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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Amazon | Price history for the Powermate PM4500DF |
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| Highest Price $609.55 Lowest Price $256.00 Current Price $484.88 |
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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 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Powermate PM4500DF, 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 3,240 running watts and 4,180 starting watts.
This generator is equipped with a manual recoil starter system.
The running time of the PM4500DF, with its 5 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 10.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.48 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 7 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.67 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
While this Powermate generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
Measuring L26.3 x W22.9 x H21.5 in, the classic open frame build of the Powermate PM4500DF delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, 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 limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The PM4500DF's control panel
For easy status and activity monitoring of the PM4500DF, its control panel integrates a digital data center, offering insights into the lifetime run hours.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual to assist with setup, the Powermate PM4500DF ships with supplementary accessories: 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).
- At 109 lbs dry, the Powermate PM4500DF is consistent with the standard weight profile for dual fuel devices ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the WEN DF402iX appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
- Offering around 10.5 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the PM4500DF is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful dual fuel generators. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.48 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 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
- Inexpensive
- Dual Fuel
- Several accessories included
- 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 |
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.
