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eBay | Price history for the Sportsman GEN85KIDF | |
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Since: March 2, 2021 |
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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 do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- 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 wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN85KIDF
The dual-fuel technology of the Sportsman GEN85KIDF allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 7000W and a starting wattage of 8750W. If propane-powered, it gives 6300 rated watts and 7900 starting watts.
The inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery not included). It is rated for a noise of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a dishwasher).
With a fuel capacity of 7 gallons, the GEN85KIDF can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.7 GPH), or for around 6 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH) using propane.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease 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. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 133 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable).
Features
The GEN85KIDF's control panel
When the generator is on overload, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF also comes with some accessories: tool kit, propane hose and battery charging cables are included.
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, so it is adequate for use 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).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF stands at only 133 lbs, meaning that is one of the one of the lightest devices of the 6500-7500 rated wattage category
- 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 important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Powerhorse 7500i with only 55 dBA.
- Offering around 10 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the GEN85KIDF is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Generac XC6500, which is able to run for around 14 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. 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 are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.38 GPH, the Lifan ESI 7000iER-EFI is a device you should look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 6500-7500W generators, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF 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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- 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
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 7000 W | 6300 W |
| Starting watts | 8750 W | 7900 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 |
| Emissions | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables |
| Warranty | 1 year |
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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 5595 W | 7095 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 5590 W | 6180 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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
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”.