Predator generator 4000/3200

[Kenskip1]

Well I have to admit that I have had great success with Harbor Freight. I purchased welding hood ratchets air grinder 3/8 and 1/4.Anyway on to bigger and more costly items.I am in need of a generator. The Predator 4000/3200 sounds like an ideal candidate.Has anyone bought or have used this brand? If so how does it perform? I am moving to another state that has worse weather than what we get in Texas. "Missouri" to be exact.This will be used for power outages and occasional outings. The cost is a contributing factor but not a mandatory item.Thanks, Ken

 

[Zeke]

Lots of threads here on generators if you care to search. Onan usually rides near the top.

 

[wildbill23c]

From the reviews I've seen and heard the Predator generators are pretty good. I've heard a few mention to replace the spark plug before you even bother trying to use it though as the OEM plugs are junk.

 

[Negen]

I never used the predator generator but the other predator engines are honda clones from what limited knowledge I have of them they are great on the engine side. Pretdator's do not (or did not) follow the honda engine design exactly so some internal parts may not inter-change but external parts should. Just research there are parts to repair if need be. The engines are generally great if maintained proper. That being said I have no clue how good the generator part is. Here is what seems to be a legit review from last year of the 4000.

http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2014/02/riverwalkers-gear-review-predator-4000.html

 

[theoldwizard1]

Lots of threads here on generators if you care to search. Onan usually rides near the top.

Onan was bought out by Kohler many years ago.

From the reviews I've seen and heard the Predator generators are pretty good. I've heard a few mention to replace the spark plug before you even bother trying to use it though as the OEM plugs are junk.

Yes ! Find the equivalent NGK or other brand name. Buy a couple.

Follow the breakin procedure.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Onan was bought out by Kohler many years ago.

Onan was bought out by Cummins, not Kohler.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For about the same price you can get a Champion 4000 from HD or Amazon. Champion is a US company, but the generator is definitely made in China. Champion claims to stock parts in the US.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Onan was bought out by Cummins, not Kohler.

Oppss !

 

[Super Mech]

I've got that exact generator. Excellent IMHO. Follow the break in procedure then drain the oil and use synthetic. I've used mine plenty of times to power tools out in the field and it has never let me down. Starts on first pull every time.

 

[steed andersen]

For about the same price you can get a Champion 4000 from HD or Amazon. Champion is a US company, but the generator is definitely made in China. Champion claims to stock parts in the US.

I've repaired Champion generators. I would much rather work on Predators. You can get parts for predators. Every Champion I worked on was a total run around trying to source parts.

 

[mshell56118]

Onan was bought out by Cummins, not Kohler.

1994 if i remember correctly, Onan put out a Homesite portable unit that was pretty much identical to the prediator. I had bought one of the onan units and worked the death out of it. I work for cummins and we were trying to figure out exactly who manufactured them and found out that they were made by the same people as the prediator along with a few others out there just made to customer specs. the company would build generators with your name on them with like a minimum order of 500 units but i forget who the mfg was

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've got that exact generator. Excellent IMHO. Follow the break in procedure then drain the oil and use synthetic. I've used mine plenty of times to power tools out in the field and it has never let me down. Starts on first pull every time.

Go thing to know ! Electric start is a waste pf money !!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

1994 if i remember correctly, Onan put out a Homesite portable unit that was pretty much identical to the prediator. I had bought one of the onan units and worked the death out of it. I work for cummins and we were trying to figure out exactly who manufactured them and found out that they were made by the same people as the prediator along with a few others out there just made to customer specs. the company would build generators with your name on them with like a minimum order of 500 units but i forget who the mfg was

Onan, Champion, Generac, and a slew of others have put out the same portable Chinese units with different paint and stickers. They aren't terrible units if people don't leave rotten fuel in them (which is when they come into the shop). Parts are interchangeable, just depends on the markup by brand.

I glanced at the HF units, they're visually close, but not identical. It would make sense if it's the same manufacturer though.