Powerhorse s4500d - 3600/4500W Dual Fuel Generator With Electric Start
The Powerhorse s4500d is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Powerhorse s4500d
In short, the Powerhorse s4500d is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Powerhorse s4500d provides a 120V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 3,200 running watts and 4,000 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 95 dBA (which is pretty noisy), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery not included).
The s4500d, with a fuel capacity of 3.9 gallons, reaches a run time of around 10.6 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.37 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 11 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.43 GPH) with propane.
Due to the high THD (<23%) of the s4500d, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT meaning 'Travel Trailer'), this Powerhorse generator is RV Ready, ready to power your recreational vehicle with ease.
Portability
At L26.5 x W23.5 x H21.4 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Powerhorse s4500d ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 121 lbs make may make it challenging to manually lift and transport. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the s4500d includes a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data.
In addition to this info, the generator's light indicator provides visual feedback when its oil levels are insufficient.
The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Powerhorse s4500d also comes with some accessories: funnel, propane hose and tool kit are included.
The Powerhorse s4500d versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse s4500d compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a weight of 121 lbs, the Powerhorse s4500d sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among dual fuel generators rated from 3500 to 4500 watts. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 64 pounds.
- As this generator has its lowest possible noise of 95 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- With a runtime of around 10.6 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the s4500d falls within the average autonomy range among the dual fuel generators of a similar power. 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 Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with around 15 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.37 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel generators, the Powerhorse s4500d 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
- In the expected price range
- Dual fuel
- CO sensor
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Decent run time
- Battery not included
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (121 lbs)
- On the noisy side (95 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W | 3,200 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W | 4,000 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps | 26.7 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps | 33.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.6 h | 11 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 3.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 121 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.5 x 23.5 x 21.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 95 dBA |
| THD | < 23% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Other model numbers | 6075716 |
| UPC | 840321764058 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 s4500d 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 4367 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2840 W | 3430 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
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