- Wattage (Gas): 4,000 W / 3,200 W
- THD: < 3%
- Noise Level: 51 dBA
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- RV Ready: No
- Run Time@ 25% load: Unspecified
- Run Time@ 50% load: 8 h
- Weight: 103.6 lbs
Table Of Contents
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Description
The 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine of the Cat INV4000E runs on gasoline and can put out 120V. It has a running power of 3,200W and a maximum power of 4,000W. Also, since it can work in parallel (but doesn’t come with a parallel kit), this power can be increased by connecting it to another unit that works with it. The noise level of the inverter generator is said to be 51 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a refrigerator). It has a simple pull-start mechanism and a simple and elegant electric starter to get it going (battery included). With a full tank, the INV4000E can run for about 8 hours at 0.5 load (using about 0.26 GPH of fuel). Its fuel capacity is 2.1 gallons. The INV4000E makes a clean sine wave with a Total Harmonic Distortion of 3%, so it is safe to plug sensitive electronics into AC outlets (THD).
Outlets
There are 3 AC outlets on the control panel: a duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI outlet and a 120V 30A (L5-30R) outlet.
Also, it has 3 DC outlets: a 12V 8A receptacle that makes it easy to charge batteries, and two 5V USB ports that make it easy to charge devices like cell phones and tablets.Even though this Cat generator isn’t quite RV Ready, an L5-30P to TT-30R adapter makes it easy to connect it to an RV.Features
A handy compartment on the top of the unit makes it easy and convenient to keep maintenance tools on board.
One of the many features of the INV4000E is its control panel, which has a data center.The data center gives you information about the lifetime run hours, power output, voltage, remaining run time, and fuel level.The LED lights on the panel give you even more control and make it easy to use at night.In addition to this information, some lights let you know right away if the generator is overloaded, if it is ready to go, or if the oil level is too low.The inverter generator has a built-in fuel gauge that makes it quick, easy, and convenient to check how much gas it has.For safety, the generator has an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), so you can use it without worrying.The INV4000E also has CAT’s CO DEFENSETM carbon monoxide shutdown, which is a good thing.While the generator is running, this system checks how much CO gas is building up and turns off the engine if it gets too high.It’s a nice extra safety measure, but don’t forget to take your generator outside at all times.The Cat INV4000E comes with standard paperwork and an owner’s manual that will help you get the machine up and running quickly.It also comes with a funnel, battery charger, tool kit, battery charging cables, and oil.Mobility
Since the Cat INV4000E is an inverter generator, its enclosed design (L25.4 x W18.5 x H20.4 in) looks better than a traditional open frame product.
The design fits with what’s popular now and is perfect for generating power for fun.The generator is technically “portable” in the sense that you can move it, but at 103.6 lbs., it may be hard to move it by hand.Still, the generator is easy to move once it’s on the ground.This is because it has two wheels and a folding handle, which makes up for the fact that it’s not very easy to move.Product Videos
The following charts show how some of the most important features of the Cat-INV4000E compare to other generators with the same power output.
**Fuel efficiency is give in relative percentage, 0 being the lowest and 1 being the highest value. Please see below specification table for actual value.
Specifications
Generic
| Inverter | Yes |
| Fuel efficiency | 0.231 gal/kWh |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
Power
| Gasoline | Propane | |
| Running watts | 3,200 W | n/a |
| Starting watts | 4,000 W | n/a |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 26.7 amps | n/a |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 33.3 amps | n/a |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h | n/a |
| Run time @25% load | Unspecified | n/a |
Control Panel
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulator | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle; 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, remaining run time and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Plastic, 2.1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
Mixed
| Weight | 103.6 lbs |
| Approx. dimen. (L x W x H) | 25.4 x 18.5 x 20.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 51 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, battery charger, battery charging cables, and battery |
| Warranty | 3 years |
- We compared more than 500 portable generators at 50% load. We found that there is “skewed right” distribution for the difference between 50% load and 25% load and the median comes at 1.43. With this number we converter all the 25% load runtime to 50% load. Same with the propane efficiency, where median is 1.38.
- For some generators where propane runtime was not given, we used NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs. of propane = 1 gal of gasoline. All propane runtime is for 20 lbs. propane tank (4.7 gallons).
- Unlike many other sites, we actually tried to find out information about each of the above requirements. However, we are human and are therefore capable of the odd oversight or mistake. Please let us know if you spot any missing or erroneous values so that we can fix them.
About the Manufacturer
Caterpillar Inc., frequently referred to as just CAT, is an American engineering company with a line of goods that includes power generators, financial products, mobile phones, and machines.
The 1925-founded business is listed among the Fortune 500 and serves as a pillar of the US Dow Jones index.CAT offers a variety of portable and household-scaled devices in addition to its primary concentration on industrial scale generators.Northern Ireland’s Belfast and Illinois’s Mossville collaborate to develop CAT portable generators.However, China is where they outsource its manufacture.Warranty Information
A warranty covers the Cat INV4000E for up to 3 years.
This warranty may not cover all parts of the generator or may only cover certain parts.Check out Cat’s warranty policies if you want to know more about the warranty on Cat generators.You can also call their customer service line at 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).