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Northern Tool | Price history for the Sportsman GEN85KIDF | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: February 26, 2023 |
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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN85KIDF
In summary, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF is a powerful portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN85KIDF
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Sportsman GEN85KIDF provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 7,000W along with a peak wattage of 8,750W. While propane-powered, it provides 6,300 rated watts and 7,900 starting watts.
The inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery not included). It is rated for a noise of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a shower).
The running time of the GEN85KIDF, with its 7 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.7 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 6 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy and a 5V USB port with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
If you own an RV with a 50-amp service, you can consider this Sportsman unit as RV-ready, as it features a 14-50R outlet.
Portability
With its dimensions of L29.5 x W23.5 x H24 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Sportsman GEN85KIDF offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 133 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport.
Features
The GEN85KIDF's control panel
Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the oil level is too low, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF also is packed along with the following accessories: battery charging cables, tool kit and propane hose.
Emissions
The Sportsman GEN85KIDF is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
Product Video
The Sportsman GEN85KIDF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN85KIDF compare to generators of similar power (between 6500 and 7500 W).
- Weight-wise, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF has only 133 lbs, which renders it one of the lightest generators which produce 6500 to 7500 rated watts.
- As this inverter generator can emit noise as low as 70 dBA, it finds itself in the average expected noise for this kind of power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Powerhorse 7500i, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 55 dBA.
- As the GEN85KIDF offers around 10 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. 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 Predator 9000, with around 13 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Standing at an estimated 0.7 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Energizer eZV7500, with a fuel consumption of 0.45 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 6500-7500W inverter generators, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (133 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (70 dBA)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- Battery not included
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- Not CARB-compliant
- 1-year warranty
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,000 W | 6,300 W |
| Starting watts | 8,750 W | 7,900 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 58.3/29.2 amps | 52.5/26.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 72.9/36.5 amps | 65.8/32.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 6 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle 1x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 133 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29.5 x 23.5 x 24 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 70 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables |
| UPC | 027077084412 |
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 GEN85KIDF 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5587 W | 7062 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Total | 5580 W | 6000 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4210 W | 8710 W |
No surge protector on RV outlet. Is there any potential problems that could manifest? (Asked April 18, 2020)
Your trailer most likely has its own 50-amp breaker.
how do i drain the gas tank on The Sportsman GEN85KIDF? where can i buy plug in adaptors for The Sportsman GEN85KIDF? (Asked April 02, 2022)
To drain the gas tank, you can refer to the set instructions located page 22 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab). AC adaptors are not brand-specific and can be purchased from any specialized online retailer.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I ordered one from Home Depot. HD shipped very fast. Did not start, called Sportsman, no apology that their top of the line generator did not run out of the box, told them no spark, they said they’d mail me a new coil and spark plug that I could install myself. Two weeks later I get the parts added them, and while adding noticed critical parts missing. Unfortunately the generator was missing parts, governor arm, governor spring and governor linkage, and who knows what else. Sportsmans needs better QC than adding a sticker saying it passed QC. How about actually checking if it’s completely assembled. I returned it to HD, no complaints with HD, but I will be looking for a different brand than Sportsman. I highly doubt I’d ever buy one of their products when that’s how they box up and deliver their top of the line most expensive generator. Unlike other user who went the trouble of getting and returning the generator 3 times before getting a working one, I will not waste any more of my time or money like that or with Sportsman.
I’ve been using the Buffalo Sportsman 8750 for a few weeks now and I am very pleased with its performance. Many of the complaints I’ve read centered around the frame. I will concede that the frame is a flimsy piece of junk so I must have been lucky in that my unit’s frame came straight and true. With that in mind, plus the absence of any wheel kit, I decided to mount it onto a large 4-wheel furniture dolly with 4″ wheels so moving it around is a snap. The dolly also gives a certain degree of added rigidity so the chances of tweaking the flimsy frame have been greatly minimized.
I only use it at my deer camp cabin. I call it a deer camp but it’s really a small “getaway” office where I can go and work undisturbed and then go shoot hogs in the evening. I built a small cabin and I installed a breaker box with several circuits. Inside my cabin I have:
• A 220v, 12k-btu window AC (a Texas necessity)
• A dehumidifier
• A small fridge
• A coffee pot
• A bunch of lights
• An electric cook top stove
• Computer with multiple monitors
• Countless phone chargers.
• My wife’s quilting equipment, which is basically a computer controlled precision sewing machine.
• Plus any number of power tools I need to use, a 4’ shop fan and tool battery chargers.
I mention everything, especially the computer gear, because other generators have given me issues. This Sportsman 8750 gives a steady Hz and voltage with a pure sine wave of power. Having that “grid like” steady power stream really makes a huge difference in the performance of computer gear. Even my UPS is happy. The LED lights would flicker annoyingly whenever the AC or even when the coffee pot kicked on. That is all gone.
I get much better fuel economy than what the Buffalo Company have published. With all my gear running, I’m using close to 9 gallons of gas per 24 hours. The large Generac that this unit replaced was not near that efficient. When the temperature cools in the fall (AC not needed as much) I fully expect that number to go down to 8 or even 7 gallons/24 hrs.
When I get to the cabin, the generator gets started, and 3-5 days later when I leave, it gets turned off. For the days that I’m there, it’s on 24/7 and never has a hiccup. When we pack up to leave, it gets turned off, I change the oil and then head home.
It is hard to start when cold and I believe that is because the ignition system relies on voltage from a spinning stator. It takes a few brisk pulls to build the voltage up in the capacitor. Is that a deal breaker? Not really for me. It is certainly a design flaw and for what they are charging, should have been accounted for. It does have an electric start but is not shipped with a battery. I don’t yet have the cables built up to use the electric starter but I’m hoping using a battery makes cold starting easier. As it is now, it’s 4 or 5 brisk pulls and then it’s like it’s been kicked out of a nap. “Oh, were you talking to me? Did you need something?” Again, once running, no issues at all.
I haven’t used it with propane. Since I’m out in the boonies, I would have to build up a stock of propane tanks and at $25 a pop, I’ll wait a bit on that one. Plus, from what I’ve read, it would cost more to operate. For now, I just show up with 6 gas cans in the back of the truck and that will last me 4 days of 24/7 operation.
Other things I like is that it runs a lot cooler than the Generac I was running before. I have it in a sound dampening box and removing the heat was a big deal with the Generac. With this Sportsman 8750, I have found that I need much less forced air running through the box to keep it cool. Less air means fewer fans pulling less amperage. The result is much better better fuel economy.
I wouldn’t use the adjective “quiet” to describe it but it puts out quite a few less dBspl than the Generac XG8000e that I replaced. Even when running full tilt, the sound output is noticeably less. Certainly not quiet like a $6000 Honda, but much less noise than any other 8K generator.
Overall, I wouldn’t want to spend what Lowe’s and Home Depot are charging so if this model fits your needs, look for a deal somewhere. Put a critical eye on the frame to make sure everything is lined up, and if it looks good, you won’t be disappointed. Plan on mounting it on something with wheels and budget for a small lawnmower battery and a set of EC5 leads.
That’s all I got.
Bought this from Amazon for $1200 as it was the only 7KW (240V 50A) Inverter I could find that would run on propane. It arrived in a beat up cardboard box that superficially looked ok. Only after unboxing did I discover that the frame/engine carriers were badly bent. So badly bent (1″) that the metal touched the ground, not the rubber feet, and it kind of rocked back and forth on the high point. Otherwise I might not have noticed being in the middle under the whole thing.
I thought someone must have dropped it off a fork lift or thrown it out the back of a truck.
So… yay for Amazon, they promptly sent an identical replacement. Literally, identical as it arrived 4 days later again with a similarly bent frame. although this time not quite as bad (1/2″) and the rubber feet actually kept the unit off the ground.
The second time I paid more attention to how it was boxed and it’s clear to me two things:
#1 Buffalo/Sportsman puts a little styrofoam block under the engine that is intended to support it during shipping, this is grossly insufficient packaging.
#2 the frame itself is just too weak to properly support the engine regardless of the styrofoam block. The motor carrier ought to be made out much thicker/stronger U channels that would NEVER bend.
It’s a shame as it’s a unique beast and spec wise exactly what I wanted. Hoping Champion makes a similar model. Currently their dual fuel inverters top out at around 4KW.
Two other notes if you still are considering buying this.
#1 I found this impossible to pull start. That could be because I’m starting it on propane and at 6000′ elevation. However, that also make it all the more annoying that they don’t include a built in starter battery. Further hooking a battery up requires a fairly unusual EC5 connector. I bought a car jump start battery from Costco that had the same style connector. That worked, but it was still hard to start, 4-5 tries, but that all was after 50+ tries pulling the cord. Keep in mind it won’t re-charge the battery either so you have to have another way to charge it unlike a built in battery.
#2 It’s much louder than my 2KW Champion Inverter (obviously), but it’s not horrible either. I would call it “average”.