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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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Sportsman GEN4000
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Price history for the Sportsman GEN4000
Highest Price
$407.99
Lowest Price
$319.99
Current Price
$661.99

Description

Zoom on the Sportsman GEN4000

In summary, the Sportsman GEN4000 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.

Power & Run Time

The Sportsman GEN4000 in use

The Sportsman GEN4000

Sportsman GEN4000 runs on gasoline, powered by a 212 cc (7 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,500W alongside a starting wattage of 4,000W.

At a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator is started via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.

The GEN4000 can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.6 gallons.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.

Portability

Measuring L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the classic open frame construction of the Sportsman GEN4000 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

With a dry weight of 91 lbs, the GEN4000 can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.

Features

Panel of the Sportsman GEN4000

The GEN4000's control panel

Integrated into the control center of the GEN4000 are a convenient voltmeter, which provides an easy way to monitor power output anytime, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity.

In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.

Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Sportsman GEN4000 is bundled with additional accessories: tool kit and battery charging cables.

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).

  • Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 91 lbs, the Sportsman GEN4000 belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 3000 and 4000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
  • This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 69 dBA. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc with only 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. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 15 hours.
  • While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. This generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.22 gallons per hour.

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • RV Ready
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (91 lbs)
  • Acceptable noise (69 dBA)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • 1-year warranty

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

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty1 year
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts4,000 W
Running amps29.2 amps
Peak amps33.3 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A receptacle
Data centerVoltmeter
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank3.6 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight91 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23 x 19.5 x 17.5 in
Noise (lower limit)69 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorNo
Accessories includedTool kit and battery charging cables
Other model numbers806724
UPC027077801187

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Toaster oven800800
Total2792 W3792 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Total2760 W3350 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 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.

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Sportsman GEN4000
5 Total Score
5 reviews
Add your review
Price
6.6
Value
5
Quality
4
Performance
4.4

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 4
    Price
    100
    Value
    80
    Quality
    60
    Performance
    80

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Light, cheap, 8 amp
    • Battery and rv options. Low budget off the grid generator.
    - CONS:
    • Louder than I thought. Can be tough to start if it sits a year.
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 2
    Price
    80
    Value
    40
    Quality
    20
    Performance
    20

    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

    + PROS:
    • Good price, nothing else good to say about it.
    - CONS:
    • On my 3rd plug wire/coil as design flaw with sparkplug boot as it went into side instead of thru top like 99% of normal plugs. Unable to use a week at a time waiting for parts. 3rd one FINALLY redesigned to send wire thru top of plug boot. Choke switch very loose, would try to engage due to motor vibration causing motor to almost stall. Had to rig a tie off after start to hold choke switch in off position. DO NOT BUY!!!
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  3. 1
    Price
    40
    Value
    20
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    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

    + PROS:
    • Got on sale
    - CONS:
    • Everything can't get answers o get them repair after I just finally used them after a move
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  4. Avatar
    Richard L Smith May 6, 2021 at 1:19 pm
    5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Ran a full 10 hours on one tank
    Powers my RV with no problems
    Great little generator for the price

    + PROS:
    • Ran a full 10 hours on one tank
    • Powers my RV with no problems
    - CONS:
    • None
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  5. 0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Easy to operate. Even for a woman.
    - CONS:
    • Expensive to run. Goes through too much gas and oil.
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this

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