Sportsman GEN4000 - 3500/4000W Portable Generator
The Sportsman GEN4000 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN4000
In a nutshell, the Sportsman GEN4000 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN4000
The Sportsman GEN4000 is powered by a 212 cc (7 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,500W as well as a peak wattage of 4,000W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than an office), this generator gets running thanks to a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.
Equipped with a 3.6 gallons fuel tank, the GEN4000 ensures continuous operation for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.36 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle making battery charging a breeze.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the standard open frame design of the Sportsman GEN4000 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Weighing 91 lbs, the GEN4000 is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is enhanced by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.
Features
The GEN4000's control panel
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the GEN4000 includes a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout operation.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Sportsman GEN4000 ships with supplementary accessories: battery charging cables and tool kit.
Product Videos
The Sportsman GEN4000 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN4000 compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- At a weight of 91 pounds, the Sportsman GEN4000 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage range. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 69 dBA. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Offering around 10 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the GEN4000 is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Firman W03663OF could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 18 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. When operating at 50% load, the generator's fuel consumption is estimated at 0.36 GPH, placing it within the average range of gasoline usage among similarly powerful devices. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the Sportsman GEN4000 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
- RV Ready
- Decent weight (91 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (69 dBA)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- 1-year warranty
- No electric start
Do you own the Sportsman GEN4000 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,000 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 33.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | Voltmeter |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 3.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 91 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23 x 19.5 x 17.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | No |
| Accessories included | Tool kit and battery charging cables |
| Other model numbers | 806724 |
| UPC | 027077801187 |
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.
About Sportsman Series
Sportsman Series is a small brand registered under the US based Buffalo corporation. Founded in 1964, the Buffalo Corporation is a small company, which sells tools and home products. Their brands include AmeriHome, Black Bull, Buffalo Tools and Sportsman Series – which offers a selection of generators and several other general products. The brand, and in fact, the corporation itself seemingly outsources all of its production overseas and acts only as a distributor, under its own brands.
Warranty Information
The Sportsman GEN4000 is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Sportsman generators, please contact the Buffalo Tools Customer Support: 1-636-532-9888.
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 | |
| Total | 2767 W | 3767 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
What is the difference between a generator with an inverter and without we’re going camping I just ordered the Sportsman 3500/4000 gas only? (Asked October 30, 2020)
The biggest difference is that an inverter generator allows for a safe powering of equipment that contains sensitive electronics. Inverter generators are also less noisy, and more fuel efficient. You can read more about it in this article.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I must have gotten a good batch of generator. It starts up on propane right away. It’s louder than I thought, and it runs about 8 hours on half load. It vibrates a bit but the 8 amp battery charge option is great for deep cycles batteries. It’s a one man lift which is good. It’s not the highest quality. But it was 200 dollars.
DO NOT BUY!! Spend a few extra bucks and get a more dependable generator. Having too many issues with this generator, less than 3 months old and less than 100hrs run time
Bought two generator in August just started To use the first one lasted not even a week then voltage stopped second one motor fan locked up to pull recoil and can’t get any answers to get the warranty taken care of Doesn’t run ten hours
Ran a full 10 hours on one tank
Powers my RV with no problems
Great little generator for the price
Generator has had problems since the minute I started using it. First of all it don’t run no 10 hours on a full tank of gas
It runs about 5 hours. I was charging a cell phone and running a lamp and a portable heater and filling the gas tank every 5 hours .The next day I fill the oil to overflowing just like the directions say ( not to mention not easy to fill when you have to tip the Generator halfway on its side to fill it or the oil spills out) and I run it for about 2 hours. Charging a cell phone and running a lamp. The next day the dam thing blows up on me. I’m thinking wtf was that? Oil is coming out from underneath the generator . I have had this generator for about a week. I’m so freaking mad!!!! I better get a refund for this.