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
The Sportsman GEN4000DF
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 GEN4000DF's control panel
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).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Sportsman GEN4000DF stands at only 90 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter dual fuel devices of the 3000-4000 rated wattage category If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Champion 201050 is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 51.8 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 69 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- Regarding its runtime, the GEN4000DF operates for around 10 hours at a 50% load, positioning it at the lower spectrum among comparable dual fuel products. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, reaching 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. 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 you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
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 fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2492 W | 3992 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 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