If you are tight on budget but require a reliable and efficient generator for personal or office use, then you are at the right place. Here we are going to discuss the Predator generators. These units are manufactured by Harbor Freight Tools, one of the known companies in America.
The company offers a reliable backup power solution for home and job sites. And, the addition of inverter generators has made the company more versatile. These Predator generators are quite affordable and readily available in the market.
So, here, we are going to review the five best Predator generators. These include both the inverter and conventional units.
Predator Generators Compared
| Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoicePredator 6500-watt Portable Generator
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Predator 8750-watt Generator
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Predator 2000-watt Inverter Portable Generator
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Predator 3500-watt Inverter Generator
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Predator 4000-watt Generator
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Predator Generator Reviews
1. Predator 6500-watt Portable Generator – Overall Best
Generator Type:This Predator 6500-watt unit is a conventional portable generator that needs gas to power your appliances.
Engine and Power Wattage: Its powerful 420cc/13HP OHV gas engine produces 6500 peak watts (starting power) and 5500 rated watts (running power).
Tank Size and Runtime: A 6-gallon gasoline fuel tank allows you to power your essentials up to 12 hours at half load.
Sound Rating: It is a noisy unit that operates at 74 dB (A).
Power Outlets: There are four 120V 20A household outlets, one 240V 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 12V DC outlet.
Start Type: Electric start system with a recoil backup
Safety: Low-oil indicator and low-oil shutdown features are for the safety of your generator.
The low-oil indicator indicates that your generator is running out of oil, and the low-oil shutdown feature automatically turns off the engine when the oil level goes dangerously down.
Also, UL listed circuit breakers are for safety and protection.
Weight: The weight of this Predator generator is 165 pounds.
Portability: An optional wheel kit is available to easily move the generator from one place to another.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a multi-purpose generator that can be used at homes and job sites. Also, you can use it to power your RV. It produces excellent output power and features an electric start system, big sized fuel tank, and GFCI outlets.
Cons: Its operational sound is on the higher side.
2. Predator 8750-watt Generator – Under $1500
Generator Type: This Predator 8750-watt unit is also a conventional portable generator.
Engine and Power Wattage: It has the same 420cc/13HP OHV engine, but it generates higher power output than the Predator 6500-watt generator. It can produce 8750 watts of peak power and 7000 watts of rated power.
Tank Size and Runtime: Also, the same sized gas tank of 6 gallons offers up to 12 hours of runtime at half load.
Start Type: You can either start your unit manually or by using an electric start mechanism.
Sound Rating: Its 76 dB (A) decibel rating is slightly higher than the Predator 6500-watt generator.
Power Outlets: All the power outlets are covered for protection. There are four 120V 20A outlets, one 120V 20A twist-lock outlet, one 240V 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 12V DC outlet.
Safety: Low-oil indicator with automatic shutdown and UL listed circuit breakers
Weight: It weighs 194 pounds.
Portability: You can buy a wheel kit separately for easy transportation of the unit.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a powerful machine that produces an excellent output power to run your essentials. It has a big fuel tank that gives decent runtime. Also, it has a variety of power outlets.
Cons: No battery is included for the electric start system.
3. Predator 2000-watt Inverter Portable Generator – Under $500
Generator Type:This Predator 62523 is a portable inverter generator that looks like Honda EU2000i in specifications.
Start Type: You need to pull a cord to start the unit.
Engine and Power Wattage: It is equipped with a 79.7cc air-cooled OHV engine that can generate 2000 starting watts and 1600 continuous watts.
Clean Power: You can power your smartphone, tablet, and PC without any fear because it is an inverter generator that produces clean power.
Tank Size and Runtime: It has a small size fuel tank that gives up to 12 hours of runtime at a 25% load.
Eco-Throttle System: The Eco-Throttle system automatically changes the speed of the engine only to produce the power required for the application in use. This results in better fuel economy and noise-less operation.
Sound Rating: Its operational sound is 65 dB (A) at full load.
Parallel Capable: Parallel outlets are used to link another inverter generator to meet your additional power needs.
Power Outlets: Its control panel has two 120V 13.3A outlets and one 12V DC outlet.
Safety: Low-oil and overload indicators
Weight: It is quite light in weight (47 pounds).
Portability: Predator 62523 is light in weight so that you can carry it easily. Also, a comfortable handle makes it easy to move.
My Opinion:
Pros: This Predator generator produces clean power to run your small appliances and tools. It operates with little noise, allows you to double the output power, and weighs only 47 pounds.
Cons: There is no low-oil shutdown feature.
4. Predator 3500-watt Inverter Generator – Under $1200
Generator Type: This Predator 3500-watt unit is also an inverter generator.
Engine and Power Wattage: It is powered by a 212cc OHV engine that gives a decent output power of 3500 peak watts and 3000 running watts.
Clean Power: It produces clean AC power that is ideal for sensitive electronics.
Tank Size and Runtime: A 2.5-gallon tank gives up to 11 hours of runtime.
Eco-Throttle: The goal of the eco-throttle system is to save your fuel, extend the life of the engine, and offer quiet operation.
Sound Rating:57 dB (A) is its operational sound.
Parallel Capable: Connect another Predator inverter generator to produce more output power.
Power Outlets: Two 120V 20A outlets, one 12V DC outlet, and one 120V AC twist-lock outlet.
Start Type: Electric start system with recoil backup for emergency
Safety: Overload protection and low-oil indicator are there for the safety of your unit.
Weight: Its weight is 110 pounds.
Portability: Comfortable carrying handles and four small but durable wheels make movement easy.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a small but reliable generator that produces clean power. Its eco-throttle system gives a good runtime as it limits the speed of the motor according to the load applied. Also, it is easy to move.
Cons: Its recoil start mechanism is faulty.
5. Predator 4000-watt Generator – Under $750
Generator Type: It is a conventional generator that is gas-powered.
Start Type: This unit only features a pull start mechanism.
Engine and Power Wattage: It produces 4000 peak watts and 3200 rated watts with the help of a 212cc OHV engine.
Tank Size and Runtime: A 4-gallon fuel tank allows you to run the generator up to 10 hours at half load.
Power Outlets: If we focus on its control panel, then there is a 12V DC outlet along with four 120V 20A outlets and one 240V 30A twist-lock outlet.
Safety: Low-oil indicator with automatic shutdown
Weight: It is lighter in weight (99 pounds) than the Predator 3500-watt generator.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is equipped with a solid engine and a durable frame. Also, it has a good choice of power outlets.
Cons: You have to buy a wheel kit separately. Moreover, there is no electric start system.
Buyer’s Guide
In this buying guide section, you are going to learn about those factors that you must consider at the time of buying a Predator generator.
Inverter vs. Conventional
In our review section, we have reviewed both the inverter and conventional Predator generators. Both these generators differ from each other in many ways.
Inverter generators produce electricity differently than conventional generators. The higher frequency AC power is converted into DC power and then turns back to the stable AC power. This production of current in 3 phases makes power clean that is ideal for sensitive electronics. On the other hand, most of the conventional generators fail to provide clean power.
Also, inverter machines are more fuel-efficient than conventional ones, and they are lighter in weight and operate quietly.
Output Power
The amount of power your generator can produce determines how many items you can run with it. But here one thing you must know that there are two wattage to consider for generators. One is the peak (starting) watts, and the second is rated (running watts).
Peak watts are always higher than the rated watts. Those appliances or devices that come with motors need higher output power to get started. And the items with no motor only need rated watts to run. So, you have to focus on both the starting and running watts to get a unit that can meet your power needs.
Runtime
The runtime of a generator depends on various factors. These include the size of a fuel tank, amount of load applied, and the type of generator.
Inverter generators are fuel-efficient, so with small-sized fuel tanks, they are capable of offering extended runtime.
Noise Levels
The higher the power output, the higher will be the noise level. So, if you need a Predator generator with higher output power, you have to compromise on the noise level. But if you need an inverter machine with low power output, then the operating noise will not disturb you at all.
Safety Features
These Predator generators come with two safety features that include low-oil shutdown and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets.
Low-oil shutdown automatically turns off the engine to protect the generator from damages caused due to running with little or no oil.
And if we talk about GFCI outlets, then they protect users from imbalanced electric current and shocks.
FAQs
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Predator generators?
Advantages:
- Most of the Predator models are CARB compliant.
- These generators are fuel-efficient and give good runtime.
- They are inexpensive than Honda and Yamaha, but their quality and performance are somewhat equivalent.
Disadvantages:
- Predator conventional generators make a lot of noise.
- They offer limited safety features.
Can I use a portable Predator generator to power an RV?
Yes, you can use a portable Predator generator to run your RV, but you need a professional to connect the generator.
It is recommended to connect an inverter generator because they make less noise and are safe for delicate electronics like smartphones, TV, tablets, and PCs.
What is the warranty period of Predator generators?
All the generators from Predator come with two years of warranty.
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