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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS
In summary, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- 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 dual-fuel technology of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,000W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,100 rated watts and 3,600 starting watts.
The generator is rated for a noise of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
Regarding its running time, the GEN4000DF-SS, with a 3.9 gallons fuel capacity can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.39 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
This Sportsman generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
With a dry weight of 91 lbs, the GEN4000DF-SS can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator further helps when holding and moving it to a different place.
Features
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.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS's package also includes these accessories: propane hose, battery charging cables, funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Video
The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- As for its weight, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS weighs only 91 pounds, making it one of the lighter dual fuel generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM3500iAED, with a dry weight of only 56.2 lbs.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 69 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF with only 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the GEN4000DF-SS, reaching around 10 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other dual fuel products of a roughly equal output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which is able to run for around 15 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.39 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.23 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel generators, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Dual Fuel
- Lightweight for its kind (91 lbs)
- No data center
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 3,500 W | 3,100 W |
Starting watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W |
Running amps | 29.2 amps | 25.8 amps |
Peak amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps |
Run time @50% load | 10 h | 12 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
Data center | No |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 3.9 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 | Yes |
Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables |
Warranty | 1 year |
UPC | 027077082357 |
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.
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 GEN4000DF-SS 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 |
Can it be converted to natural gas instead of propane? (Asked August 11, 2020)
There are no official conversion kits. You may find non-officials. However, we do not recommend such modification. In addition to potentially voiding your warranty, you could also be breaking your local emission laws.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Great machine weather in a power outage for days and weeks. To using camping or just backyard fun. I live in the Florida panhandle which sees alot of severe storms and tropical storms and hurricanes. Plus a tornado once in awhile. So this generator is a must and starts up with one pull usually. Thanks Buffalo Corp.