if its oil levels are insufficient.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Powerhorse 4500's package also includes these accessories: tool kit and funnel.

Emissions

The Powerhorse 4500 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.

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).

  • Having a dry weight of 125 lbs, the Powerhorse 4500 belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN GN400i, standing at just 66.1 lbs.
  • When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 70 dBA is on the noisier side. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • The 4500, offering a run time of around 10.6 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Predator 4375, with 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 has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.37 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Powerhorse 4500 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Clean sine wave
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (125 lbs)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the noisy side (70 dBA)

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
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.

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 size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Freezer8101750
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Cell phone charger2020
Total2877 W3877 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
DVD player350350
Cell phone charger2020
Total2860 W3450 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W

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