-No User ReviewsWrite a review
ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 0
Amazon 
Tractor Supply 
eBay 
Zoro Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Powermate PM4500DF
In a nutshell, the Powermate PM4500DF is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- 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 be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
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
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Powermate PM4500DF delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 3600W and a peak wattage of 4500W. When propane-powered, it has 3240 rated watts and 4180 peak watts.
Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
Regarding its running time, the PM4500DF, with a 5 gallons fuel capacity can operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.48 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 7 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.67 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Even if this Powermate generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.
Portability
With its dimensions of L26.3 x W22.9 x H21.5 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Powermate PM4500DF offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
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 109 lbs. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The PM4500DF's control panel
Monitoring of the PM4500DF'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.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
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.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual, useful for starting the generator right away, the Powermate PM4500DF's package also includes these accessories: oil and propane hose.
Emissions
The Powermate PM4500DF is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
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).
- At a weight of 109 pounds, the Powermate PM4500DF places in the expected weight range of the dual fuel generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN DF402iX, standing at just 66.1 lbs.
- The PM4500DF, offering a run time of around 10.5 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, reaching around 15 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.48 GPH. 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 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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Dual Fuel
- Decent weight (109 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3600 W | 3240 W |
| Starting watts | 4500 W | 4180 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 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | P0081700 |
| UPC | 696471086386 |
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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 3867 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 |
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.
