- Plenty of Power – With 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse...
- MX2 Technology - Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt...
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide...
According to statistics, you only start looking for a generator once you go through frequent power blackouts. At that moment, all you think is “Only if I had a generator right now, my life would be much easier.”
So, to make sure you are never stuck in a situation like this, it is better to have a generator as an alternate power supply, no matter where you live. Blackouts are unexpected, it’s best to come prepared.
If you are in search of a good generator, you have landed on the right page as we’re going to introduce you to DuroMax XP4850EH. It is a dual fuel (gasoline or propane), hybrid and portable generator, which provides a high power output of 7 horsepower, all thanks to its OHV (Overhead Valve) engine. This makes it ideal not only for emergencies but also for recreational outdoor activities.
The cast iron sleeves present in the engine are a guarantee of a longer lifespan, better performance, and increased efficiency offered by the DuroMax XP4850EH.
Overall, it is not a very advanced generator, as more emphasis is on durability and performance, instead of on new and modern techniques and technologies. Hence, it is a basic, reliable, and safe generator that comes in handy for everyday use.
The countless benefits it provides justify the price tag attached to it, as its durability and efficiency provide long term value for every penny you pay to purchase it.
Now without much ado, let’s know more about this beauty in this DuroMax XP4850EH review:
- Dimensions: 19 x 24 x 19 in
- Weight: 130 lbs.
- Wattage: 4850 Watts starting and 3850 running
- Output: 120 Volt or 240 Volt
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Engine Features: 7.0 HP OHV engine (Air-cooled)
- Engine Type: 4-Cycle Spark Ignition
- Engine Displacement: 210-cc
- Engine Speed: 3600 RPM
- Fuel: Propane or Gasoline
- Tank Capacity (Gasoline): 3.96 Gallons
- Tank Size (Propane): 20 Gallons
- Tank Run Time: 20 hours on Propane and 8 hours on Gasoline
- Noise Level: 69 dB
- Integrated Inverter: No
- Starter Type: Keyed electric start and a backup recoil start
- EPA Certified: Yes
- CARB Certified: Yes
- CSA Certified: No
Features Of DuroMax XP4850EH
1. Power Output
The power output from DuroMax XP4850EH is sufficient for large electric appliances. You can use this to operate refrigerators and other such items without any worries as it does not fluctuate and offers a stable output.
The engine responsible for all the power supply is an air-cooled OHV engine with 7 horsepower. It has an overhead valve design and 4 strokes that ensure durability as well as fuel efficiency.
It offers 3,850 watts of constant power with a surge of 4850 watts. You need this surge to operate big appliances as they require more power to start before they get stable. Here’s how much power you need to keep regular household items up and running:
- Refrigerators: About 200 watts
- Air Conditioners: About 3,500 watts
- Fans: About 100 watts
- Bulbs: About 100 watts
- Television: About 130 watts
- Microwave: About 1200 watts
Based on this, you will be able to operate your house without any trouble for up to 5 hours.
All of these devices are protected from damage by the automatic voltage regulator (AVR), which controls any spikes in voltage and ensures none of it reaches the devices connected.
The air cool feature of the engines ensures that aeration takes place at regular intervals and the generator does not heat up and break down. This is very important because the generator will sustain damage if it gets too hot, which can happen if you run it nonstop for extended periods of time.
The muffler has a spark arrestor attached to it, and both of them together decrease the noise produced by the exhaust gases while the generator is in use.
Although it does not come with a separate sound insulation system, the muffler proves to be effective as it does the job and also does not increase the overall cost of the generator, making it cost-effective compared to other generators.
The power outlets are the two 120 Volt, 20 Amp sockets which are located one over another on the far right corner of the control panel. These sockets further connect to your required device using a 3 prong outlet, which ensures that the plug of your device does not slide out of the outlet and is held firmly inside it.
2. Dual Fuel
The Duromax XP4850EH has a dual fuel feature, which means that it works both on liquid propane and on gasoline.
The fuel tank is of 4 gallons, so you can fill it up with either propane or gasoline, along with storing propane for some future or emergency occurrences. This is a very good feature as you can choose the option that is more easily available. Plus, economics also comes into play as one option might be more affordable and economical than the other.
The two features that are the most notable in Duromax XP4850EH are low oil indicator, and low oil shut off. The low oil indicator is located on the left side of the control panel, just below the key ignition control.
When the lubricant level gets too low for optimal power production, the low oil shut off feature automatically turns off the generator hence protecting the generator's engine from producing unnecessary friction and resistance. Running the generator in such situations can be harmful not only for the engine but also the appliances connected to it.
As the natural gas burns at a slow rate, so on average, you can expect 20 hours of run time from this generator. If it is not available and you are utilizing gasoline as the fuel, then you can expect around 8 hours of reliable power output. Hence, it is recommended that even if the generator's tank is full of gasoline, keep some propane with you at all times so it is readily available when required.
The run time is dependent on several other factors as well including the items attached to the generator. Also, they do depend on the power loading scenario too, as their optimal run time is only achieved while the fuel tank is filled at fifty percent to its full load.
Both power sources are important in their own domains. While gasoline is cheaper and more widely available, propane creates fewer emissions and causes negligible to no harm to the environment while having an indefinite shelf life.
3. Portability
The size and the specifications of the DuroMax XP4850EH are a lot considering its weight, which is only 142 pounds. This might be a little on the heavy side but do not let it disappoint you since this giant comes with wheels for easy movement.
In addition to this, it has two fold-down handles that you can expand anytime you want to move this generator from one place to another. The compact size of the generator is placed upon solid rubber feet and large, thick rubber wheels with steel rims.
Each rim is sized at 10 and a half inches, which is pretty impressive for a generator this size. They collectively play a part in reducing vibrations produced when the generator is busy supplying electricity to your appliances.
The steel in the rim of the wheels adds to the cost of the generator. Most manufacturers prefer to use plastic wheels which cause a slight reduction in the overall price. But in the long run, the steel rims prove to be more long-lasting, as plastic cannot bear the weight of the generator for too long and usually ends up breaking or cracking.
Hence, where on one hand the steel rims and thick rubber tires are not the cheapest choices, they are definitely the best as they provide long term value for the price you pay. This precise attention to detail is what makes DuroMax XP4850EH a better choice among all the generators available on the market.
Mobility is not the only aspect of this generator that should be appreciated. It is also highly compact, as its length is only 23.2 inches, while the height and width both stand at 17 inches.
For a generator that provides a surge of 5,000 watts, these dimensions are quite impressive since most generators that offer so much power are quite massive.
You can place it anywhere in your house, and can also load up in the boot of your car when required for outdoor recreational activities, such as lighting up a campsite.
4. Control Panel
The control panel of DuroMax XP4850EH is simple to interpret, which makes it easy to use even for people who have never had or operated a generator before.
The features of the control panel are nothing fancy, just simple and basic stuff that will get the job done. These include an analog voltmeter, which continuously displays the current output produced by the generator, and a couple of switches and gauges that increase the functionality.
Along with all of this, the dual feature is properly explained in writing on the left side of the analog voltmeter.
The switches and gauges on the control panel of DuroMax XP4850EH include an electric key start control located at the left of the voltmeter, while the plugs and electrical distribution on the right side of the voltmeter.
Among these plugs is a highly important feature, which is the chunky circuit breaker. It not only protects your appliances from a sudden voltage surge but can also come in very handy when you hastily need to turn off the generator in case of an emergency.
Situated one over another is two 120 volts, 20 amp sockets, along with a three-pronged outlet, which is used for household devices and equipment.
On the further right side of the voltmeter, situated a little below is a 120/240 volt twist-lock outlet, which is generally used for connecting heavier equipment to the generator, as it provides 30 amps of potent power. The oil warning light is also situated on the same control power, which alarms you when the fuel level has fallen below a certain level and the fuel tank is almost empty. Hence, it serves as a sign to refill the fuel tank to get a continuous, uninterrupted supply of power.
5. Noise Level
We all are familiar with the amount of noise that the conventional generators make. So in the huge variety of generators that may offer all the features in the world, but sound insanely loud, a generator that is comparatively basic and simple, but almost mute, is always a good choice. DuroMax XP4850EH is designed in a specific way which leads to it producing lesser noise than other generators, 69 dB to be specific.
If you are standing really close to the generator, you might need to speak a little louder, but if you are at a distance of a few feet, you can continue having conversations at your usual pace, without getting a tad bit affected by the generator running near you. The average length at which the noise of the generator can cause you a slight inconvenience is calculated to be 7 meters, but considering that it is a generator that would be running, we assume that you are not going to be wandering around somewhere that close to it.
All of the credit for this quietness goes to the muffler of DuroMax XP4850EH, which mutes all the noise produced from the exhaust. For the support and efficient running of the muffler, there is a built-in spark arrestor attached to it, which ensures that the muffler does not heat up, or produce any unnecessary spark, which can in turn be the reason for an unexpected fire.
Hence, the spark arrestor catches the combustion flames produced and prevents them from escaping the powerful air-cooled OHV engine. This ensures that you can continue operating your generator even in dry areas, or during the hot summer months, without the fear of the engine heating up or combustion sparks being produced.
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How to Start?
Perhaps the best thing about this generator is its starting mechanism. You no longer have to be pulling cords every time you want to turn on the generator in the middle of the night, as DuroMax XP4850EH is equipped with a key start ignitor. So the next time you need to turn it on, all it will take to do so is a click of a button. Yes, it is as easy as it sounds. As soon as you click the button on, the key ignitor will start the engine, which will then start producing smooth regulated power in a matter of seconds.
The key ignition is powered by a 12-volt battery, which can be recharged through the red and black charging port terminals present on the control panel. Make sure it never runs out of charging.
In addition to this, there is a manual recoil start system that you can use when the key ignition feature fails.
All you need to do is pull the one-meter starter rope, and the generator will turn itself on. And, to make the process of manual start easier for you, the DuroMax XP4850EH generator is equipped with an E-Z pull mechanism, so you don't have to stress yourself out by pulling the chord over and over again.
Just a single pull is all you need to do to get the generator running in no time.
Warranty
The DuroMax XP4850EH comes with two warranties, one for a 30 day time period while the other for a one year time period.
The 30-day warranty covers unit replacement, while the one year warranty covers all the individual parts of the generator, as well as any defects in its manufacturing.
During the warranty period, all defective parts will be replaced without any additional charges, so make sure to thoroughly check the generator you have bought.
However, the warranty is only for any defects on the part of the manufacturer, but not you. So, make sure you use this generator properly, and carry out the basic maintenance tasks every now and then, so you do not end up with a faulty machine.
These basic tasks generally include maintaining the engine, changing oil, checking for clear airflow, and filling up the generator with gasoline at least once a month, as propane is only as an alternate fuel option, not as the primary fuel option.
If propane is used fairly regularly, the seals inside the engine may become dry and brittle, which will not lead to very beneficial consequences. To avoid these inconveniences, do fill the fuel tank with gasoline and run it, so it may reach every nook and corner within the generator.
Conclusion
If you are someone who needs a portable, durable, and easy to maintain generator that fulfills all your basic needs, while causing minimum damage to the environment and also not costing you an arm and a leg, then the DuroMax XP4850EH can be a good pick.
