Pramac E4000 3.1kW Petrol Generator

A Honda GX200 engine in a Pramac frame, light enough to lift on and off the van. The E4000 gives 2.6kW continuous from one of the most trusted small engines in the trade, with two 230V and two 115V outlets ready for site tools. At 36kg with a simple pull start, it has power in place in a minute.

✔ Authorised UK reseller ✔ Free delivery to mainland UK ✔ Prices include VAT ✔ Manufacturer's warranty

Why buyers choose the E4000

• Honda GX200 engine. A 196cc four-stroke with a strong reputation among trades and hire companies.
• Protected as standard. Honda's Oil Alert stops the engine before the oil runs too low, and thermal protection guards against overloads and short circuits.
• Four 16A outlets. Two 230V and two 115V IP44 sockets, so site tools plug straight in.
• Light and compact. At 36kg dry, two people can load it easily, and it fits in a small van.
• Nothing to charge. Recoil start means no battery to maintain.
• Tough frame. A tubular wrap-around frame with an epoxy powder finish protects it on site.

Is it right for you?

Ideal for: trades on short jobs, hand tools and site lighting, renovation work, grounds maintenance and anywhere refuelling is easy.

Look elsewhere if:

• You want longer running. The 3.1-litre tank lasts under 3 hours, and the JCB G3600P has a 15-litre tank.
• You're powering laptops or other sensitive electronics. This model has no AVR, so choose the Honda EU22i or another of our inverter generators.
• You'd rather wheel it. The Ford FG4650 comes on wheels.
• You need more power. The Senci SC6000-II gives 5kW continuous.

What will it run?

Plan around the 2.6kW continuous output. The 3.1kW maximum is for short bursts, such as a motor starting. Each 115V 16A socket can supply up to about 1.8kW. In hot weather, Pramac says power falls by about 2% for every 5°C above 20°C.

Example: site lighting 200W + tool charger 100W + SDS drill 1,200W comes to about 1,500W, which leaves around 1,100W in hand. Check the rating plates on your own tools, as figures vary.

How long will the fuel last?

An eight-hour day at 75% load uses about 9.5 litres, so plan on three fill-ups and keep a 20-litre jerry can to hand. Use unleaded petrol with no more than 10% ethanol, so standard E10 is fine.

Earthing and connecting it

Don't earth it as standard. Pramac's manual says the standard generator is protected by electrical separation and must not be earthed through its PE terminal or any other part. If a switchboard or other device is added, the protection and earthing requirements change, so that work is for a qualified electrician.

It must never be connected to the mains or to another power source unless a qualified electrician carries out a proper changeover installation. Never feed it through a socket. Check any site rules on electrical protection before you use it on a job.

Where to put it

• Run it on a flat, stable surface, outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents.
• Never run it in a home, garage or van, even with the doors open.
• In rain or snow, it needs firm shelter from the weather, but it must stay well ventilated.
• Keep children away from the generator and the fuel.

Getting it running

• Add engine oil. It's delivered without oil and takes 0.6 litres. Honda recommends SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later, for general use.
• Add fresh petrol. Stop the engine and let it cool before refuelling, and don't fill right up to the cap.
• Start with nothing plugged in. Use the choke from cold, pull until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Guide the cord back gently.
• Use the right plugs. The sockets are 16A industrial-style, so most site tools plug straight in. Household 13A plugs need an adaptor, such as our 16A to 4 x 13A converter.
• Plan to carry it. No wheels are listed as standard. Ask us if you'd like a trolley kit.
• Transport it safely. Pramac says to remove all fuel and strap it down so it can't tip. Never start it inside a van or truck.

Delivery note: Pramac generators can have a longer lead time. If you need one by a certain date, please contact us before ordering and we'll confirm availability.

Keeping it ready

Our E4000 service kit has the oil, filters and spark plug. Keep a record of every service, as Pramac requires proof for a warranty claim. If it will stand for a while, drain the fuel or add a stabiliser, and use a breathable cover, not plastic sheet.

Full specification

FAQs

Do I need an earth rod? Not as standard. Pramac's manual says the standard generator must not be earthed. If you're adding a switchboard or connecting it to a building, ask a qualified electrician.

How long will a tank last? About 2.65 hours at 75% load, and around 2 hours at full load. It suits short jobs or places where you can refuel easily.

Why did the engine stop by itself? Check the oil first. Oil Alert stops the engine when the level gets too low, and the engine switch stays on when it does.

Why have the sockets gone dead? The protection has probably cut the power after an overload or short circuit. Unplug everything, find the cause, then reset it.

Will it run a laptop or TV? It isn't the right choice. It has capacitor regulation rather than AVR, so the voltage is less tightly controlled. An inverter generator is safer for electronics.

Is it good for home backup? It's not ideal, because the small tank needs frequent refuelling during a power cut. Look at a larger tank or diesel model instead.

How does the warranty work? Pramac's statement gives E Series generators 2 years or 1,000 hours, with replacement parts only and no labour. Pramac counts cover from factory shipment, so register it promptly and keep your proof of purchase and service records. Non-genuine parts, wrong or stale fuel, modifications, misuse, wrong sizing and damage after delivery aren't covered.

Not sure it's the right size? Send us your tool list at sales@generator-uk.co.uk or call 01744 520110, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, and we'll help you size it.

Safety: run outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Let the engine cool before refuelling, and never use water on a generator fire.