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 a few words, the Powerhorse s4500d is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Powerhorse s4500d, equipped with dual-fuel technology and delivering 120V, ensures both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. On propane, it provides 3,200 running watts and 4,000 starting watts.
At a noise rating of 95 dBA (which is pretty noisy), this generator provides the choice between a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery not included) for starting.
Concerning its running time, the s4500d, featuring a 3.9 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for around 10.6 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.37 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers around 11 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.43 GPH) of runtime.
As the s4500d exhibits a THD of less than 23%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) ideal for charging various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Powerhorse generator is RV Ready.
Portability
With dimensions of L26.5 x W23.5 x H21.4 in, the traditional open frame design of the Powerhorse s4500d ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While weighing 121 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
Integrated into the control center of the s4500d are a convenient meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when the oil level is too low.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Powerhorse s4500d is bundled with additional accessories: propane hose, funnel and tool kit.
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).
- Weighing 121 lbs, the Powerhorse s4500d is one of the heavier dual fuel generators within the 3500-4500 rated wattage bracket. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, with a dry weight of only 64 lbs.
- This generator, with its lowest noise level at 95 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- The s4500d, falls within the average autonomy range compared to dual fuel generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of around 10.6 hours at a 50% load and a full tank. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 15 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.37 GPH at a 50% load. 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.
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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2857 W | 3857 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2860 W | 3450 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
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