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The Sportsman GEN4000iOF is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 3,850 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN4000iOF
In a nutshell, the Sportsman GEN4000iOF is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN4000iOF
Featuring a 223 cc (6.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, the Sportsman GEN4000iOF operates using gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 3,850W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
Featuring a 4.5 gallons fuel tank, the GEN4000iOF can provide power for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.45 gallons per hour).
Featuring a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the GEN4000iOF delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 3 AC outlets as follows:
Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports enabling convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready.
Portability
With dimensions of L23 x W17.5 x H20.3 in, the standard open frame design of the Sportsman GEN4000iOF provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 93 lbs, the GEN4000iOF is convenient, ensuring it can be taken wherever power is needed. Additionally, the open frame design of the generator ensures easy grabbing and shifting for relocation.
Features
The GEN4000iOF's control panel
Several light indicators serve to show you when its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is on overload and the generator is ready.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Sportsman also included a tool kit in the GEN4000iOF's packaging.
Product Video
The Sportsman GEN4000iOF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN4000iOF compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- With a dry weight of 93 pounds, the Sportsman GEN4000iOF finds itself in the expected weight range for inverter generators able to produce between 3000 and 4000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The GEN4000iOF, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of around 10 hours at a 50% load and a full tank. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with around 15 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. Among generators of similar output, this inverter generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.45 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Pulsar PGD40iSCO. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.22 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Sportsman GEN4000iOF is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Decent weight (93 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (65 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 223 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 3,850 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 32.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 4.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 93 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23 x 17.5 x 20.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 65 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Tool kit |
| UPC | 027077805437 |
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 GEN4000iOF 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2787 W | 3787 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
