Harbor Freight Tools manufactures Predator Generators. Other retailers sell Predator Generators, but they are manufactured primarily for Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight Tools is a privately held company based in Calabasas, California. Eric Smidt founded the company and is still the CEO.
Company History and Profile
Eric Smidt founded Harbor Freight tools with his father, Allan Smidt, in 1977. Initially headquartered in Camarillo, California, Harbor Freight Tools now calls Calabasas, California it’s home.
Harbor Freight sells auto parts, shop equipment, hand tools, air and power tools, and outdoor products. Their generator line sells under the Predator brand name.
Initially, Harbor Freight was a mail-order tool and parts supplier. The business model relied on dealing with liquidation sales. Harbor Freight is now the leading discount tool dealer in the United States.
Though Harbor Freight started as a mail-order company, they soon opened brick and mortar stores. The first location opened in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1980. Currently, there are over 1,200 store locations throughout 48 US states.
Harbor Freight started manufacturing the Predator generator line in 1988. In 2010, Harbor Freight opened a quality control facility in Calabasas, California, to oversee the quality of the tools and equipment manufactured for their company.
Several retailers sell Predator generators including Walmart and Amazon. However, the primary supplier of these generators is Harbor Freight Tools.
Facts About Harbor Freight Tools:
- According to Forbes, there are approximately 20,000 employees.
- The company sells over 5,000 tools and accessories.
- Total revenue generated in 2021 is more than five billion dollars.
- Harbor Freight has been on several of Forbes’ top lists.
Predator Makes Both Conventional & Inverter Type Generators
Generators are useful for providing backup power during emergencies. Many homeowners in rural areas with unreliable utilities purchase generators to ensure they have consistent electrical power.
Generators also provide power for people on the go. People that enjoy the great outdoors often purchase generators to provide power to their recreational vehicles and travel trailers.
Before purchasing a generator, consumers should identify the primary use. Knowing the intended purpose of the generator helps consumers select the correct model.
Conventional Generators
Typically, conventional generators use a motor and alternator to generate direct electrical energy. The generator provides 120 volts at 60 hertz as long as it is operating at the appropriate speed.
Maintaining a consistent RPM is difficult for generators causing a fluctuation in the voltage and frequency. This fluctuation makes conventional generators unsuitable for sensitive electronic equipment.
Conventional generators are heavier and noisier than inverters. Additionally, conventional generators are less fuel-efficient as they must maintain a consistent engine speed.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators also have a motor and alternator that generate electrical energy. However, the difference is that inverters take the AC electricity created and convert it to DC. The DC electricity is then run through an inverter to change it back to AC.
This process creates a more stable AC power without the fluctuation of conventional generators. It also allows the inverter to adjust engine idle speeds based on the power demand. This makes inverters more fuel-efficient.
Inverter generators are generally lighter and quieter than conventional generators. Their consistent power supply makes them more suitable for powering modern electronic equipment.
Both types of generators provide consistent reliable power. However, a customer may decide to choose one over the other based on their particular situation.
Predator Conventional Generators
Predator has a wide range of conventional generator models available. Conventional generators manufactured under the Predator brand range in power from 1800 watts to 9000 watts.
Predator’s conventional generators are best suited for emergency home power, recreation, and construction sites. Consumers should be aware that conventional generators may not work well with sensitive electronics.
9000 Watt Gas Powered Portable
The Predator 9000-watt gas-powered generator is the most powerful conventional generator currently available from Predator. This generator has a peak power of 9000 watts with 7250 running watts.
This generator will provide sufficient power to operate many household appliances for several days in a power outage. The generator has a large fuel tank that can run up to 13 hours at a 50 percent load.
The electric start provides easy operation and the generator includes safety features to protect the user. There is a low oil alarm and shut-off that protects the generator in the event of oil loss.
The Predator 9000-watt generator is a good option to provide backup power to a home in an emergency. This generator also provides sufficient electricity to supply construction sites or small portable business locations.
Predator 6500 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator
The Predator 6500-watt gas-powered generator has a peak power of 6500 watts and 5500 running watts. This generator is ideal for home power backup or construction sites where large amounts of power are needed.
This generator has a large fuel tank that will provide enough fuel to operate the generator for 14.5 hours at 50 percent load. The generator has a recoil start and ample receptacles.
There is a low oil alarm and shut-off to protect the generator. The circuit breakers are UL listed and the outlets are GFCI rated protecting the user as well. This generator is a bit heavier than other options, with a product weight of 165 pounds.
Predator 4375 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator
The Predator 4375-watt gas-powered generator has a peak power of 4375 watts and 3500 running watts. This generator will have plenty of power for the typical RV or camper trailer. It can also be used for powering some home appliances in emergencies.
The fuel tank can operate the generator for up to 16 hours at 50 percent load. This model has a recoil start and six receptacles. As with other models, there is a low oil alarm and shut-off to protect the motor.
Predator offers an optional wheel kit for this generator. The generator weighs just over 100 pounds, and adding the wheel kit makes the generator easier to move.
Predator 1800 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator
The Predator 1800-watt gas-powered generator is the smallest conventional generator offered by Predator. At just 60 lbs, the generator is easy to move and very portable.
This generator is for low-power applications. This model has a starting power of 1800 watts and continuous running power of 1400 watts. This generator works well for recreational purposes or locations where minimal electricity is needed.
The Predator 1800 operates off a recoil start and has a run time of 9.5 hours at 50 percent load. The generator features circuit breaker protection for two 20 amp outlets.
Predator Inverter Generators
Harbor Freight offers a large selection of inverter generators under the Predator brand. Their inverter generators range in power from 1400 watts up to 9500 watts.
Inverter generators offer a more quiet operation and a consistent power supply. Sensitive electronic equipment will not have issues operating on inverter generators.
Predator 9500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The Predator 9500-watt super quiet inverter is the most powerful generator offered by Predator. It provides 9500 watts of starting power with 7600 watts of continuous running power.
This generator provides enough power for the typical home and is a great backup option. The fuel tank holds nearly 7 gallons of gas and can power the generator for over 18 hours.
This big power comes in a big package. The generator weighs over 250 lbs. and requires more than one person to move. While the generator does have four wheels to assist in moving it, lifting will be difficult.
This generator has several safety features, including CO Secure technology. This feature shuts down the generator if harmful levels of carbon monoxide are detected.
The Predator 9500 is quiet at just 67 decibels. Additionally, the inverter provides cleaner electricity suitable for sensitive electronics. The generator has an electric start for easy operation and nine power outlets.
This generator provides enough power for home emergency backup, worksites, and mobile businesses such as food trucks.
Predator 8750 Watt Inverter Generator
The Predator 8750-watt inverter generator provides 8750 watts of starting power and 7000 watts of running power. This model provides plenty of power for home emergencies or construction worksites.
The generator features an electric start and recoil start, allowing users to start the generator even if the battery is dead. The fuel tank provides up to 15 hours of run time on a full tank.
While this generator is one of the heavier options, it comes with large 10-inch wheels for easy mobility. The generator has a digital display showing critical information including run time, voltage, and frequency.
This model features CO Secure technology, which protects the user from harmful emissions. The carbon monoxide sensor will shut down the generator if carbon monoxide levels exceed safe levels.
Predator 4550 Watt Inverter Generator
The Predator 4550-watt inverter generator provides adequate power for most recreational vehicles and travel trailers. This generator provides 4550 starting watts and 3650 running watts.
This model is conveniently portable, weighing in at just over 75 lbs. Compared to conventional generators of the same power, this generator is much lighter and quieter, making it perfect for recreational use.
The generator features CO Secure technology to protect users from carbon monoxide. It also has a low oil alarm and shut-down to protect the generator from low oil levels.
This model has a recoil starter. The generator will operate for approximately 16 hours on a full tank.
Predator 3500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The Predator 3500-watt inverter generator is ideal for recreational use. The inverter technology keeps this generator under 60 decibels. At just 100 lbs. with four wheels, the generator is easily portable.
This model has an electronic start and comes ready to use with the battery included. The generator also features an electronic speed control switch that allows the generator to adjust its idle speed and conserve fuel for efficient operation.
The Predator 3500 features overload protection and low oil shutdown like other models. The generator’s enclosure helps reduce noise and makes the generator ultra-quiet.
Predator 2000 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The Predator 2000-watt inverter generator is an excellent choice for low-power uses. It provides 2000 watts of starting power with 1600 watts of running power.
This generator works well for camping, tailgating, and other recreational uses. The generator weighs just under 50 lbs. so it is ultra-portable. The Predator 2000 is only 18.5 inches high, 12.6 inches wide, and 22.6 inches in length, making it easy to pack anywhere.
The fully enclosed impact-resistant housing makes the Predator 2000 ultra-quiet. The generator has a sound rating of just over 60 decibels. The generator has a recoil starter and runs for 12 hours on one tank.
The Predator 2000 can parallel with a second generator of the same model. Predator sells an RV-ready parallel kit that provides 4000-watts of power when two Predator 2000s are combined.
Predator 1400 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The Predator 1400-watt inverter is the smallest inverter offered by Predator. It weighs just over 30 lbs. making it easily portable. The Predator 1400 generator measures only 15.5 inches high, 18.5 inches long, and 10.7 inches wide. This generator is perfect for camping.
The generator provides 1100 watts of running power and can operate for just over seven hours on one tank. There are two 120v AC outlets and 2 USB outlets. The Predator 1400 is a super quiet generator with a sound rating of just 60 decibels.
The Predator 1400 also features a carbon monoxide shutoff to protect users from harmful emissions. The low oil indicator and overload protection help protect the generator from damage.
As with the Predator 2000, 1400 can be run parallel using the optional RV-ready Predator parallel kit.
How Reliable Are Predator Generators?
Even though Harbor Freight Tool Company is known for selling discount tools, Predator Generators are quality generators.
Several reviews from around the internet indicate that Predator Generators are reliable and long-lasting. A search of the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not show any recalls for Predator Generators.
The Predator generator series from Harbor Freight is known for its quality and durability. Harbor Freight offers several comparisons on their websites comparing the Predators to Honda generators.
In most areas, Predator generators are highly competitive with Honda. The Predator generators have similar specifications at a lower price point. All Predator generators come with a 90-day warranty on materials and workmanship.
Most Predator generators have easy-to-use features and protections built-in in the generator. Most models are EPA and CARB compliant and have low oil alarms.
One point where Predator generators are lacking is that they are not RV ready. Customers will need to purchase an adapter for RV or travel trailer use.
Also, while most of the Predator generators are shown with wheel kits installed on the Harbor Freight website, this is an extra feature. Wheel kits must be purchased on most models and added to the generators.
Shopping for Predator Generators
Finding the right Predator generator can be confusing. There are several models to choose from. Harbor Freight makes the selection easier with links on their website. They sort the generators into categories, including home backup, recreation, and job site.
Harbor Freight also provides links to customer reviews on their website. This allows customers to see the generator features before purchasing. Predator generators are also available through other retailers.
In Summary
Harbor Freight Tools manufactures the Predator line of generators. Harbor Freight is a family-owned company based in the United States. Harbor Freight manufactures Predator generators as their in-house brand.
Harbor Freight is known for producing low-cost tools and equipment with reasonable quality. The Predator generator series set high standards and are known as a high-quality generator.
Consumer reviews indicate the Predator generators are reliable and durable. The generators are easy to use and come in a wide range of power options.
Harbor Freight produces Predator generators in both conventional and inverter models. The conventional line of generators from Predator range in power from 9000 watts to 1800 watts. The inverter line of generators from Predator range in power from 9500 watts to 1400 watts.
All of the Predator generators are easy to use most with easy-to-read digital displays and built-in safety features. Many of the newer models feature carbon monoxide monitors that shut down the generator if excessive carbon monoxide is detected.
Predator generators provide high-quality generators comparable to other big-name generators at a fraction of the cost. Consumers looking for quality generators at a low cost will be pleased with Predator generators.