HF Predator 3500 generator vs Honda EU2000

Head to Head shoot out of ease of start and noise levels.
******3 year follow-up video here • Predator 3500 generato...

[@tiggerontiveros1]

*Great **Generater.Systems** so far. We have the same brand just a little less power. This one is so much quieter then our first one. Great buy*

[@SudhirLamba-dh2yd]

Purchased this kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y after researching several brands.Reasons for picking this one was, dual fuel, I don't have to carry gasoline and stink up my truck bed!Propane is so much cleaner.Quiet 62 db, won't piss off neighboring campers!Less than 100 lbs, can lift in to truck bed.I can run my 30 foot Transcend 261BH, AC among other appliances.

[@jullesmessmann8697]

Sharing this info is because i have extensive use with this generator. I live in the Virgin Islands and have been threw 3 hurricanes in 2 years. one power outage lasted nearly 5 months. and still we have power outages often. That being said, i have 1500 hours on my predator and have it hooked up to a 8 unit vacation rental via manual transfer switch ( critical loads) no hot water heater. but damn near everything else. Not ruffing it. Kinda shocked what the generator can energize during the 1500 hours it has run at 90% load almost the hole time . many days i didn't turn it off fueled while running ( not recommended) i have been incredibly impressed with the unit and because of its performance at least 10 friends have purchased them. if you dont run it for a while make sure to drain the bowl on the carb, there is a small flat head screw it will take 1 minute to do start to finish. 2.5 gallons will last about 8 hours on high load and have had it run 17 hours on one tank there was a point in time when my life revolved around fueling a predator 3500 and drinking lots beer or whiskey to pass time (couldn't leave the house while on 24 h curfew) both Jameson and what ever beer you kind find in a emergency situation endorse this product -Yessi

[@ronyskid]

Happy That I read this, prepping for Dorian and my dad said this was the one to go with. You sealed the deal.

[@td7390]

Always good to know..!Thanks from Manitoba where we get alot colder than you guys but power still goes out from time to time.

[@amp12345amp]

Just wanted to know are there any special precautions/procedures to follow if I want to refuel while running the generator?

[@curtisoular]

My Pedator has worker FOR YEARS riding behind my SemiTruck in Horrific conditions!.. I felt compelled to make them a video as well! Just a Great product!

[@carterizaiah1341]

pro trick : you can watch movies on flixzone. Been using it for watching loads of movies lately.

[@frederickshawn713]

@Carter Izaiah Yea, I've been using flixzone} for since november myself =)

[@michaelvickers89]

Wow I’m extremely impressed with how quiet that predator is! I think I know what I’m buying for my camper trailer. 👍👍

[@brutusgallicus3568]

My Honda EU200i is probably around 25 years old. I got it when it first came. I left it sitting once with untreated gas and had to clean the carburetor jet. Other than that it's been flawless. I take it with to power the AC on my trailer when I'm not near hookups, and it provides emergency power to our furnace fan if there's a blackout, important in NW Montana.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

No question they are the best generators out there, and their price reflects it.

[@jaystevens427]

For what it's worth, I bought a predator 6.5 motor to replace my worn out honda motor on my pressure washer. I can say this, I broke it in to manufacture specs. I only use it maybe 3 times a year, I've never drain or cleaned the carb or never drained the gas tank . It's starts withing 2- 3 pulls Everytime no problem. Oh and it was 99 bux!

[@garyclark6256]

Jay Stevens they say the Honda parts will interchange with the predator. Supposedly Predator bought the castings for their parts from Honda

[@itsafarce1157]

For home, I would use the Predator. For anything away from home i.e. camping and outings and such its definitely going to be my Honda.

[@nb6584]

My best friend uses this for his 21ft Toy hauler ever time we go camping and has owned it since they first came out almost a 1-1/2 years ago and has 0 issues with it. Very quiet!, Puts out plenty of power and even came with the RV plug adapter. Now I know you can't buy everything from harbor freight but something's are good and this is one of the best one's they done.

[@loujohnson9512]

Every manufacturer uses Honda to compare to. That says something.

[@divebarcasanova7610]

The new Predator 3500 is the best bang for the buck. Change the spark plug to NGK 7BPRES first thing for reliable operation. Change the oil every 100 hours and you'll be good to go for years.

[@LetsRVtv]

Good job on the video I like the use of the decimal meter and the constant load of the heater. Honda is getting a run for its money with all these new generators coming out. Get ready for the haters. I posted a video on the Champion and all the Honda lovers are the only negative post I received.

[@gsxr419]

3-4 decibels is a huge difference in the generator world

[@smarticus6384]

HF Predator got me through Irma with no problems.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

thanks for the feedback!

[@defthopeswell]

@eaglei22 No generator should be used in the rain. They make genny covers for that if you don't have a ez up of some sort.

[@mso4433]

Hondas and Yamahas are always at the top of the list on Consumer Reports. That said, they are for those of us who are wealthy; for the rest of us, these other brands will serve. They're mostly all made in the same place, China. Even the gennys with the American sounding names.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

You are so right with what you say MSO443.... but I think you will find that the problem lies with your investors in American Products: I have Black & Decker, DeWalt, Milwaukee etc plus Bosch & other European "quality" makes all made in China... 'Under Supervision" of course. Yes...they are better than the Chinese version, but not by a huge margin. My workshop is full of these failed tools made in China...kept only for their spares value. As for the Genny's...those clever Chinese keep inventing new names to catch out the unwary...but they are all essentially the same: Same components throughout. ...They all have inherent weakness's built in...And they fail after little usage. But hey! Wake up America (US) all you have to do is improve the quality of what you make and you too can go back to being "America: No.1" But you might have to take a slight reduction in your lifestyles in the meantime. For your kids....? Do it. Just sayin'..... as you do.

[@tomibach9712]

love reading all the negative comments by Honda owners..(the people that paid 300% the price for the same thing)...nobody knows how long these will run, my buddy has over 1000hrs run time on his...no issues..

[@Djexoticdancing69]

👍👍👍👍👍Hey Adam by the way just wanted to thank you for the predator inverter generator demonstration watching your video make me also decide to buy 1 and to my surprise what an awesome generator this is not only because is so quiet or extremely quiet but also for the price the Harbor freight is selling it for, I have been waiting for Harbor freight to come out with something like this and I'm so glad that they did I would highly recommend this inverter generator 3500 predetor to anybody that is intrested in buying one its a very very extremely quiet inverted generator you will be happy as much as I am, I use it for my RV I park in a residential or commercial areas in is perfectly ideal because it makes hardly any noise 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Tony Delgado thanks for the feedback

[@havetahunt1711]

Tony Delgado

[@thelastneanderthal3171]

Tony Delgado man, do you work for harbor freight? Such an enthusiasm. My experience with harbor freight tools is that you get what you pay for. Short term use it's ok. Don't expect it to last.

[@thelastneanderthal3171]

Adam, Harbor Freight stuff is made in China. My experience with their tools is that they don't last long. I guess it depends on the usage. I have a HONDA lawn mower that is over 10 yrs old. The only thing I do is to change the oil and spark plugs every season, sharpen the blade and the engine never failed to start on the first pull! I would not trust my freezer full of meat on a predator. Just my opinion.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Most everything is made in china, probably parts within a Honda generator too. If Honda was sold in HF would you no longer trust it? I'm no HF schill, I just want a good product for my cash. I was quite surprised that this genny is every bit as quality as my Honda in all respects that are important to me....your results may vary

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

you can check out my 3 year follow-up here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIC1coeZqd-CZ68

[@cirwo85]

FYI EVERYONE WHO HAS HARD TIME RESTARTING THE PREDATOR 3500 WHEN ITS HOT OUTSIDE... All you have you have to do is remove the gas cap and it will start right up. Just needs to vent. Somehow it took me almost two summers to finally figure this out lol

[@n1ggawithaclappedaltima8402]

Thanks

[@LibertyCreekOffGrid]

I got the PREDATOR 6500 for the cabin. But its loud and uses a lot of gas. Went back using my Honda 2000i I have had for 16 years. But I think this video just sold me on the 3500. Keep the 6500 at home and bring the 3500 to the cabin.

[@David.lovesU]

Predator is a seriously GREAT buy

[@manbeastx69]

Honda is the master race of generators to which ever generator is compared to which in its self tells you something and all you really need to know.

[@tomibach9712]

same guts on both, 300%price difference for a name...both made in China..

[@WAN2TREE4]

@@tomibach9712 Honda is more expensive because they are still trying to recover the R&D money they are spending to perfect the technology. The Chinese just copied their work thus can charge cheaper.

[@DIY101]

WOW that is 1/2 the price of what I paid for my Yamaha 2300isch inverter 4 years ago !!!! That is ONE sweet machine !

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Here's my take. Parts availability in 10 years may be difficult. I have a 15year old Honda EU3000is that still works great, although having some carb issues. (Fuel will kill any brand). So I go online, plenty of OEM carbs available. I'm not a hater, the generator looks and seems to work great, my concern is longevity. Also that generator doesn't have a fuel cut off to run the carb dry for storage, that's a mistake. Stabil is not the answer for longer than 6 months of storage, have to get the fuel out of the carburetor.

[@kirostar12]

I use Honda 2200EU with 1800W continues power for my semi truck. That's all what I need to power my 12000 BTU portable inverter AC, laptop and refrigerator. it is very quiet. The key is if you use it for your AC system to buy inverter one since the power consumption is much lower averaging 300W-400W to cool my cab at night time. Every generator who is rated for more power use more fuel. I am trying to use as less fuel as possible. I can start this inverter AC even on my 800amp battery box for 10 hours and in the morning I still got from 50% to 65% battery power left. And so yes, the inverter AC unit use less power and can start really easy even with a small generators if necessary. Thanks.

[@jadd6810]

I so sick of Honda owners, you'll never get a Honda owner to admit another generator is as quiet, as reliable, or as pure of a sine wave. That's how they justify over spending on it. I dont care what ANY generator sounds like at idle, what's the point of that?! The true test is under load. So thanks Adam for showing that.

[@brentkropp4202]

I had a buddy sell his Honda and buy a predator. He was sick of the Honda failing in cold weather.

[@michaelvickers89]

jadd6810 I agree.

[@ibuildsheds5654]

I put this HF on a scope and it's very clean sine wave

[@patagualianmostly7437]

That's very interesting... Because many cheap generators produce a "dirty" sine-wave.... will not drive synchronous motors, as found in microwaves for example. Could be the Hz (c/s) are slightly out? Which could be important for people that rely on microwave ovens in their businesses. But how does the Honda sine-wave compare? Cheers.

[@abrotherinchrist]

Is this the same thing as a "pure sine wave?" I want to run a powerful desktop and monitor on it.

[@abrotherinchrist]

I found these two confirmations that this is not exactly a "pure" sine wave but a clean one nonetheless. generatorbible.com/generators/predator/3500-63584/ www.airforums.com/forums/f448/new-harbor-freight-3500-inverter-gen-169569-2.html I also called Harbor Freight and they told me that in their notes about the product it says, "Pure sine wave" and "2% Total Harmonic Distortion." I think I'd feel pretty safe running my desktop computer off this, although it would be better to be 100% certain.

[@armstronglance]

Even more Impressive because it’s a 3500 vs the 2000

[@Mcboyn22]

how is this Predator still performing almost a year later? any issues with the warranty?

[@ironsurvival7011]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIC1coeZqd-CZ68

[@christopher3d475]

That's pretty awesome. I had been thinking about the Honda, but this seems to be a better deal.

[@crimsonfancy]

I'd like to see these under stress in an emergency situation. Hurricane or similar scare. Not for noise as much but certainly helpful info that you showed it. I do believe in Harbor Freight and have many of their tools. I know the ones that are disposable and the ones that will last for me. No big deal. I shop Harbor Freight weekly and there's no reason to assume this could change at all based on current political climate. I'd like to think we'll see better deals. Almost bet it. Thanks for the review and details. Very helpful and appreciated. 👍👍

[@0-0-0dartmonkie]

Very well done test and a great video, very helpful thank you for you time and vid, 2thumbs up!

[@Taematoe]

I bought the 4000 predator, I'm happy with it. On sale it was 289.99. Fired up first pull, can carry on a conversation 10' away.

[@rogeliobarraza1772]

Still working ?

[@Taematoe]

@@rogeliobarraza1772 yup just used it February during a black out. Took a few more pulls to start when it was 20f out.

[@echoesofthedead]

wow...i might be in the market real soon for a generator. the hf predator is really food for thought on the subject. thanks for the video.

[@centuryfreud]

You do stand in front of the sound meter when measuring the Predator but to the side when measuring the Honda. That could affect the results, not sure how much though.

[@audiotecnicality]

More importantly, he's got the directional microphone pointed off into the sky in the opposite direction.

[@Usatorok]

it's the only generator i can find with a discount on black friday. thanks for the review. much appreciated!

[@feriby]

you did a good job for harbor freight. they have greatly improved their electronic equipment and even their tools for that matter. their preditor line is really great for the price value that can't be beaten anywhere. I have a few of their products in their predictor line I have not had to use the warranty yet

[@MegaTriumph1]

I liked that comparison Nice Job.

[@winstonblake25]

I own a Honda EU2200i and they are the Rolls Royce of generators. You can’t beat them, keep them up and you can easily get 10 years of service out of them.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

No question they are great. Amazing that HF has gotten so close to that benchmark

[@katelynvorachack4898]

Thanks man,, great video I'm buying one

[@randydicotti3975]

To be honest, the INVERTER generators from Harbor Freight are relatively new. Not enough time in use has passed. Over the next couple of years we'll find out if they were worth the $700 or not. Somehow I suspect people will start having issues with the Stator, Rotor and regulator assemblies first. Followed by engine and other electrical issues all in due time. Stands to reason you can't expect "Honda" durability for 1/4 the price. READ the Extended Warranty VERY CAREFULLY. It may exclude coverage you thought you wee buying. Also, check out their "fee" for the "swap/return".

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

the warranty seems to be just take it in for a swap if anything is wrong for 2 years. Do you know otherwise?

[@thingsdemystified]

Looks like someone's trying to find a reason for paying too much. Seems like these have stood the test of time.

[@DeliciousBass01]

its more of a parts problem really...in 10-15 years. Albeit most people dont care and will throw the HF away and buy another one. If, however, you just want something to run a couple years...i think the HF is a great buy

[@IvanRossS]

I bought 7500watt peak 9400. 50amp output. I run my whole house and central AC !!! Loud as hell ! but it is what it is

[@realamerican3959]

You bought HF Predator? How much?

[@sandrametzdorf3652]

Thanks for making the video. I appreciate the different feedback from users too. While cheaper and seemingly quieter, the reliability of a Honda wins out in my book.

[@Middle850]

I would feel safe getting the HF generator. HF has a good return policy or in my town anyway. I bought after reading reviews their 14” electric chainsaw after a strong storm blew a 50’ section of my 6’ wood privacy fence down. I purchase a 100’ extension cord there with the chainsaw and I have to say it was worth every cent! $39.99 for the chainsaw and I had it year cutting wood for my fire pit, I used it and cut up all my blown down fence into managible sections and even cut many 4x4 post and 2x4’s building my new fence. I had to tighten the chain up periodically but after all that it had an issue with the trigger. Called HF took it back and no questions or issues due to a recall for that chainsaw for a flaw that they now repaired in new models I walked out with a new in the box same chainsaw. They honored their product so sorry for the story but for the protection plans if this generator went down to me I feel HF would be easy to deal with and replace or they were with me anyway. I was happy and they did not give me any issues about it

[@MitzvosGolem1]

have Honda over 20 years old no issue. Even a 1978 Honda 6000 runs silent. EU 2000 we have three all run all day on site only changed oil twice in years still run perfectly.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

glad the Honda is working great for you, sounds like a perfect use case to spend more on a more premium generator such as the Honda. Glad we all have choices. Have a great day

[@dalyadventures7278]

Hey- my last name is Daly, too! Great video. Thanks for saving me $$$. Going to buy one from Harbor Freight tomorrow!

[@jaysauto9087]

I noticed you walked up to db reader, on predator side, for both tests, and caught the reading dropping a bit once you walked up to the reader when the predator was being tested. Were you in the direct line of the noise?, blocking it? Just curious, even though you definitely hear a sound difference in the video, between the two.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

jaysauto the road outside my house is busy, there were often cars passing which you can hear on the video. I'd wait till they passed and the meter leveled back out. thanks for the feedback

[@aumi244]

@@MM-yn9ni all this focus on a few db is just marketing hype, the human ear is incapable of hearing a 6 db difference and that's for a young kid of of 12 by the time your 40 years old your lucky if you can hear a 12 db change . I have the equipment to test hearing and I can assure you 60 percent of kids I test can't differentiate a 6db change in signal amplitude less than 10 percent of 18 year olds can differentiate a 6db change by the time you hit 40 years old less than 8 percent can differentiate a 12 db change in signal amplitude. by the time you hit 60 less than 2 percent can differentiate an 20 db change in signal amplitude and less that 15 percent can can differentiate an 18 db change in signal amplitude of course this is dependent on frequency, the higher you go in frequency the worse it gets at really low frequencies people feel the difference before they hear it as such the tone the generator produces is more important then its db rating

[@DrDennis]

Your standing between your gens and the meter giving a skewed results!

[@wmc9722]

That was weird.

[@audiotecnicality]

More importantly, he's got the directional microphone pointed off into the sky in the opposite direction.

[@wmc9722]

@@audiotecnicality I'm laughing as I missed that! Thanks.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

It would be interesting to see the quality of the power coming out of it on an oscilloscope. In many cases the Honda EU series has a cleaner signal than what you get coming out of your house.

[@golohiagat]

Yes, thanx to the carsogenic smart meters wich are not grounded and also emit radiowaves.

[@joshlemons3662]

golohiagat any EMR coming off of that is going to be non ionizing, i.e. It won't give you cancer.

[@Frindleeguy]

Do you mean carcinogenic?

[@greenidguy9292]

The power coming off the grid is dirty as hell without appropriate suppression devices which almost nobody has, so what it your point?

[@tarstarkusz]

The Honda is better in every conceivable way. You simply cannot compare the two. Honda makes the best small engines today and for the last 40 years. Most of the small engines out there are copies of Honda engines.

[@fritzmusic]

Damn, spec per spec, this thing beats most inverter generators out of the water vs price. My "too good to be true" instincts are kicking in but this is really tempting.

[@RT-sk2li]

FYI, that sound meter mic needs to be pointed at the inverters. You have it pointed toward the sky. You are also standing between the meter and the inverters which will block some of the sound, you should be standing on the opposite side when reading the meters.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Yea I’m about to go and invest in a generator, I intent to use while dry camping and have it so I can just plug right in to my home in Central Florida. I’ve had someone who knows I’ll need at least 3,000 watts to at least run my HVAC along with refrigerator and a few lights. I’ve always wanted to buy a Honda or Yamaha, but when you consider I might need to parallel two of whatever I buy a couple Honda 3,000 are a sizable expense! I can by two HF Predators for the price of 3/4 of ONE Honda! Yes the HF Predator costs around $700, or just under $900 with tax and extended warranty, or $2,000 for two plus the Parallel Control, a comparable Honda an EU3,000 is, $2,100 EACH plus the $250 Parallel Control? That is still 1,000 total peak watts LESS than the two Predators. The two advantages I see with the Honda’s are of course name, they might use less gas

[@risanch]

Wow!! pretty impressive. I was thinking about buying two Honda 2000 and plug the in parallel but now I'm think the Predator 3500 will be better.

[@Themotorque]

The Honda EU2000i will still be alive and kicking after 25 years. Can the same thing be said about the Predator? Time will tell.

[@izifaddag8221]

Mine died

[@rcairflr]

@@izifaddag8221 > do you know why? and what died?

[@MrLegacy36]

M Eastwood lots of people being negative and crying about how they DONT WANT the harbor friend “Chinese” thing to LAST. That’s sad, China does not make products, China is a country who has companies that have factories and machine shops that MAKE lots of quality high end products. These generators are not fabricated by hand!! As long as the computer aided machine shop and CNC milking machines is good and up to spec, you could have a guy in Ethiopia, living in a hut MAKE generators. Wake up people, go to any store and find me a microwave made in AMERICA. You won’t. And $39.99 microwaves from Walmart can cook your food for many years

[@kenmeinken8115]

I had a Honda EU2000i. It died. Authorized Honda Powersports dealer had it for almost a year and could not fix it. I have the pieces in several cardboard boxes. A lot more money lost than if I had bought a HF unit.

[@bkf8166]

4 years into ownership of a Predator 8750. No problems. Seems to be an exact copy of an equivalent Honda. $400 instead of $2-4K.

[@scottr3141]

You can buy the HF genny for the price of one electrical repair on a Honda. I serviced lots of Hondas, min repair 500.

[@juancastro7936]

If you'd read the instructions. You would know that the start is the choke on the predator and once it's warm you go straight to run.

[@Chiedl]

Am I wrong or did you not test the Honda with a load on it while in eco mode as you did with the predator?

[@joelb1299]

Thanks. Decided not to buy after watching this video, but was good info.

[@MyHairyChin]

That honda gen will be around so many years after that harbour Fright gen dies...

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

maybe, I'll just buy another when the HF dies and still be money ahead. Thanks and have a great day

[@dannukesem]

I think as long as you maintain it correctly it should last as long as you would want it to. Thanks for the review, I may just get one of these. It seems like with a load it isn't struggling as much.

[@Arieeeee]

My experience with buying cheap electrical parts is that they tend to fail at the worst possible time so maybe he's right that he can go buy another one but it's little consolation when he's in the middle of nowhere and really needs power. Not to mention future support and resell value.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

I suppose my electrical demands aren't as critical as others. If it was dire that I have 120vac I'd be certain to have redundant systems. Like maybe 2 of these gennys

[@dannukesem]

@@Revvedupadventureclub I was looking into a Generac 3000. It runs for $899, what do you think of those ?

[@td7390]

Thanks for the information man. Viewed from Manitoba.

[@Wormanatti]

Predator was much quieter. For rare use I'm buying the Predator. Just get an extended warranty.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

I definitely got the extended warranty

[@deanlaclair265]

@@Revvedupadventureclub Remember, the ext warranty is good for only one return. SO if after 90 days it quits, they replace it, you are on your OWN. not so with honda. I own/use both,heavily live off grid .

[@puncheex2]

Just a point about the sound measurement. Decibels is a logarithmic scale; a 3 db SWL difference in sound level equates to a power level ratio of 2. If the reference sound is 64 db SWL, then 67 db SWL is sound at twice the power level. In amplitude of the wave (as if your microphone was hooked to an oscilloscope and you were looking at the amplitude of the waveform), 3 dB SIL difference equates to about 1.4 (i.e., square root of 2) difference in amplitude. Human hearing more closely follows power then amplitude so the former ratio is the more important one in this case.

[@Tankyanker]

This should not have been a good comparison however the bigger generator should have been louder I’m very impressed. Been looking if I want to get another honda2000 and run two since I already have one or just buy one predator. Interested in seeing how long it lasts Honda’s are known to run forever.

[@dwightwilliams9748]

A well done, intelligent video.

[@MudBuddyHarrison]

Amazing how people think the Honda's are made in the USA. Power Products - Generators. Honda produces approximately 48 thousand compact gasoline generators ranging in capacity from 0.6 - 80 kVA in Japan, China, France and India, and supplies them to North America, Europe and various other countries around the world.

[@WAN2TREE4]

Some Honda cars are.

[@christophorronk716]

You're standing between the microphone and the generator. That will change the reading. Also, the 2000 watt Predator is louder than the 3000 as well. You are not comparing apples to apples.

[@femibipialaka2861]

it quite good, but cant be used in my country becos out put is 120v while we use 230v. it is better than what we have in my country Nigeria and I will not mind buying one if I know what the price is and the shipment.

[@touyang2846]

that's pretty impressive...i have the eu3000 and my dad has the eu2000. the 3000 is slightly quieter...similar to that hf unit...

[@thedodgefather3078]

Only thing that scares me is the longevity of it . I'm impressed how quiet it is.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

The DodgeFather CTD I hear ya, I'll be updating with a longevity report or two as I get it set up and use it in my bus

[@leonardwells7926]

I have a hf 3500 generator had it for 4 years I haven't even changed the spark plug I think I changed the oil once I use it about 3 times a week it starts the first pull and runs all day it's been tough as nails if it blows up I'd buy a new one tomorrow

[@azclaimjumper]

BALONEY

[@Rolexenforcer]

@@leonardwells7926 same

[@-thirteen]

Really curious to know if this thing is still running. Need one for the hot tub winter power outages

[@CyranoVE]

Thanks for the review.

[@NHseacoast]

Great video 👍. Folks the Hondas are awesome but what's the price tag on s 3000 watt Honda? $2500? Does the new HF inverter have a gas shutoff from the fuel tank ?

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

thanks for the comments!

[@akbychoice]

NHseacoast 1999 what I paid, love it. Had a Coleman 1800 what I paid 300 for and it was flawless, a little noise to it but, it kept my house from freezing up at -50 for several weeks.

[@mada94fxr]

The on / off switch is dual function. It is also the fuel shut off. This is why I installed a separate fuel shut off valve on my Honda 2000i between the fuel pump and carb. I can run it out of fuel and then turn the switch off. That solves any carb gumming problems with today's ethanol fuels. It also keeps fuel in the pump so the diaphragm doesn't dry out and crack. I am looking real hard at the HF 3500 as my next / addition to my generators. A lot of people here are bashing HF Predators. I have worked on their engines and they are no different than the Honda's. The Predator 212cc 6.5 HP actually has larger crank bearings and a larger connecting rod journal than the comparable Honda GX 200 6.5 HP. Go figure. I have had a Chinese DEK 5000 generator since 2005 and it still starts on the 1st or 2nd pull and doesn't skip a lick. And I also run it on wood gas.

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

Well, it would seem that some of one's perception of the noise of a generator is the predominant frequencies of that noise. I would like to see the display between the two generators on a real time analyzer since I think that the lower the frequencies the less perception of noise one might have.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

my initial perception was that it's quieter, and the DB meter confirmed that. Can't see how any other measurement would even matter for it's intended use. If we were putting it aboard an aircraft I can see that harmonics and RF interference would matter, but this is a cheap generator that has no place in that place. Cheers!

[@rmkscrambler]

I agree that frequency has a lot to do with the perception of noise. I have one of these that came from northern their both a Loncin 3500i with out the dealer branding. We were comparing it to a 1000w honda which seemed much louder probably due to the higher rpm of the engine. However, the decible meter app on my phone showed the honda to be quieter. Not the most accurate but gives an idea.

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

Yes, a "hum" seems quieter than a "shreek."

[@dannelson8556]

even though mathematically 3db is twice as loud the human ear is incapable of perceiving a 3db difference in sound pressure. I kid with good hearing might be able to just tell there is a slight difference at 6db but by the time your 40 you'll be lucky to hear a 12db difference, frequency make a much bigger perceived difference

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Time will tell with these HF generators. My hope is they will last a long time for those who can't afford a Honda. Curious what the 120v AC sine wave looks like on the HF Predator. I tested my Honda eu2000 with my oscilloscope...stupid clean, perfect sine wave, pk-pk was dead on. Do have to say...for $650, 3,000 watts, electric start, 100 lbs roll weight, def intrigued by this Predator (and watched your video here!)

[@baltsosser]

Have you had the chance to put an oscilloscope to it yet? I'd be curious to see what it looks like when tested.

[@baltsosser]

Totally true. It has to work. Once that part is established, then we can talk about price.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@billybob042665 Hi Mark....In case you missed my comment on this question, I'll copy it here: Hi. Your comment is correct up to a point. Yes, these two countries do nothing but copy...I agree. The Honda is better quality because they have been at it longer: They have built a name for reliability, over many years. During which time, American made products have fallen in terms of both technology & quality.,whilst rising in price. Sorry. Sad but true. Briggs & Stratton engines, made in the US are simply not as good as they should be, given the number of years this company has been making such small engines. I recently purchased a Chinese made lawn mower (BAUKER)(Good'ole Chinese name.) fitted with a B&S engine...not a copy. US made. I must say, that to date, it is starting & running fine. Unlike other B&S motors on lawn tractors & lawn mowers made in the USA I have repaired in the past. Seems to me B&S are desperate to find markets anywhere due to the low technology they keep using. Their attitude reminds me of the British Car Industry of the 70's & 80's: We were good at what we did....30 years ago. (Until about 1982: Trucks at British Leyland were being built on WW2 Tank assembly lines.) I don't know what the problem is...but building a quality small-engine should not be rocket science. You put a man on the moon, yet cannot produce a "bullet-proof" engine to match the Honda. I find that very sad. It could be said, I suppose, that failure is built-in, in this disposable age. Anyway, Cheers.

[@ThumperJunkie]

Suddenly the HF is very tempting, I like the honda for it's size but I'm sure they have other ones that are smaller. I don't really need the extra wattage (for a small runaway camper). If the engine needs maintenance here and there that's perfectly fine as long as the electrical stays good. Any comment on your ownership?

[@dicknewman9009]

Honda is a nice generator when they work but when they stop working you don't want to buy another one I've had to throw one away I took one of them to get it fixed and they wanted over $1,000 to fix it I bought a predator for 6:50 it's bigger quieter I think it's just a good gas consumption

[@JR-yx5ip]

The Honda 3000 is also quieter then the Honda 2000. I know i have both.

[@hotaslava69er]

Only coz bigger motors will revv less with same power draw!

[@TheMickeymental]

@@hotaslava69er That is not the sole reason,

[@hotaslava69er]

@@TheMickeymental its a fucking good start buddy!

[@divebarcasanova7610]

Excellent video.

[@davidcordell914]

My predator runs my houseboat , with no problems, ac , coffee maker , TV, stereo, fans, fridge. Two years and no problems . How is this possible .? Neighbor said get a honda his is the best . Lol

[@mfuji02]

THANKS DAVID, WAS WONDERING IF THIS COULD HANDLE A HOT SUMMER COMMIEFORNIA POWER OUTAGE AC FRIDGE MICROWAVE TV ECT....

[@stanjarmolowicz]

I GOT ONE 3 MONTHS AGO ,,IT QUIT ON ME 2 DAYS AGO .. . i CAN'T FIND TROUBLE SHOOTING - COMMON PROBLEMS WITH IT .. i'M SURE IS NOT SERIOUS PROBLEM BUT I WISH TO KNOW WHAT COST ALL THE SUDDEN EVEN UNDER RELATIVELY LIGHT LOAD POOR ENGINE RUNNING AND OVERLOAD LIGHT POP RIGHT AWAY . ANYBODY FAMILIAR WITH MOST COMMON PROBLEM ON PREDATOR 3500 ? PLEASE HELP ,THANKS , STAN

[@330grubbler]

also wouldn't hurt to convert the gen to dual fuel gasoline/propane. did the conversion on my Honda ex5500 and so happy i did so.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

No doubt, Predator are great generators. But running a small generator near its limit vs a large generator at about half its rated load, of course the small generator is going to be louder. Not to mention that the large construction of the Predator has natural muffling inherent in is design.

[@tylerhommerding]

what brand of oil are you running in the genarator just got mine the other day havent added oil yet

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Tyler Hommerding I put 10w30 Valvoline in mine. Took a quart or so

[@laven111]

Very good video . The HF is quiet

[@vannerdherd]

SO, could you give us a Part2 review of these generators after almost being used for a year? Also, does the HF have a backup for starting it? so if it doesn't start with the electric start, can you pull start it?

[@Weirddog806]

Sucks when people have a 10+k camper and the cheapest loudest generators on the planet they can find, hopefully this changes soon thanks hf

[@330grubbler]

eco throttle only works when the generator doesn't sense a load on it. when the gen revs up its running at the set throttle setting for a load.

[@photonashville]

Sept 2020, how is the Predator doing? Any issues. Looks like a nice unit and good price. Give us a follow up.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Thanks for the inspiration, you can watch the follow-up here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIC1coeZqd-CZ68

[@TheMickeymental]

I compared this predator model vs my Caterpillar C13 (60 HZ) 320 ekw diesel generator. I did this by hooking my unit up to the grid the Cat powered 400 homes, while the Pedator overloaded and caught on fire. Sorry I did not have the Honda EU2000I for comparison.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Cool story, I'm sure it's all true. Have a super day!

[@TheMickeymental]

@@Revvedupadventureclub I was being facetious the video was a false comparison.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

@@TheMickeymental nope, not really, just not a perfect comparison. If I were shopping for a generator and had a budget of a grand and went to KZbin to look around I'd find this comparison elucidating. I hope you did too. Keep up the good work!

[@TheMickeymental]

@@Revvedupadventureclub I understand that, but that is subjective opinion. There are many other factors to be considered, weight 100 lbs, vs 46 lbs, usage, and maintenance issues such as service centers nationwide.. It is not a perfect analogy, but a test using the percentage of watts used and surge capabilities would be more accurate and easy to produce for performance measure.This was the gist of the video? I don't have a problem with the predator, but I have different concerns. Best of luck to you.

[@ELEVOPR]

At $700 or "$649" with coupon plus $124 for two year protection plan for a Total of either $824 or if coupon is used Total would be $773 It's a no brainer to get the Predator that has 1500 more watts then the little Honda and about $350 buck less then the Honda, also the Predator is even Quieter., I would Definitely go with the Predator. Looks to me like they went above and beyond to make the Predator 3500 Super Quiet., I think honda lovers are just hating? Don't go away mad "Honda Lovers" Just go away. 😂😂😂

[@lordgarion514]

And when they're 4-5 years old and have sat up all winter guess which one's more likely to start and work properly. Nothing from HF is made made of high quality components. Everything from Honda is made of high quality parts, hence the cost.

[@danstrayer111]

every time I see the phrase "no- brainer", I know immediately the person using it doesn't know what's going on.

[@kevinj8258]

The sitting all winter thing/issue is gas going bad in the carburetor. Most require the carb bowl to be emptied as well as the fuel tank. Or run fuel stabilizer through the generator to make sure it can handle storage. Since 90% of comments never mention proper generator storage technique can tend to ignore these comments. -- Plus usually there is generator maintenance that has to be done every 100 hours.

[@BrandonBigB956]

Problem is in 3 years when you need parts can you get them for the predator? Chances are you won't be able to get the part you need. I don't have any inverter generators but when I buy one it will be a yamaha or honda.

[@kevinj8258]

Brandon Taylor - parts after five years are an issue. Good point about Honda. But there has to be more competition.

[@wmc9722]

Generally, smaller units tend to make more noise, right? Also, make sure your body blocks the meter equally each time.

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

If you say so, wouldnt have thought so given the smaller mech etc. Perhaps the point of the video is missed or perhaps there are biases that cant be surpassed but its pretty amazing that a cheap HF genny can be as quit as the fabled Honda. Thanks for the comments!

[@trangofast9692]

could you plug a power strip into a generator to run a few appliances?

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Trango Fast absolutely you could

[@kc03300]

your comparing the wrong Honda generator. Honda 3000 is quieter with eclectic start . 59 db

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Ha, sorry to upset you. Have a great day

[@DanielBowne]

@@Revvedupadventureclub Would imagine he doesn't own both, but the title CLEARLY says "Predator 3500 generator vs Honda EU2000"

[@ericperich1240]

Great Review! Thank You!

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

Eric Perich thanks for the feedback!

[@mxthunder2]

almost perfect approach to testing. sort of apples to oranges given the size of the two units but still good info. i would be curious to see the HF up against an EU3000. i wonder if they used Japanese or Chinese electrical components (caps, etc) inside the HF. I love my eu6500is units and also have an energizer 2000w unit but always find myself going for the hondas.

[@matthewspaccarelli5007]

Why don't you just compare an apple to an orange? I both the Honda 2000 and 3000 and my 3000 is quieter then the 2000. Especially at load.

[@researchandbuild1751]

Whats the noise level without anything running

[@arriagada1957]

I have a Honda 2000 W for 3 yrs starts at the first pull,very economical (9 plus hrs with .96 gallons of fuel)and quiet..! Do you guys think i should go with the Harbor Frgt or Stay with the Honda..?

[@Revvedupadventureclub]

is 1400 watts not a large load? thanks for the feedback!

[@arriagada1957]

adam daly If Hf is a real 3500 w..?.you can put a 3250 w load can it handle..? or 3000 W..?

[@weavtube]

Not a good comparison, the Honda eu2000 is louder than Honda’s eu3000 as well because the 3000’s have more insulation because they are larger. Let’s see a comparison between the two 3000w generators