-No User ReviewsWrite a review
ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 0
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Powermate PM4500DF
In summary, the Powermate PM4500DF 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 who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 dual-fuel technology of the Powermate PM4500DF allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,240 rated watts and 4,180 starting watts.
This generator is started via a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The PM4500DF, with a fuel capacity of 5 gallons, reaches a run time of around 10.5 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.48 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 7 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.67 GPH) with propane.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
This Powermate generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
The dimensions of the Powermate PM4500DF, which are L26.3 x W22.9 x H21.5 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Since the generator weighs 109 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
One of the many PM4500DF's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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 | 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 | 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R) |
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 | 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.