HF Predator Generator or alternative?

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I'm looking at getting a generator for emergency use -

Do I go HF, Generac, or Champion?

I want to run a fridge, lights, and tv/gaming system.

 

[58Yeoman]

I've been using an HF for a couple years, the 6500/7000 model. About a month ago, our power went out, so I started it up and ran for about 4-5 hours, then stopped. I thought it ran out of gas, but after filling, it wouldn't start. After looking online about the problem, I found out that the sensor for the low-oil shutoff was bad. I bypassed it, and it's going again. That's the only problem I've had with it.

 

[skidozer670]

I have a HF 4500W about 3 years old for same purpose. I need to keep my sump pump going in a long power failure. Have had no problem its relatively quiet and I like the honda clone motors easy to get parts for.
For a TV and gaming you may want the inverter style for clean power HF has one now at a great price.

 

[A**holes Garage]

I've had a Champion generator for about 7 years now. Starts on first or second pull every time. I'd probably go for a Honda or Generac if I were to buy a new one now.

 

[Falcon67]

We use a Champion 3500 at the track. It runs AC and etc for 12+ hours on those weekends. Had it one season so far, really like it.

 

[ishiboo]

I'm looking at getting a generator for emergency use -

Do I go HF, Generac, or Champion?

I want to run a fridge, lights, and tv/gaming system.

I have the newer Predator, as well as a nice Briggs & Stratton... I prefer the Predator.

 

[soj]

I had a Generac, it quit genning after two years, I couldn't fix it, a local elec. motor shop (they normally work on generators as well) couldn't fix it, and other local generator shops wouldn't even look at it. One said throw it away, it's junk. And he was a Generac authorized repair center!

I gave up on the generator part, but the motor was good. I bought a HF generator head and mounted it in the frame. That was two years ago, and it is still good, with only occasional use.

If I had to buy another, it would be a HF Predator. YMMV.
-JP

 

[MackMan]

My father in law had a Generac... apparently it ran for a few minutes then the circuit board fried... the engine was running fine but no power output, and he couldn't get any help from Generac. He has a Honda now.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I have a Champion 6500/5500W unit to run lighting at security events and it works great. Electric start, digital meter to show voltage, amps, and frequency. It has LED lights that shine down on the panel, but those died a few years ago. It's not quiet, but it's also usually sitting behind another vehicle or on the equipment trailer when running and out of the way.

I've used it at home for longer outages and it runs the house fine.

I have an Onan RV 6KW generator that was pulled out of an RV that I've rebuilt. I need to mount that to a wagon / garden cart and fab up an exhaust system for it. I've got a boat fuel tank that should do the trick nicely too. Really want something I can roll over rough terrain at events, and still be able to load up into the trailer with the crane.

 

[Conductor562]

I don't remember the last time I heard someone say anything good about a Generac.

I have 2 Powermate generators that have been great so far. Pramac bought the Powermate name from Coleman several years ago and now operates it as their budget line. They aren't terribly expensive and seem to be good quality.

 

[vartz04]

If you only want to run those things just get a champion inverter generator and enjoy the quiet. Mine will run my fridge and tv/cable box at the same time on Eco mode. Easily could run a couple led or fluorescent work lights to make sure you can still see in the house.