The Sportsman GEN4000DF is a compact open frame dual fuel 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 GEN4000DF
In a nutshell, the Sportsman GEN4000DF is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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 sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Sportsman GEN4000DF delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 3,500W and a peak wattage of 4,000W. When propane-powered, it has 3,100 rated watts and 3,600 peak watts.
Operating at a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator starts up with a conventional pull-start mechanism.
As for its running time, the GEN4000DF, along with its 3.6 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 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
At L24.5 x W17 x H16.5 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Sportsman GEN4000DF ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
The GEN4000DF can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 90 lbs. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.
Features
The control panel of the GEN4000DF is equipped with a convenient voltmeter, which provides an easy way to monitor power output anytime, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Sportsman GEN4000DF also comes with some accessories: funnel, propane hose, tool kit and battery charging cables are included.
Product Videos
The Sportsman GEN4000DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN4000DF compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- As for its weight, the Sportsman GEN4000DF weighs only 90 pounds, making it one of the lighter dual fuel generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage category. Weight-conscious users may find the Champion 201050 appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 51.8 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest noise level at 69 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Westinghouse iGen5000DF appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- The GEN4000DF's runtime of around 10 hours at a 50% load on a full tank positions it within the average autonomy range compared to other dual fuel generators with similar power. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 15 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. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel generators, the Sportsman GEN4000DF 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
- Dual Fuel
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (90 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Warranty | 1 year |
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 | Voltmeter |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 3.6 gal |
Fuel gauge | No |
Weight | 90 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 17 x 16.5 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 |
UPC | 027077801323 |
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 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 |
Does this model of generator need a battery as it looks like it doesn't come with one. (Asked November 12, 2020)
No battery is needed, since the unit is recoil start only.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I made the purchase of this generator from Home Depot for a very reasonable price. I used it the first time at my home when the electric failed for two days it powered my electric furnace, my refrigerator, lights and the micro-wave everything preformed with-out a problem I’m very impressed with the unit, I also use it to power my travel trailer with camping at non-electric sites and it works wells to keep the A/C on the trailer running to stay comfortable this 3500 watt generator will power about anything your attached to it. One needs to be cautious when running multiple items to run at the same time example when running a A/C run it it at a low speed so to keep the wattage draw at a min. Its all about common sense