Powermate PM4500DF - 3600/4500W Dual Fuel Generator
The Powermate PM4500DF 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 Powermate PM4500DF
In a nutshell, the Powermate PM4500DF is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- 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
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Delivering 120V, the Powermate PM4500DF is enhanced by dual-fuel technology, providing power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it boasts a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. Alternatively, when propane-powered, it delivers 3,240 running watts and 4,180 starting watts.
This generator is equipped with a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
Concerning its running time, the PM4500DF, featuring a 5 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.48 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers around 7 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.67 GPH) of runtime.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this Powermate generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
Measuring L26.3 x W22.9 x H21.5 in, the Powermate PM4500DF showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even at 109 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the PM4500DF offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual, letting you start the generator quickly, the Powermate PM4500DF also comes with several accessories, including: oil and propane hose.
The Powermate PM4500DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate PM4500DF compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As its weight is 109 pounds, the Powermate PM4500DF falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. 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.
- With around 10.5 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, the PM4500DF is in line with the average autonomy range for dual fuel generators of comparable power. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, reaching 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. This generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 0.48 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel generators, the Powermate PM4500DF 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Decent weight (109 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W | 3,240 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W | 4,180 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps | 27 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps | 34.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.5 h | 7 h * |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 109 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.3 x 22.9 x 21.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Oil, propane hose, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | P0081700 |
| UPC | 696471086386 |
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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimate, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
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 PM4500DF 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?
| 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 |
What is the noise rating of the PM4500DF?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Powermate (Generac) does not provide their units' noise levels.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.


