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 few words, the Sportsman GEN4000 is a compact portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN4000's design includes a gasoline-fueled 212 cc (7 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3,500W and also a peak wattage of 4,000W.
Rated for 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The GEN4000's fuel tank, boasting 3.6 gallons, allows it to operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Measuring L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the classic open frame build of the Sportsman GEN4000 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
At 91 lbs, the GEN4000 is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator aids in holding and moving it to a different location.
Features
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime are embedded in the control panel of the GEN4000.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during 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 91 lbs dry, the Sportsman GEN4000 is consistent with the standard weight profile for devices ranging from 3000 to 4000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, weighing just 46 pounds.
- With noise emissions reaching as low as 69 dBA, this generator has a noise level typical for devices of its power category. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 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 concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Firman W03663OF, boasting with 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. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.22 GPH, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is a device you could look out for.
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
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 2760 W | 3350 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.