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Powermate PM4500 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator

The Powermate PM4500 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

The PM4500 features a steel frame and a compact design with integrated wheels and handle that makes it easy to move and put in place. With 4500 starting watts and 3600 running watts, this generator is powerful enough to run small electrical appliances at any picnic, campground or tailgate and versatile enough to power tools for your next DIY project.

Zoom on the Powermate PM4500

In summary, the Powermate PM4500 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 in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Powermate PM4500 in use

The Powermate PM4500

The Powermate PM4500's engine, 224 cc Generac 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.

Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. It features Powermate's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.

With a fuel capacity of 5 gallons, the PM4500 may run for up to 19 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.26 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

Even though this Powermate generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

The Powermate PM4500 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L26.3 x W22.9 x H21.5 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 105 pounds. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Powermate PM4500

The PM4500's control panel

Monitoring of the PM4500's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.

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.

Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Powermate also included some oil in the PM4500's packaging.

Emissions

The Powermate PM4500 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

Product Video

The Powermate PM4500 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate PM4500 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • Having a dry weight of 105 lbs, the Powermate PM4500 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.
  • Offering up to 19 hours of running time on a full tank at 25% load, the PM4500 is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman W03661OF, which is able to run for up to 25 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. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.26 GPH at a 25% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Champion 200988. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.16 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Powermate PM4500 is on the cheap side of the price range.

It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • GFCI Outlets
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (105 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Powermate PM4500 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 readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,600 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% load14 h
Run time @25% load19 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight105 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)26.3 x 22.9 x 21.5 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THDUnknown
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil and wheel kit
Other model numbersP0081200
UPC696471080346

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.

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About Powermate

Powermate’s history is somewhat enigmatic, but they claim to have been on the market for over 40 years, selling portable generators and various outdoor power equipment. In 2009, they have signed under what they call “partnership” (more accurately ownership) with the Italian PRAMAC. In 2014, Generac acquired Powermate from PRAMAC.

Warranty Information

The Powermate PM4500 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Powermate generators, please consult Powermate's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-445-1805.

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 homeDish washer15003000
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Radio100100
Total2867 W4367 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Total2840 W3430 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
What is the noise rating of the PM4500?

Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Powermate (Generac) does not provide their units' noise levels.

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