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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.

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Set an alert for the Sportsman GEN4000 - Current lowest price: $263.99
Price History
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Price history for the Sportsman GEN4000
Latest updates:
  • $263.99 - July 25, 2023
  • $329.99 - July 2, 2023
  • $263.99 - May 9, 2023
  • $329.99 - May 2, 2023
  • $299.99 - April 15, 2023
Data source: tractorsupply.com
Since: April 15, 2023
  • Highest Price: $329.99 - May 2, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $263.99 - May 9, 2023

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
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Sportsman GEN4000 in use

The Sportsman GEN4000

The Sportsman GEN4000 houses a 212 cc (7 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,500W along with a peak wattage of 4,000W.

Enjoying a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start 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

In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.

This Sportsman generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').

Portability

The design of the Sportsman GEN4000 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

The 91 lbs of the GEN4000's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is also improved by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.

Features

Panel of the Sportsman GEN4000

The GEN4000's control panel

The GEN4000's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Sportsman GEN4000 also comes with several accessories, including: tool kit and battery charging cables.

Emissions

The Sportsman GEN4000 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

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).

  • As its weight is 91 pounds, the Sportsman GEN4000 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 3000-4000 rated wattage category. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
  • When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 69 dBA is on the noisier side. 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 iGen4500DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
  • Given that the GEN4000 reaches an autonomy of around 10 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Predator 4375, with around 16 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. Standing at an estimated 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.22 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, 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
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (91 lbs)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • No spark arrestor
  • 1-year warranty
  • On the noisy side (69 dBA)

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

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.

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 size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeElectric fry pan15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Total2767 W3767 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric fry pan15001500
Radio100100
Total2790 W3380 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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