Electricity has become an integral part of everyday life – to the point that we cannot imagine even one day without it. Hence, millions of households are dying for plenty of power to supply their vehicles, houses, electrical equipment, and more – and that’s where a predator generator enters!
So who makes predator engines? Is their power as good as what the manufacturers claim? You will learn all about that and more in this insightful article.
Who Manufactures Predator Generators? Where Are They Made?
1. Who Makes Predator Generators?
Harbor Freight – known for powerful hardware-based products in the United States – drives and takes charge of these generator productions.
Founded around 1977 in LA (with manufacturing facilities in CA – Calabasas), this company has been operating in 48 states across more than 1300 stores.
Though predator generators aren’t the only product sold by Harbor Freight, they are the most well-recognized. These devices arrive in an impressive array of models, types, and sizes that aim to fit all applications.
From powering tools and tailgating to camping trips, be confident that you can land upon something that suits your exact demands.
2. Where Are They Made?
As briefly mentioned above, Harbor Freight has its main facilities in California, Calabasas – and here’s where all the magic ensues!
All technicians and engineers collaborate to create affordable and durable products, all closely supervised by Harbor Freight’s authorities.
Indeed, each manufacturing step is strictly inspected and double-checked with the manufacturers, ensuring they are safe for versatile usage and can withstand the test of time.
Manufacturers for Harbor’s generators actually join hands with other reputable brands, as well. But there is one decisive difference: Harbor buys and sells electrical generators directly from these manufacturers to its customers.
If you ever wonder about the reason behind its competitive prices, now you know!
Key Features: What to Consider When Buying Predator Generators
1. Wattage
Generator wattage should be the very first thing to consider before you spend money on any model. After all, only the watts level can decide how many vehicles, appliances, etc., you should run off it!
Now the issue gets a little tricky here – each generator has two completely different types of wattages:
- The small number (rated/running wattage): informing you of the power level required to charge a certain device using this generator.
- The large number (max/ peak, or starting wattage): Certain complex machines – especially those with motors – require larger watts during start-up phases. Peak wattage tells you the maximum power level this generator can withstand while igniting this device.
Still confused about these popular generators? Let’s investigate a more specific example:
Suppose you bring home a standby generator with a 3500W peak and 3000W running watts.
If your motorbike draws 500W, air compressor 700W, light bulbs 300W, and car 1500W, their combined operation reaches the max generator wattage (500W + 700W + 300W + 1500W = 3000W; let’s call this sum “A.”).
And what happens if this huge car demands an extra 600W for start-ups? That means its total starting watts is 2100, increasing A to 3600W – which is 100 watts more than your generator can withstand (only 3500W).
2. Run Time
Ask yourself what you will use it for. Most generator runtimes are estimated at half the backup power (in watts). Long story short, more plug-in equals more runtime being wasted.
Let’s say you are tailgating and only want to give clean power to some small speakers. Even a super-small generator can grant you a lot of runtime in that case.
But powering a dead car battery (or worse, your entire house) is a different story: purchasing bigger, high-quality generators is an absolute must to receive the required runtime and avoid power failure.
3. Conventional vs. Inverter
Tight-budget customers who want to balance quality and cost could settle with a conventional generator. However, for those who desire higher electricity levels and have the money to go for it, do not hold back on inverters!
Unlike conventional versions that only generate AC electricity, an inverter produces in three phases: high-frequent AC – DC – back to AC.
As a result, the current gets more stable and safer, which is great for sensitive electronics and vehicles. Plus, the ideal fuel-size ratio makes these generators fuel-efficient and extremely portable!
The lack of operation noise is another bonus; studies have confirmed inverters generate noises 20+dB lower than their conventional counterparts. Fewer emissions, too – quite ideal for camping adventures or tailgating!
Are Predator Generators Good?
Yes. Thousands of customer reports all concur on their reliability and performance. The fact that a wide range of variants arrive with powerful Briggs & Stratton motors ( a brand recognized for reliable engines) only adds to their strength and durability!
Better yet, replacement parts are accessible, sold almost in every local store at a startlingly low price range. (Not that you even need them in the first place if the generators are regularly maintained – another huge bonus!)
Our only complaint is that predator generators are not the quietest ones on the market. Inverter predators may be more subdued than conventional versions – but still pretty noisy compared to other generator brands and types. Keep that in mind if a quiet generator is your ultimate goal.
Can Predator Beat Honda? Comparison of Popular Models
What’s a better way to see how they stack up than pitching their most popular models together? The two face-offs below should be enough of a reference for pondering customers:
1. Honda EU2200i vs. Predator 62523: A Close Tie
HONDA EU2200I | PREDATOR 62523 | |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Peak watts | 2200W | 2000W |
| Rated watts | 1800W | 1600W |
| Engine | 4-stroke, OHC, single cylinder | Horizontal, OHV, 4-stroke single cylinder |
| Displacement | 121cc | 79.7cc |
| Fuel level/ fuel tank | 0.95 gal | 1 gal |
| Run Time/ Hours of operation | 8.1 hours (¼ load) | 12 hours (¼ load) |
| Power outlets | (1) 12 Volts DC(2) 120 Volts Household | (1) 12 Volts DC(2) 120 VAC grounded |
| Start type | Recoil | Recoil |
| Noise Level | 48 to 57 dBA | 65 dB |
| Dimensions | 20 x 16.7 x 11.4 in | 22.6 x 12.61 x 18.52 |
| Weight | 46.5 lbs | 47 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years, limited | 2 years, limited (engines)90 days, limited (others parts) |
2. Honda EU3000IS vs. Predator 63584: Another Close Tie:
HONDA EU3000IS | PREDATOR 63584 | |
| Type | Inverter, Portable Generator | Inverter, Portable Generator |
| Peak watts | 3000W | 3500W |
| Rated watts | 2800W | 3000W |
| Engine | 4-stroke, OHV single cylinder | Horizontal, OHV, 4-stroke single cylinder |
| Displacement | 196cc | 212cc |
| Fuel tank | 3.4 gal | 2.6 gal |
| Run Time | 20 hours (¼ load) | 11 hours (¼ load) |
| Outlets | (1) 12 Volts DC(1) 125V 30A Locking Plugs(1) 125V 20A Duplex | (1) 12VDC(1) Twistlock, 120VAC(1) Grounded, 120VAC |
| Start type | Electric, recoil | Recoil |
| Noise Level | 50 to 57 dBA | 57 dB |
| Dimensions | 25.9 x 22 x 17.6 in | 22.75 x 17.3 x 20 |
| Weight | 131 lbs | 99.2 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years, limited | 2 years, limited (engines)90 days, limited (others parts) |
Verdict:
Choosing Predator or Honda isn’t easy: both lag behind in certain criteria and outperform in others, offering a generally consistent power supply.
The only exception is their money-saving aspect: Predator is a much better choice if you prioritize affordability. Honda, on the other hand, can be quite pricey!
Conclusion
Our detailed breakdown of the predator’s key features and performance against Honda should give you a clear overview of this powerful generator. Still, we know some beginners might find all of this a little overwhelming; feel free to reach us for more support and peace of mind
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