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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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Description

Zoom on the Powerhorse 4500

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

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor 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'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 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).

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

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

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

Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.

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 generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

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. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse 4500

The 4500's control panel

The 4500 and its control panel include a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.

In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.

The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Powerhorse 4500 also is packed along with the following 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).

  • Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 125 lbs, the Powerhorse 4500 belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 70 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF with only 52 dBA.
  • As the 4500 offers around 10.6 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting 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. Standing at an estimated 0.37 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.23 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a device you could look out for.

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
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 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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