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Sportsman GEN4000 - 3500/4000W Portable Generator

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Sportsman GEN4000Sportsman GEN4000Sportsman GEN4000
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Price history for the Sportsman GEN4000
Highest Price
$412.99
Lowest Price
$412.99
Current Price
$412.99

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
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

The Sportsman GEN4000 in use

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 a normal conversation), this generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

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

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

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

Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready.

Portability

Measuring L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the Sportsman GEN4000 showcases a classic open frame layout, guaranteeing stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

The GEN4000 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 91 lbs. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.

Features

Panel of the Sportsman GEN4000

The GEN4000's control panel

To help you monitor the GEN4000's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, 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.

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 you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
  • When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this generator's lowest possible noise rating of 69 dBA places it in the louder category. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
  • The GEN4000 provides around 10 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting with around 16 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. At a 50% load, the generator consumes an estimated 0.36 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas 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
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (91 lbs)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • 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 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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