Trying out the Harbor Freight Tri Fuel 13,000w Predator Generator

In this video, we're putting the Harbor Freight 13,000 Watt Tri-Fuel Predator Generator to the test with a Miller 255 welding machine and an electric grinder. Let's see how this generator handles the load.
About the Harbor Freight 13,000-Watt Generator:
This generator promises high power output suitable for various applications, including powering heavy machinery and tools. But does it live up to the expectations? Join me as I explore its capabilities firsthand.
Testing with Welder:
First, we'll connect the welder to the generator to see if it provides stable power output for welding tasks. We'll assess factors like voltage stability and performance under load.
Testing with Electric Grinder:
Next, we'll plug in an electric grinder with the welder in use to test how the generator handles sudden spikes in power demand typical of such tools.
Conclusion:
I share my honest thoughts on whether the Harbor Freight 13,000-Watt Tri Fuel Predator Generator is worth considering for your workshop, general use, or job site needs. Stay tuned to find out if it passes the test!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more reviews and tips. Thanks for watching!
Links:
Generator: www.harborfrei...
Our Website: www.chiassonsm...

[@wtrwalker]

I just bought the 13000 tri fuel, so far I'm impressed with it. I got it for a house back up. The next test is to hook it up to the house and see how it performs. Great video, subbed.

[@AodhMacRaynall-dr1sf]

been waiting to hear somebody I trust give the rundown on this.

[@JoeBarronTV]

I just saw it in the store, definitely adding it to the shopping list. I was planning to get a 9500 but this is sweet

[@joshe9518]

I bought this same generator a couple days ago. Going to use it as back up for the house.

[@mannynunez7032]

How much did it cost you?

[@edwsal59]

@@mannynunez7032 This weekend there is a 15% off coupon 8/2 - 8/4 2024.

[@joshe9518]

They had it listed for $1200 and they gave me 10% off on so $1100 after taxes

[@AXNJXN1]

Bought the same one when it was first released. It absolutely performs perfectly and on propane too. Zero issues. Will be using it on my welders as well as a house backup. Thanks for sharing, great video.

[@chrisn.3153]

Great review brother. This is exactly what I NEED for my home back-up set-up, but none of the Harbor Freights here in Houston, TX/surrounding areas can restock. Unfortunately, HF does not offer home delivery so I'll have to either 1) Continue to wait patiently or 2) Find another similar option elsewhere.

[@ArtOfHealth]

Then why do I see a shopping cart on their website if they do not deliver? I hit the order button and it was added to my cart at $1199. Hmmmm

[@chrisn.3153]

@ArtOfHealth I have the app as well and the 13000w is not an option to add to cart. The lower rating generators are available to add to cart for sure. Delivery is not an option, I even asked several cashiers at different locations.

[@ArtOfHealth]

@@chrisn.3153 Thanks Chris. I just found out about the maintenance and extended warranty. $399 2 yrs. Having to hunt around for a machine worries the daylights out of me. What if I need a carb or other parts. Is Harbor Freight going to have what I Need? When I need it during a lengthy power outage? Debby caused us to be without power here in FL for 45 hours. It was crazy. Other folks was 5 or 6 days. This is frustrating. People want their trees and this is what keeps causing problems here. Stupid. Lowes carries the Westinghouse units at 15,000 watts. It is very awkward to check service companies and their reputations. Thank you for telling me that this is not what it appears to be.

[@knightrider1545]

Thanks for the video, I estimated that it could run 220amps because I only have the 9000 and stickwelder and it does all positions until 160 amps. Thanks for the video to confirm it can run up at 200.

[@littlebest12345]

I just see this in the store. I'm thinking of buying it.

[@johnsutter1497]

Thank you for the video. Enjoy your weekend!

[@joshwhite3885]

I bought one and been welding with the titanium stick 225 welds awesome

[@pstokes00]

Great review, I am planning to purchase one of these but I can't seem to find them in stock. I would be curious to see how well it holds up overtime. I expect that it last just as long as the others, they are built in the same place.

[@wilwyman451]

I would not use the auto idle feature while using something like a welding machine. The constant up and down of the power draw is not good for that. I would turn that off while using the welder.

[@Wolfman-82]

Harbor freight sponsored. Hell yea!

[@mtn.homeforge351]

But does it have a pull start in case uts battery dies? Hate to be in a emergency situation need it and cant start because of a bad battery!

[@albybaker1701]

Does that generator create “clean power”? I heard anything over a 5% distortion will wreck an inverter welder

[@jacobbeard6400]

It has a THD of 23%, so not particularly clean.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

50 amp "capable" plug but actual useable amperage is only 42 amps, so if you exceed 42 amps at 120V or 240V it will pop the breaker.

[@danielpadlo2401]

awesome 👏

[@andrew140672]

Do you think this would run a 252 miller well welding aluminum? I only do away from home aluminum very little so hard to spend 8k on a actual weld generator and and 6 on a case. Thank you!

[@Buzzkillco]

Just gotta be careful with THD on those generators, they can cook any new inverter welder. i use the predator 9000 generator with my little welding machine i got for 100 dollars off amazon and it works great but i wouldn’t use it on expensive equipment like my miller inverter machine. if you’re going to run a welding machine it’s best to have an inverter generator to pair with your newer style inverter welding machine as well. if it’s a transformer style machine then you can use a regular generator no problem! hope this helps some of you 💯

[@Reshoe.87]

13,000 amp is a whole lotta amps 😁

[@sloshyjoe]

So is it 50amp or 42a? I came in for the answer and 1:30 into the video you brought it up

[@itsachopperbaby]

The receptacle takes a 50 amp plug but it has a 42 amp breaker on it.

[@minaatta1592]

Generator's running watts is 10,000W so that is 10,000/240V = 42A, this matches the generator rating and the power it can provide. and this is plenty because every line provides 42A so at 120V loading you get total of 84A between both lines, this is a lot of power there!

[@CowboyPilot79]

50 Amp is the style of receptacle (NEMA 14-50R) and is the most that connection is designed to handle. The max output of the generator is 42A. A lot of the 3000W class generators will have a 30A plug but will only output a continuous max of 23.3A.

[@Mocaknight]

Well shit.. looks like im gonna buy myself one, cause i keep popping the breaker in the house

[@IntenseInvestor]

same...i was getting annoyed as hell the other day trying to plasma cut with a long drop cord hooked to house outlet and tripping breaker.....need more POOOOWWEERRRR !!!! lol

[@EnriqueDavila231]

Me I just got one because of that reason alone

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

You got problems

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

~199 amps at ~ 28 V = ~5500 watts

[@5TheFlyingFarmer5]

While that seems logical, unfortunately that is not the science of welding and generators. That's assuming 100% efficiency, but more importantly does not account to the surge current constantly happening every few milliseconds that greatly exceeds the mathematical equation of W=VA.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@@5TheFlyingFarmer5 its called electricity. Do you think you have a "special" welding outlet installed in your house ??

[@5TheFlyingFarmer5]

@@ACommenterOnKZbin By saying special welding outlet I assume you're referring to the NEMA plug style such as a 14-50r? And in fact circuits for welding machines have their own specifications according to the national electric code. You can in fact run smaller conductors than a normal circuit based upon the general assumption of a lower duty cycle that welders are ran at. This is allowed since the average amperage is low due to a low duty cycle, therefore total heat dissipation allows for the conductors to remain within their temperature rating. As you likely have in your home a 100 or 200 amp panel fed from the main grid, it is more than capable of the millisecond high surge currents required while welding. That readout of volts and amps on the Miller is average not peak. I hope this helps, I don't want to see someone buy a 6, 000 running watt generator and think it's going to power a welder while they're pulling around 195 amps at 30 volts

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@@5TheFlyingFarmer5 just to educate you a little bit, i have a 200 amp Tig welder that is plugged into a standard 15 amp 120V socket in my garage .... So if it works there, it WILL work on a 120V 15 amp generator

[@5TheFlyingFarmer5]

@@ACommenterOnKZbin 🤣 If that works for you, that's all you will ever need 🤘🏼 Best wishes, I believe we are on different spectrums

[@littlebest12345]

First