HF Generator review

[Falcon67]

Just had to share this

"5600/5500 running watts, generator 13 hp (420)cc by preditor
By besomeone
from schaumburg illinois 60193
About Me Professional
PROS
Nice Generator
CONS
BEST USES
Comments about Predator Generators 6500 Peak/5500 Running Watts, 13 HP (420cc) Generator EPA III:
Well its a nice generator heavy but it is all that is said to be i unboxed it put on wheel kit and filled the engine with oil that i picked from the hardware store 10 w-40 w and filled it with gas and pulled it over one or twice to get the oil on the metal parts turned on the switch and set the choke and the third pull it started and i let it just run to help break in the engine a little that day i will run it more then i will change the oil to get the first running metal shavings out and refill with fresh oil if you want to have the engine last this is a must i will use it when it gets a little warmer. I bought it to power my 140 amp mig welder because my garage only has 115 volts and a 15 amp curcuit my mig welder is 120 volts and a 20 amp so this is more than a enuff to run it so far i'm happy get the warranty with it you will save your self a headache later if something goes wrong .I all ready had to replace the handle from the wheel kit the mounting bracket had bad welds on it i took it back they gave me a new handle now its fine....
BOTTOM LINE Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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[theoldwizard1]

I have heard complaints that the rewind housing is weak, but there are a lot of those available on eBay.

Buy a couple of spare spark plugs ! Get a name brand like NGK.

 

[CJM8515]

I have a similar 3500w no name copy like a HF. Only thing i cant figure out is why it doesnt seem consistent when running, it hiccups often. But to use it to power non sensitive things its fine. It ran 2 fridges and some other basics during the last hurricane.

 

[James-W]

I probably know at least half a dozen people who have Harbor Freight generators, but not necessarily the model you have. They use them for camping and they work reasonably well for that purpose. My opinion is that as long as you only use it occasionally, those generators are a decent unit to buy. If you are going to use it all day every day, then I would recommend getting a better one.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Not sure of the OP's point here, like or dislike the review ? The guys grammatical formation could be sharpened a bit, but otherwise a reasonable review. ... His CONS did not make sense...

For those that may not know, it may have been good for him to point out that he would set the gen outside and at least 25 ft. away from the house...when he was using it to weld in his garage. But this type user safety info is certainly not required, for a product review. JMO

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

Just had to share this

I bought it to power my 140 amp mig welder because my garage only has 115 volts and a 15 amp curcuit my mig welder is 120 volts and a 20 amp so this is more than a enuff to run it ... "

That part was worth sharing!

 

[gregtwojeeps]

I ran a Miller 135 mig for years at work from a 5000 watt portable generator. I used it whenever I had to weld something and the building outlet was so far away from the breaker box, it would not even allow the mig to weld hot enough. Or, when I was out in the fields welding repair projects for the properties steel gates and fences.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a similar 3500w no name copy like a HF. Only thing i cant figure out is why it doesnt seem consistent when running, it hiccups often.

Like a misfire ? Change the spark plug for a name brand.

 

[CJM8515]

Like a misfire ? Change the spark plug for a name brand.

Yea I'd call it a misfire. Maybe I'll change the plug, maybe it helps

 

[Showkey]

Yea I'd call it a misfire. Maybe I'll change the plug, maybe it helps

They are known for carb problems......surging, hunting and misfire all related to poor or less than accurate fueling.

 

[hnsy]

thanks for posting this, good overall review

 

[Falcon67]

That part was worth sharing!

Bingo - just that. I found that because we're looking to go from a Champion 3500, 30A RV connector to a 5500+ something. They are all 240V to get the full output, so I'll have to figure in another $100 for a new cord and to re-wire the race trailer for 240V.

The "My garage is 115V and I need 120V so I bought a generator" was too good not to share. Went back and highlighted that part.

 

[ishiboo]

I have the 8750W/7000W cont and I really like it... I use it all the time now. Haven't fired up the Briggs in a while, which I liked a lot more than the really pricey and always problematic Mitsubishi (which was like $2300 for 4000W.)

The build quality of the whole unit looks pretty good overall.

 

[Falcon67]

I can get a Champion 5500 for $499 at TSC. They (TSC) list a $699 unit that is 6500 but it's "web order only" and the same part number isn't listed on Champion's web site, so I'm a bit suspicious about it being a one-off. Has good specs though - smaller motor and 74db @23'. We're on our 3rd year with the 3500 and it's not missed a beat, running 10~12hr on a race day with a 20A load. We'd like to be able to run the coffee pot AND the AC at the same time LOL. Longer run time too. Under load, I gas up the 3500 after about 6 hours.

 

[nsula_country]

Falcon, I got it. That was good for a laugh!

CT