The Harbor Freight Predator Inverter Generators are flying off the shelves (THIS IS WHY)

[@ToolReviewZone]

Yes... you can hook these up to your home with a transfer switch as well

[@bastian1847]

this was gonna be my question... thanks

[@lwwarren]

​@@bastian1847 I believe you can get the combiner and join two of these together to provide 15.2KW total to your panel.

[@JRotten]

​@@lwwarren Where do you get those? Harbor freight has 50 amp ones. So up to 2- 30 amps gennys tied together. But to have two bigger gennys would be great.

[@jfraz6246]

@@JRottenLowe’s, Amazon, a few different places. Really depends on what your trying to run on the size you want.

[@PastorRoger]

Really needs a 50 amp plug

[@troycet1]

Man enough to admit he forgot to flip the "on" switch. Mucho respect.

[@ToolReviewZone]

🤣🤣👊

[@iraa9935]

@@ToolReviewZonea real man’s man👍🏾

[@lawabidingdad]

I'm in the market for one and the reviews are scaring me can't make up my mind

[@charlesrobedeaux8088]

I have the 9000 watt generator from Harbor Freight. During a resent power outage we ran 72 hours straight on it. It was a work horse in 100 degree days. These Predator generators are rock solid. I will look into this one.

[@SpiKSpaN-ei6zq]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm contemplating one of these myself

[@noeramirez6710]

How loud is that generator? I am considering buying one

[@HarryCane305]

chg oil every 48 hrs.

[@ZOMBIEDOGEARMY]

It's a beast! I ran my house with 3 fridges and 4 window units no problem!

[@avilla7934]

@@ZOMBIEDOGEARMYhow do you connect appliances? Power strip? Panel outlet? Lol I’ve never used one before but I’m in need to buy one

[@thomasgibson8025]

The quality at Harbor Freight has vastly improved over the past few years. My only comment about this generator, it should be dual fuel capable. I have repeatedly told this to many HF managers. They all agreed it is a good idea, but still no joy. Propane is the way to go, simple storage of large quantities,never goes bad, and never leaves varnish residue in carbs. I have six one hundred pound tanks ready to go for an event in South Florida. I hook two tanks in tandem to act as a 200 pound tank. My Firman uses 50 to 75 pounds a day, depending on wattage draw. Thanks,nice video!!

[@christopherpage3177]

Propane / gas please HF.

[@707-JL]

Email corporate. Usually sales or engineering department. Managers ain't nobody.

[@villumschroeder1255]

Use the Motor snorkel. I got mine from US Carburetion.

[@raxxtango]

tri fuel plenum...run gasoline, natural gas or propane. normally propane (in the past) required 2-tanks for initial start, then turn one off. 1 tank of propane should equal 5 gallons of gasoline (time wise).

[@copedennis1]

Your right but it makes gen. More expensive and that equals out the more desired with the too expensive.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Just picked one up this past weekend for $1850 with coupon. Worked great to power 2 refrigerators and 2 deep freezers during a power outage. Added a couple more extension cords so we could run some fans in the house to keep air flow moving.

[@GreatPlainsChaser]

I ran a sno cone business, and that predator ran the whole summer, with no issue. Very quiet! I sold the business but wanted to keep the generator, but it had to go with the deal unfortunately. I need to get another. Fantastic generator.

[@hamilde]

A few months ago, I bought the little brother of this generator, the 3500. It is awesome and quiet. It's a pull start but the first time I started it, I didn't even get the pull rope half way out and it started. I am very impressed.

[@pauljohnson7489]

I’ve been using this generator for my business for about 4 years. It’s an awesome machine and totally gets the job done. I purchased a 2 year warranty and at the end of 2 years I walked into the store and they allowed me to purchase another 2 years. I consider it to be a 2 year insurance policy.

[@dakwa1]

I used to work for Harbor Freight, and I will say there is a good amount of crap sold there, but there is also a lot of good stuff too. The one thing I find, is even when you inform a lot of people, they do not listen. The good product at Harbor freight is not as maintenance forgiving as name brand products. That means you have to keep up the maintenance. It is a payoff, you pay more for name brand, and you get more forgiving product, usually. You pay less with Harbor Freight, and the product is not as maintenance forgiving. But I have heard from many people, from professionals, to DIYers, that if they keep up the maintenance their tools from Harbor Freight last a long time.

[@TheBucktowncrazy]

I have a 9000w Predator from Habor Freight. I people feel that Habor Freight sells crap. But I have to say these Predator generators work well. I used mine for over 30+ days after hurricane Ida hit 2 years ago. Well built machine. I just added the conversion kit to run it on natural gas. Very happy with it!!!

[@Skyhawks1979]

Which conversion kit did you use?

[@rubengarcia-sd6if]

👀

[@TheBucktowncrazy]

I hook my generator directly to my electrical panel. The predator 9000 ran everything with no problem. I didn't run my 4 ton ac unit. I will this summer if need be. I added a soft start to my ac unit. If you do the same make sure you get a 50amp circuit/box to plug the cord into it. But as far as everything else. The 9000 ran the whole house. All house lights, tv's modern, 2 fridge and 3 ac window units. I'm very pleased with it. Recently, I purchased a 13,000 tri fuel generator as a backup or to run the 9000 for a few days, then alternate them as needed

[@BryanTorok]

Which conversion kit did you use? Where did you buy it? Link?

[@TheBucktowncrazy]

@BryanTorok i purchased it from PNG Technologies. They have a channel here on KZbin. The kit gives you the capability to run it with natural gas or propane. I want to say it was $250, i think. 3 years ago, I had a direct hit by Hurricane Ida. We were without power for 32 days. At that time, I ran it off of gasoline. I purchased and received the kit about 6 weeks after i ordered it. After I received it and installed it, I ran the generator to see if I was able to run 90% of my house. With that conversion kit, I was able to run 2 refrigerators, 2 ac window units, and all the lights and tv's in my home. I'll try and add a link to that company

[@kimnach]

I purchased a P9500 about two years ago and built a storage shed, ready for a second one to operated in parallel. I added an external 18gallon tank using the Pinellas kit. I've only had to use it once last year for about 30minutes, and it ran our heat pump (soft start kit) and refrigerators without issue. We fortunately did not lose power when the tornadoes/thunderstorms hit the greater-Cleveland area a few weeks ago, but it was good to know that we were ready.

[@johnbrizendine7716]

I have that one!!! Had a week long power outage last spring and it worked perfectly for running my entire house, even the A/C!!!!!

[@guylozito7041]

I’ve got 250 hours on my 9500. I bought it before the price explosion for around 1300 on sale 2 years ago. They’re 1900 now best price but still worth it.

[@ohboy2592]

It’s now $2500 at my store

[@Flcracker0419]

I have the older predator generator. Have been running it off grid for the past 3 years. Have run it 3 to 4 days straight. No issues as of yet. Just change the oil once a year.Have ran both ethanol and non-ethanol fuel.

[@Larry-dt7kz]

Once a year.😂😂😂😮😮😮😢😢😢

[@NOLA-uy8us]

We purchased this generator when it went on sale early 2023 (Plus bonus discount when I applied for credit card at Harbor Freight) Paid $1983.00 after taxes. The amount of money that I have already saved on gas because it is WAY MORE FUEL EFFICENT then the one I had been using for the past 5 years. It will pay for itself in no time if you use it a lot like I do. I use it to power up 2 campsites off grid. I don't have to get up in the middle of the freezing night anymore to fill the tank because it runs a lot longer on less gas. I LOVE how quite it is. I regret not buying it sooner!

[@Retaile23]

Make sure you follow the oil break-in period and then double it. My new 9500 had an excessive amount of aluminum shavings in the oil pan before ever starting it.

[@chrishackett554]

I saw another video that said the same and showed magnetic dip sticks and oil tank empty bolt are available for reasonable cost on Amazon

[@RW-ur7ym]

If it’s aluminum shavings, a magnetic plug or dipstick is worthless!😂

[@synstar8558]

I would make a recommendation of using PURE / ETHANOL FREE gas. Keeps the carb clean with no gunk buildup.

[@meagaindave2049]

Yes. Ethanol-free is King!

[@johnpalmer5131]

I agree and was thinking the same. Wonder also if this unit could be converted to run propane or natural gas?

[@derekjohnson8928]

💯% FACTS! I run all of my small engines on Ethanol Free gas.

[@hectorrovito9396]

​@@johnpalmer5131❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrisfree2000]

It's a myth that's been debunked

[@pauleywagscave]

I have one of them ( 9500 ) . had it for 2 and a half years. Runs the whole house no problem. I only turn off the water heater. other than that. well water pump. air conditioning. 2 fridges. 2 freezers. lights and all... NO problems. and all my electronics have not been hurt. period! Granted my unit only has 70 some hours on it. I trust it. certainly do not regret my purchase.

[@JorgeGonzalez-be9vh]

Do you have the transfer switch?

[@bagobolts08]

You should mention that there is a tri-,fuel adapter that can be put on the predator that allows it to run on natural gas, propane or gasoline! However when using natural gas or propane it reduces the power output a little, it will run cooler but with a reduced power output! The price to run it will still be relatively the same between the three fuels but it depends which is more convenient for you to use! A few years back before the inverter generators came on the seen I underwent a crash course on generators and their drawbacks! For instance use for whole home the generator will not startup the air conditioning of your HVAC system due to lack of amperage for the startup capacitors if you can get past that startup it will run the air conditioning! If you have solar panels and want to use them in conjunction without being on the grid and lack a battery storage system there are certain things you need to know... Congress made a deal with power companies and passed laws that will not allow you to go off-grid! Therefore the solar panels in order to fire up need the sinewave produced from the grid or a conditioned power source that produces that sinewave check to see if the generator inverter you have produced that if you are still hooked to the grid you will also need a transfer switch that keeps the generator from back feeding the grid and potentially electrocute somebody or create a catastrophic failure to other components! BTW When I took the course I spent $55 a day for gasoline it was loud messy and labor intensive which made my power company's energy fee look really appealing it was considerably less priced and no labor! ALSO a must do change the oil regularly read the operational manual and make sure you adhere to that schedule! SERIOUSLY follow the manual. I found a way to run my generator in a shed but I employed outside air circulation to the carburetion and forced the exhaust outside through a pipe therefore it would not stall and I would not die! The reason I did what I did was noise I did not want to alert my neighbors or code enforcers to the problem I had forcing me to use a generator! I also employed sound dampening curtains around the generator! I'm going out today and buying at least one of these bad boys the older generators would not allow parallel use ie stacking more than one generator/inverter for greater power output! Hope this changes the channel creator's opinion that all comments are worthless! I stand by and swear everything I have said is true!

[@petef.4361]

Where can you get the adapter that lets it run on propane or natural gas???

[@jjr897]

@@petef.4361 there is a guy that sells them. Just look up predator inverter generator propane, conversion kit. He even has detailed video on how to install it.

[@drsnooz8112]

Note that the Predator's shutoff switch is integrated into the gas supply. So when you shut it off, it empties the carb bowl. Other generators cut spark to the plugs, guaranteeing that the next time you need the generator, it won't start. The Predator is worth it for that feature alone.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

It only takes common sense. You have to manually shut off the fuel supply. Leave the ignition on and let it run till it quits. Most generators have a fuel shut off

[@drsnooz8112]

@@andrewdonohue1853 It's common sense after someone tells you to ignore the big red switch that says "Off" in favor of the poorly marked lever in a much less accessible location. I'm sad to report that despite the design, my HF generator is surging after only one or two uses. What is it about small engines that the carbs turn to crap instantly?

[@andrewdonohue1853]

@@drsnooz8112 it's not so much the carburetors that are at fault, the gas is very poor quality and has no shelf life. Another issue I take with the inverter generator, looks like it's a real peach to work on it yourself

[@reinaldorodriguez7314]

This runs on gas?

[@drsnooz8112]

It's winter here now and the generator is running smoothly again. I suspect the idle jet might be a little too small, leading to surging when it's hot. I might drill out the jet slightly to compensate.

[@Wolf34762]

I have the smaller version of this and I absolutely love it! You are a 100% spot on with your review. Thanks for the videos.

[@NotSoFast71]

I have a Wen brand 2350 watt inverter generator and I love it. It holds one gallon of gas and runs 10 hours at about half load. 8 hours on full load. Super quiet, even when running at full speed.

[@bubbatime]

@@jasonsmith4402made in America?😂😂 I can assure you almost every generator is made in China. If it’s under $2000, it’s made in China

[@wes326]

I have a Wen 3500 and it ran our fridges, freezer, sump pumps, and some lights for four days during an outage caused by a tornado. I recently put in an interlock kit so it could also run our gas furnace during the winter, if necessary.

[@felaxchow207]

Bought mine over 2 years ago and now has 89 hours on the clock. Still running like a champ. Didn't bother with the extended warranty, but I did the accelerated break in process over the weekend. I figure that if I don't have any issues within the first 25 hours, I'd be fine from there to the end remainder of the 90 days. During the time in between, it has bailed me out of numerous power cuts including a tropical storm where the power was out for over 12 hours. My 800 square foot home had lights, cold fridge, central air-conditioning, and electric hot water using a generator inlet socket with an interlock transfer switch at the breaker panel saving me the grief of not having a spaghetti model of extension cords running throughout the house.

[@gregsmith1116]

Dude, I got the 3500W inverter generator for Father's day and I am excited. This Spring, we have been hit with two outages. One was 12 hours and the other was 8 days (that was a near miss by a tornado). I just want the ability to use once a month for testing off grid and then when disaster strikes, I can keep the meat in the freezer where it is.

[@QATAROVERLAND]

This generator works as a champ. i have it in my rv. It works winter and summer, and our summer in Gulf reaches 55 degrees Celsius. It's working with me now for 3 years, and the total run time is around 450 hours on it. i really love this generator, and thanks for the video, dear, and thanks all for watching and reading ❤

[@liers99]

I have the 1000. Picked it up used for like $350. Love it. I keep it in my tool trailer and it will run anything there. Power outages I use it to keep the fridge and freezer going. For the money ya can’t beat ‘em.

[@fredcaballero7201]

I bought this predator generator after the power outage in Texas during winter. I haven’t had to use it but I’m glad I have it, it’s worth the piece of mind especially now that there’s a baby in the picture. Iv had it for about 1.5 year and it still starts first pull. One thing I did notice on mine is that one of my 120 outlets keeps tripping after a few minutes even though it’s nowhere near the 20amp limit. Still a great gen and still recommend it, will probably buy one of the smaller versions for camping.

[@rickhunt3183]

To maintain a small engine, make sure you crank it and let it run for few minutes every month. (Every two weeks is even better) If the engine doesnt crank within 3 pulls, it's not going to crank. Always use stabilizer when storing a gas engine, and always use pure gasoline and never alcohol mix. Propane or natural gas is a much better option to gasoline. The engine runs cleaner and will last longer. Using a vapor fuel the engine will produce less horsepower due to fuel density. Expect a 15-20% loss of horsepower depending on the engine. That being said, a vapor fuel is the way to go.

[@ScottDabson]

I've looked at these for a while, I was thinking about getting the smaller one for my RV. I could see having this big one and having those backup battery packs and could get by on that combo for a long time. A good product is a good product regardless of lable/name. Thanks Clint!!

[@r.f.pennington746]

@ScottDabson. I went with the 2000W Predator inverter. Use? I use it to recharge my solar generator on days when the sun doesn't cooperate. Takes about 3hrs to fully charge my Anker 760 depleted down to about a third battery capacity. Occasionally plug a circular saw or something into it, but usually just to recharge the solar generator on an off-grid cabin. It really is a quiet generator!

[@kevinjohnston4512]

I've been buying harbor freight tools for years. For my home use never had a problem. Harbor freight gets better and better every year

[@philliphall5198]

I agree ☝️

[@krisw8597]

I have the smaller 3500 version for our camper. I have a whole house standby generator already…. But would buy this one someday to Back up to the whole house one. Cause you already know, things break so you need a backup plan for your initial backup plan!😂😂😂😂plus it’s the 9500…. I can’t believe that people will dog these things. Absolutely one of the best ones out there. Convert the carb to accept propane and call it done.

[@ZOMBIEDOGEARMY]

I was one of those people that hated on Harbor Freight! They have really stepped up and I'm impressed! I don't have the inverter but I have the Predator generator and I'm really impressed! Was too good of a deal. Also buy the warranty!

[@dw.in.michigan]

You're touched, but in a good way. You definitely make me want to buy that generator. I have several Harbir Freight power tools. Not all of them have been great, but some have definitely been put through the paces...no sign of giving up.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Wait till you see the next vid I do on this. Ran .y whole house with it 😎😎👊

[@Djexoticdancing69]

Hey, brother, great video I 2 on a 3500 W predator generator and i cannot express to you how happy i am to own it. I had mine for more than 5 years. And still kicking a**The only thing I wish the Harbor freight would come out. With this, inverted generators is a remote control. Then they will be kicking a** to the competition. So if the CEO of Harbor freight can read this comment, I highly urge to please make this inverter's generators from now on, the new ones with remote control feature and you will kick a** in the whole entire generator market.

[@jamminwrenches860]

After falling in love with the Honda EU3000 I have been considering this as a backup and eventual replacement. Good to hear a positive review.

[@jaadow77]

Great hearing the side by side sound comparison to an older type genny. My 9500 is still in the box, just waiting for spring and resuming my home build out in the boonies. I always hated firing up the old one and disturbing the peaceful morning.

[@l3lhsl3]

I've always been under the impression and I think even the manual mentions it is to use conventional for the break in because of how great synthetic is it won't allow the rings to bed properly

[@victorm7274]

You should review the 5000 predator. I love it this thing. They took out all the things I didn’t like about the 3500 predator . Which is a really good generator but they made the 5000 even better. Everything from connecting the battery to cleaning the air filter.

[@terrybaca4095]

I saw on another channel that if you're going to run an inlet into your breaker panel. It's recommended to unbound the generators AC120/240 outlet. Since the breaker panel is already grounded.

[@concernedpatriot9314]

Thanks for the review because I have an old 6,ooo watt I just rebuilt the dam thing and now I will get one these as a BACK UP.

[@zracer1099]

I always wanted one of them but my dad kept saying don’t buy it because they are junk. As in no copper components. Tho this video has really made me want to get one even more now!

[@chrishackett554]

Just picked up my 9500 at HF for $1,899, $400 off sale. Love it!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesome buy 👊

[@claudew5582]

The big difference for me is the Honda inverter 7000 has a automatic choke so I can set up a remote start. Informative, fun video.

[@johnpaulrine62]

Got the same exact generator (with the extended warranty) 4 months ago. WORTH EVERY PENNY. starts immediately every single time. Powers my entire house with no Fs given. (Under full load 1 tank of gas only lasts about 11 hours though= roughly $45 per day in gas) other than that i love it.

[@Wesmancan]

Why get the extended warranty unless you use everyday. Think. If it’s goona go bad it’s gonna do it before the extended part come is. But hey. It’s your cash. Throw it away.

[@meagaindave2049]

Yo Clint! Very thorough and excellent in-depth review. You're spot on about the noise of a standard generator and trying to sleep. Yes, there are the outdoors types and Nascar circuit chasers that have tolerance for the sound, but for the average "once in awhile" user, sleeping with open windows and that 4- cycle motor going all night is miserable. And, yes, charging small devices and even power tool batteries from a standard generator can harm the items simply because of the pulses of electricity that are delivered. Though, a power surge-protected power strip solves that issue. However, my overall point is this: price. Though the Predator is tempting (with 4 wheels, so nass like) for the options, it's worth it but I'm leaning toward the Ryobi 40v 1800 watt inverter. Two of them. Then use my loud standard generator (using a power strip) to charge those 40v batteries when necessary. Minimal gasoline use. It's just a thought that might be doable, is all. 😎🎸👍

[@ToolReviewZone]

Dave dropping truth bombs all over 😎😎😎😎😎😎👊👊👊👊👊

[@clockworkvanhellsing372]

If you're going with a battery buffer, the ecoflow combo (powerbank + gen 2 generator) is the way to go. Runs with gas and propane, has an auto start stop drpending on battery charge level and can also take solar cells to reduce generator runtime.

[@barbarianatgate2000]

I will say that even under load, without exception, this is one of the quietest generators I've ever used.

[@bobcat409]

Your honesty adds much to the quality of the video. Much appreciated.

[@jdc1978]

Yes to the extended warranty. I have the smaller one I use off grid and was advised by HF just bring it back in 2 -1/2 years and get a new one. Only problem I am having is the starter switch which is back ordered.

[@KO-pk7df]

That is a real man! Has no problem admitting he did something wrong. We have all done something wrong like that. On that alone I'm hitting the SUBSCRIBE button.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Hahaha, thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel KO 👊

[@philliphall5198]

Any generator is better than nothing for sure and really every home needs one for back up now 😮

[@deadonleprechaun]

I would’ve pulled the trigger on this generator if it had a 50 amp receptacle, and was either dual or tri fuel. Without the 50 amp have fun trying to get all the power without running multiple cables. Rumor on the street is those upgrades are coming soon.

[@jeffmartin4833]

They now make a parallel kit with a 50amp plug. It will give you full power.

[@deadonleprechaun]

@@jeffmartin4833 so you need another generator or additional parts, no thanks. I’ll wait for something that’s more comparable to the industry standard.

[@mk2ingit]

Duel fuel and I'll buy one

[@peterseinfeld]

I got mine for 1800 plus tax! Black Friday plus I used their credit card and got another 10% off! Excited to get it running and break it in this weekend.

[@smiller225]

You are right about the extended warranty. People that use it for emergency backup will not put enough hours on it to justify the extended warranty. I put about 60 on mine in 2 years

[@lewchaney2138]

This is a really nice generator. I’m busy rebuilding my 40 year old Generac 4000 watt carburetor now, and I’m not excited about the noise level it has always made. I believe it cost me about $450 forty years ago, so I think this Predator generator is actually cheaper given the relative cost of everything.

[@rwooley4494]

OMG lmao i've done that til my arm said no more! Wife walked around and said did you select the on option.... I just glared at her as she walked inside snickering

[@ToolReviewZone]

Hahaha, it happens to the best if us brother. Thanks for the comment 👊👊👊🤣

[@stephencook4611]

A lot of people run their generators 24/7 during a power outage when they only need to run them a few hours a day, in most cases. If you learn how to manage your generator power, you can easily double or triple your hrs per tank.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Each 3 dB is a perceived DOUBLING of volume. From memory, long time audio enthusiast. From Wikipedia...The 3dB 'trading effect' means for every 3 dB the sound level increases the impact on hearing health which is doubled. For example, 63 dB(A) is twice as noisy as 60 dB(A). The relevance of this is apparent when considering exposure to hazardous level of noise.

[@toserveman9265]

I bought the 2000 Predator inverter generator 3 years ago for $550, a year later another for $600. Awesome products, 1000's of hours on the first one, still humming, but all of it's use in low power output, 500W or less. One gallons lasts 10-12 hours on low. Some utuber tested the quality of the power though, and found it wasn't as good as say Hondas 2000W product for twice the price.

[@jafo4u508]

These generators no matter what trash people talk about them, powered Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. I shipped 50 of the older units to PR after the storm. If you break them in with conventional oil, get rid of the filter and oil after the proper break-in time and run full synthetic oil after break-in, these things are bulletproof. Many of the units I sent went to family and friends and churches, those same people tell me the same thing, just change the oil more than the manual tells you to and add gas. If you're going to store them long term, put battery on trickle charger, empty fuel tank, and run the machine until it turns itself off. A quick tip, I heard running a generator without a load wasn't good for it, so I equalize both legs of the 120 with lights or fans after I turn the unit on.

[@TR3B99]

Harbor freight generators are highly underrated.

[@williamgaines9784]

Re the CO shutoff: By the time it shuts itself down it may already be too late. Because the air flow within the building may carry the fumes to another portion of the building and they may not back up to the meter for some time. NEVER run the generator inside. It should be 15 or more feet from the building. Listening to those, the extra price for the superquiet might be worth the extra $. I have the loud version of the smaller, 1400 watt, of predator generator. I have HAD to use it for several days at a time, several times. It keeps my food cold/frozen, and it runs great. I always run the tank until dry, even though I use fuel stabilizer, before refueling and let it cool 1/2 hour before doing so. I replace the oil after every 50 hours of use( changed it first time at break in period, as even synthetic oil is cheaper than replacing the engine) and so far it does not consume any oil. It has always started on the first or second pull, even though I too forgot the hawd hamn I/O switch that one time😂. As frequently as our power gets knocked out, I am likely to get a whole house automatic generator soon as I don't want to have to come home to a stanky house if it goes out while we are vacationing somewhere. Nice review.👍👍

[@xjdisuehd]

My family has been using the smaller 5000W version recently, like less than a month ago, in the Houston area. It ran for six days, non-stop. Their home has a transfer switch and a cut-off switch as well. With the Starlink satellite internet, it is basically life as usual for them, except for everyone in neighborhood now also lining up to buy this. They are running their refrigerator and freezer, two small window ACs, their lights, and a small hotplate since their gas was out too. 5000 watts is more than enough for them, caveat being, they can only run one AC when using the hotplate. No needing to worry about fuel too, as they had a 5 gallon gascan, but then pulled out from their F150 which has those special fuel tanks (45gal) above their differential but beneath the bed. Went to the gas station to refill on their seventh day, surprise, surprise, the gas station was using three of these to run the pumps, their coolers and other stuff.

[@jhm68]

I always pull the pull start slowly a couple times just to move the oil around before I use the push start.

[@TheTferrer]

I bought the same model - I am very happy with the low noise level and performs well.

[@konrad9240]

Everything is crazy expensive, people have no money for Honda.

[@Orefamilylawncare]

Plenty of people can afford Honda. Some people don't need a Honda but those that want a quality gen set will love a Honda.

[@BillyBlaze7]

HF's motor driven items are usually very good, i have many, you just have to use Stabil in the gas to combat the ethanol and you are golden

[@eddytotherow4917]

I own a lot of harbor freight tools electric hand tools, a 21 gallon air compressor, 212 cc gas predator engine, and also a bunch of regular hand tools. I have found that if you properly run the break in time for each item that it calls for, then they will work very well and last for a long time. Use the oil that comes with it for the break in then after the break in use a good oil. Go a few more times for break in than what they suggest. And as far as the electric power tools, the brushes on the armatur need to run for a while so that they seat properly. Do this without putting the tool under a load. And as far as HF hand tool warranty , you can't beat it from any company not even snap on. Lifetime warranty no matter what. I have broken snap on sockets as where the HF sockets held up to the punishment I put them through on purpose. I have also broke some Mac tools and eastco tools.

[@eddierodriguez8004]

Have 285 hours and counting. The CO2 monitor sensor will fault out preventing starting if run in poor ventilation. Often blow mine with low pressure air. The sensor is near the exhaust and the unit case limits air circulation from outside. Over 3 yrs and start easily either by pull or with the push button. Bought mine couple years back for under 2k out the door now about $500 plus tax more . Well worth it. Don’t forget to change the oil as recommended.

[@PSUCharger88]

I love how people love to bash something before they even try it out themselves. People need to learn that name brand doesn't always mean quality and that any company can be easily surpassed for a cheaper cost typically. Higher prices don't always mean higher quality.

[@TheMickeymental]

You stated something to the effect that you value constructive criticism and some advice from experience. Do not add synthetic oil to a new generator, it is too slippery and does not allow rings to seat properly. Use conventional oil first and break the unit in properly. Fill the unit with oil and run it for one hour with no load, then change the oil. Then run the unit under load for one hour, change the oil, run the unit with varying loads for one hour. Then change the oil: this will eliminate most of the metal from the break in period. Use synthetic after one hundred hours. Oil is cheap; don't store any type of generator with used oil, since it is very contaminated and acidic. And read the manual for proper storage instructions. This item is picky, but the standard in the industry for sound tests is twenty three feet, or seven meters, but you demonstrated the difference between the two units. The next issue deals with your logic, which is based upon what you have heard or seen. This is not verifiable and is of no consequence as this is purely anecdotal evidence and lacks nexus to the actual failure rate of these machines. This could very easily mislead people into buying and inferior product based upon faulty opinion. In a carbureted engine it is very important to use only marine grade fuel and drain the carburetor completely before storage. Carburetor problems are most likely the number one problem in the starting of a stored machine. Honda's are expensive and I have two of Hondas, while Hondas are a known product with a long history of reliability, they are not bulletproof. Honda parts are readily available and repair centers are ubiquitous. It would have been nice for you to reference where to get parts and service for the Predator. It is a personal choice and a matter of economics which units people can or will buy. Predators will most likely work great in a pinch, especially if you live in a hurricane state or an area with a poor electrical grid. Thanks for the video.

[@thomasgibson8025]

If you buy the extended warranty (highly recommeded), and the unit breaks, HF gives you a brand new unit. I have asked HF about parts, and was given a phone number. Stores do not sell parts.

[@TheMickeymental]

@@thomasgibson8025 I don't buy extended warranties and if you do get a new unit you have to buy another extended warranty. Getting a phone number means absolutely nothing until you go through the process. This extended warranty plan of hf is a gimmick.

[@Mindhacker1961]

Thank you. You had me dying with laughter when you admitted you forgot to turn the on/off switch to on to start the generator.

[@SnackAttack77]

I have a 4550w Predator Generator Inverter and compared to my big boy 10000w champion it is MUCH quieter and much more fuel efficient. The Champion will be the one I use to run my house in a black out but the Predator is a beast for powering my man shed and bringing around for remote jobs. Only issue I had with the Predator was the low oil sensor went bad and it wouldn't start, so I had to cut it.

[@thinktank8286]

Is the low oil sensor a common replacement part available or is it something unique to the Pred and couldn't be replaced?

[@SnackAttack77]

@@thinktank8286 I'm sure it's a common part but I don't need the sensor anyway, it's not leaking or burning oil so I'll just check it periodically instead of going through the hassle of replacing it.

[@ericwitt4586]

I’ve had a 3500 watt for seven years it’s never failed to start and give power it’s not even used that much so I’m a big fan of them !!!

[@tubeDude48]

We live in Northern California. We get our power from Oregon! We have a fire up here that has knocked out power, (which will be) for month's! After 3 days of NO power, we decided to buy a Generator. I WISH I had seen your video first!! The City has brought in Generator's and are being placed strategically around the town to bring it back to life. So now we have these generators tucked away (for now)! We have ALWAYS had problems with power here, especially in the winter when the heavy rains come. --- Anyway, I've decided to subscribe...Thanks! 👍

[@iselili2]

I LOVE YOUR REVIEW!!! YOU ROCK… I had my Cummins onan portable 2500i piece of shit die on me last night when I really needed it cus my battery was low while off grid… its only a year old, I got it cus its so light weight, but it is a piece of crap… found your video by chance and now I am on my way to harbor freight…. I am sold, thanks for such a wonderful review. LOVE YOU

[@ToolReviewZone]

Really appreciate this comment iselili. Definitely let me know how tou like it 👊👊👊

[@cuz129]

I've got one, and I like it. It's sure a heavy beast to move around. It's a bargain for sure and quieter than most non inverter one, but I can hear it easily through six inch insulated walls.

[@MrAwsomeshot]

they need to come out with a duel fuel model and one with a 50amp output.

[@JD1459]

I own a Predator 9500, and i love it. It runs my whole house.

[@crxess]

Thank you very much for the excellent review. Had I not already purchased the original top of the line Generator a few years back, this would absolutely be my choice in generators. Mine is a Backup in case of emergencies, and set up for switching house power. Thankfully it is also a very reliable unit. I run it several times a year for short periods, testing functionality and do maintenance as needed(very little). The only reason I do not upgrade at this point is Finances. I'm riding out EOL work disabled and on Social Security. Life happens. Thanks again!

[@watchit6298]

I ordered a magnetic dip stick for my predator just to keep an eye on everything! So far so great !

[@richardoder3459]

I have two of the 3500 paralleled in order to run our rv while installing the off grid solar. We ran them one at a time and paralleled for over 1,700 hours and they did great except the carbon monoxide sensor, both of them quite due to the sensor even know they were outside. I wired around both and have had no other problems.

[@GalloPazzesco]

Enjoyed the video and the presentation. I like the 9500 as well for all the reasons you mentioned but, fwiw as of today, the 24 month warranties are now $799.00. I went to buy a second one to run in parallel given the new parallel kits are out and in stock .... and they wanted $799 for the extra 2 yr warranty on the 9500s. I declined.

[@MegaFranceschini]

That generator is worth every penny. I like the features. Is better than the regular generator in the market. Is very quiet. Thanks for the tip.

[@DavidWeinberg-cm9xd]

Put a load on the Predator, I know you had it idled down with the switch, that's real nice like, the idle down function? Only higher end welders and generators have that feature? Still pretty quiet, even under a load?

[@thatguyagain2693]

Hahaha! I did the same thing recently with a tiller I rented from Big Orange. Like half an hour pulling on that damn rope cussing the depot for renting crap tools. Then I saw the switch

[@beachgirl9234]

Will you please show how to hook it up to the house and how to lock it up so no one will steal it. It would be helpful to see it in action. This is my first time watching one of your videos. I enjoyed the entertainment along with all the details needed to make an informed decision.

[@donyates749]

Also if you want piece of plywood and foam lined, like a pump house and knocks the noise down a bunch. Can add a fan to help cool as well as piece of air duct to vent fumes.

[@docohm50]

These things are a must to throw in the trunk of your Tesla or EV because there's just not enough charge stations

[@markkempton4579]

The people who trash HF tools b/c they haven't shopped there since 2005 amuse me. Yes, these are worth more than their weight in gold and yes, the new brushless Hercules ultra torque will tear the axle off a locomotive. Companies can change strategies and markets. HF has expanded theirs. I am shopping for a backup solution now. I was leaning towards the Westinghouse open frame because I'd like a 50 amp that can power my whole house, but the noise difference with this is making me reconsider. I just don't think we can power the A/C with one of these, even after adding a soft start kit. I think we need the 50 amp, but I haven't found a portable inverter generator with a 50 amp output. (the locomotive comment was hyperbole, btw)

[@kylebeach2316]

Yup the Hercules is by far the best tool lineup besides icon

[@TheFlatlander440]

Hey Clint, will you do another vid with this generator under load?? It makes a difference when appliances start up like a fridge or window AC unit or a combination of various plug ins. The only problem I have with gasoline powered generators during power outages is the availability of gasoline at gas stations during extended power outages like I went through with Hurricane Sandy in 2012. I do prefer a dual fuel generator running on propane or gasoline since during a power outage you can still get your propane tanks refilled (cash of course) since they don't use power to refill a tank. I do like the inverter type since you can run sensitive electronics without the worry of power surges. Thanks for the vid and Cheers!!

[@eosjoe565]

Just curious, where are you getting propane tanks refilled without power? My brother works for a propane company and their big tank has a motorized pump that pumps the liquid propane into small tanks.

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@eosjoe565 ACE Hardware and a Amerigas substation in my town. Both have small generators that run the electric dispensing pumps from their tanks. Our small local gasoline stations don't have any kind of backup generators to power the gasoline pumps. . I llive in a very rural area in the far northeast US.

[@eosjoe565]

@@TheFlatlander440 Oh... ok... that makes sense. I thought you meant electricity was not required to get a propane tank filled. :-)

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@eosjoe565 Sorry I didn't clarify that in my earlier post. Addtionally, you can always swap out your 20 pound tanks for full ones if they have any left. I use 4-40 pound propane tanks and 6-20 pound prpane tanks for various applications on my homestead.

[@kennethreffitt2051]

My dad's favorite question..."did you turn it on". Lol we always forgot the kill switch on the old chainsaws

[@ron.v]

People watching your video will think the Predator is only about 10 dB less noisy than your old generator. What they won't realize is that decibels are logarithmic. To quote one website, "an increase of 10 decibels (dB) represents a 10-fold increase in sound intensity and a doubling of the perceived loudness."

[@anthonyelevatorguy]

Thank you for this review, I will definitely look for one in a few months. Seeing it In action was good, I went two weeks on a traditional generator, the sound was horrible on that side of the house.

[@mountainplumbing]

Not about Harbor Freight too much really but, an electrician used one to power a remote construction job for about 3 months everyday. Dollar General. Everyone on the job used it. Purred all day everyday no issues. Asked him about it and he swore by it. Said it was his 5 or 6th job with this one. Looked Beat but, ran well.

[@tweak991]

I don't get the "I won't buy anything from Harbor Freight" crowd. I have never had a single tool/product from them fail on me (wire welder, hydraulic jack, wheel grinder, air compressor, drill press and lots of random tools). For the everyday handyman around the house, it's prefect. I'll be looking at their Predator brand generators as we want to be able to run a few more things during power outages (Houston area) than our current small generator will.

[@jameskennedy673]

I enjoy watching your demonstrations, especially you getting your extra workout with the pull rope. 😂That generator is real Nas Like, with it I wouldn’t need very many cordless power tools. I need to get me one of those tank tops😊. Keep’m coming

[@DEVUNK88]

the main difference between the regular ac generator and the inverter is that in order to produce a 60hz AC signal the generator has to run at 3600rpm constantly. thats why they run full speed all the time, chowing fuel just to run a light bulb. the governor on the engine keeps it at that rpm when load is applied. The inverter generator can run at any rpm and the inverter will digitally create a 60hz sine wave for proper AC output. If the generator revs lower the wattage output is lower and if it revs higher the wattage output is higher... AMPS x VOLTS = WATTS. the more revs the more amps it creates. (it is prolly a dc voltage converted to 120v ac...maybe not 100% sure) it can match the revs with how much powers is being drawn. saving huge amounts of fuel my explanation is lazzy and incomplete, hopefully it makes sense

[@reefhound]

If Predator doesn't have much confidence that their products will last, why should I? Seems to me if Predator had confidence that their products will last, they would offer a much longer warrantTAY. If they really last then a longer warranty wouldn't be costing them much relative to the value as a selling point.

[@fabfrenchies1974]

You can insulate a box cover and acheive a quiete generator. They are better however sound is not a good reason to upgrade to one of these. The cleaner power if you need it would be a bigger reason. Small electronics, and some appliances will run better.

[@brycapepatrs]

You are too funny and serious at the same time! Like me. You talk just like my friends in eastern "Noth Carolana"! And I love the way you say, "Warrantayyy" Cracking my wife and up while listening to your rant about how good this generator is! I'm sold! Thanks buddy! I liked and subbed!