Who's going first? New HF Inverter Generator!

[woodrail]

Looks like Harbor Freight has released a Honda 2000 knock off for $499 msrp.

Can't wait for a review! I'm not sure that's enough of a price drop from a honda to justify the gamble. Lot's of coin! Maybe during a sale it will be under $400?

http://blog.harborfreight.com/predator-inverter-generator/5943/



There’s No Need to Fear… Predator Is Here!

December 18, 2013 By Dave Leave a Comment

inverter generator 2500

Was I the only little kid who thought Sweet Polly Purebred was a fox? Well, I’m sure she was a canine of some sort. Anyway, it’s Underdog Day, and far be it for me to neglect a day that honors the heroes in stories who don’t get the credit they deserve. Take, for example, Sean Parker. Who, you ask? Why, the creator of Napster and the reason why we’re shvitzing on the elliptical with an iPod instead of a Walkman (he says, you’re welcome). How about Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of television? He was born in a small log cabin in Indian Creek, Utah (you can’t make this stuff up). So next time you get your U-verse bill, give him a big air-kiss of gratitude. The underdog I’d like to showcase, however, is the humble, yet powerful, Predator 2500 Peak/2200 Running Watts, 4.7 HP (125cc) Portable Inverter Generator, a new addition at Harbor Freight Tools. Utilizing built-in inverter technology, the inverter generator produces a cleaner power curve, that makes it deal for your more sensitive electronics. Designed more efficiently, it gives you more power with lower fuel consumption– about 20% lower!– and weighing less than conventional generators, the inverter generator is ideal for RV, camping and boating excursions! Inverter generators have some other real advantages over conventional generators. For instance, they’re quiet. So in scenarios where you’ve opted not to use a generator because of the noise, this baby’s the bee’s knees. Not just for camping and early-morning garage projects, but also at work sites and tailgate parties! Also, I mentioned sensitive electronics. While a conventional generator can run a computer, too, when it comes to things like lighting and sound systems, you don’t get any of that flickering with the inverter generator. This is really the cleaning, coolest peace-of-mind you’re going to find in both remote and emergency situations. Here’s what actual customers had to say about the Predator Inverter Generator from Harbor Freight Tools:

“The first pull I wanted to go very slowly to turn it over a few times first. IT STARTED. I was startled. I’ve never had a mower, generator or anything start that easy. After letting it warm up I turned on a 1500 watt heater and the generator barely felt it. I powered up the refrigerator to see how it would respond. My 2000 watt Generac inverter nearly dies when the refrigerator comes on. This Predator inverter generator started the refrigerator and ran it with very little effort. Very powerful generator I’m completely satisfied with it so far.” Hammer Time – North Carolina

“Competitive price, it is very quite comparable to the Honda 1000i. Amazing deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Falcon – New Jersey

So, as with all true blue Underdogs, so it is with the Predator Inverter Generator: “When help is needed, I am not slow; for it’s hip-hip-hip and AWAY I GO! ” Predator 2500 Watt 4.7hp Inverter Generator: SKU #61169, $499.99

 

[zkling]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

O boy, I wonder how clean the output power is.

 

[Farmall450]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Neat, but not the most powerful I see.

 

[djjsr]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I'm definitely interested. I assume you can use a coupon?

 

[woodrail]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I'm definitely interested. I assume you can use a coupon?

Generators are always excluded. So nope.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

O boy, I wonder how clean the output power is.

Actually, I will bet it is very clean ! Inverters and inverter generators are a topic I have been following for several years now.

About a 3 years ago a major Chinese IC manufacturer came up with a single chip that does most of the the work of "inversion". This microprocessor controlled, single-phase, pure sine wave, inverter ASIC requires only a few more parts and the proper high voltage DC (about 2x the AC voltage) to generate a very pure sine wave output. The current limit depends on your choice of power MOSFET or IGBT both of which have come down in price over the past 5-10 years (How do you think HF can sell that little 80A welder for $150 or a TIG for $200 !)

As for generating high voltage DC, well that is a one chip, an inductor, another power MOSFET and a custom wound transformer and a few other bits !


Maybe Honda will get nervous and come up with a replacement for the EU2000 at a better price point !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

It comes in different colors with different labels (including Generac !)

 

[paranoid56]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

subscribed. will be interesting to see how this goes

 

[oldtools]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I think all generator must pass certain cleanliness requirement before being sold in the US. I am not absolutely sure though.

 

[cburnscrx]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

It comes in different colors with different labels (including Generac !)

I don't think they're the same enough little differences say so.

 

[rlitman]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I don't think they're the same enough little differences say so.

I'll bet dollars to donuts that the ETQ model in blue IS the same. Not the others though.

Theoldwizard1 mentions true sinewave inverting. If indeed they are doing that (and it looks like they may be), then the power quality would be excellent. If not, then I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. A few seconds with my oscilloscope would confirm either way.

64dB is not too bad IF the measurements are not exaggerated (doubtful). The Honda is 59dB, and IS that quiet.

So what's not to like? Well, the Honda has a 30A plug, the HF does not. The Honda can be paralleled. The HF, try it at your own risk.
Neither has 240V out. That's still ok for emergency use for most people.

 

[Boyd]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

We have that orange Generac, pictured above, at work. We use it to power our two-way radio transmission station during power losses. That thing is very quiet.

 

[Aquaticbob]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Sounds interesting. If it actually performs I might be interested in this little guy. Always good to have a backup power source

 

[Mickey O]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I'll have to add that to my list.

 

[paranoid56]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

weak, stopped at my local HF at lunch and they cant sell that one in california lol. wtf

 

[oldtools]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

weak, stopped at my local HF at lunch and they cant sell that one in california lol. wtf

California is too stringent just like only certain catalytic converter is allowed in California.

 

[Hootbro]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

weak, stopped at my local HF at lunch and they cant sell that one in california lol. wtf

The problem is California and not HF.

 

[zkling]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Actually, I will bet it is very clean ! Inverters and inverter generators are a topic I have been following for several years now.

Interesting, thanks for the info. At one point in time I owned (note not purchased) one of their little 2 stroke generators. Just for kicks I put it on the scope. O boy was that nasty.

 

[RalphInCA]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

The problem is California and not HF.

Oh boy.... Here come the California haters....

There's a reason California is so stringent. We don't want to go back to the air quality we had in the 60s and 70s!

Things are much better, because we enacted tough air pollution standards.

... And before you mention that a generator would contribute less than .00000000000000000001% of the pollution, I know. But it all adds up.

 

[itguy08]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I'd rock it. We've got their 5500 watt one and it's fine - starts easily and handles loads fine.

Unless you're using very sensitive electronics (hint: not much consumer stuff is sensitive at all) the output of just about anything is fine. Computers, TV's, etc convert AC to DC and most use world power supplies designed to handle quite dirty power.

Now if you're running an operating room or hospital, etc you may need clean power but other than that you'll be fine with just about any of them.

And another reason to buy it is to F-Honda (they deserve it).

 

[Steinmetz]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

The problem is California and not HF.

The problem is they like to breathe clean air in California. Shame on them!

 

[RedneckWelder]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Neat, but not the most powerful I see.

These generators are not meant to be powerhouses, instead they are meant to be lightweight, easily portable, and quiet generators suitable for personal electronics and such.

Much like the inverter welders...many are smaller/lighter and good for portability vs. the big heavy transformer machines.

While I would prefer a Honda EU series they are rather pricey. Excellent gensets though, I used one for remote work a lot at a former jobsite.

 

[garboui]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Interesting, thanks for the info. At one point in time I owned (note not purchased) one of their little 2 stroke generators. Just for kicks I put it on the scope. O boy was that nasty.

Was that with or with out a load (>5% rated) on the generator? Solid state switches used in inverters will produce all sorts of weirdly shaped sine waves and noise is not loaded (usually not clean until linear areas of the Voltage drop vs current curve.)

 

[Steinmetz]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

"...64dB is not too bad IF the measurements are not exaggerated (doubtful). The Honda is 59dB, and IS that quiet..." If not "exaggerated", that's about a 30% increase in SPL.

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I saw this thread about inverter generators and it got me to thinking.
Could I use an inverter connected to the 12 volt battery system on my
12HP Troy Built lawn tractor?
Or would it be necessary to add a second generator to power the inverter?
Looks like it would make an easy alternate use for the tractor and a 120vAC
generator when needed.

 

[rlitman]

Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

You can, but only up to the wattage that the alternator is rated for. That won't be much in generator terms and would be a fuel hog because of that. Although I do recall a lawn tractor built around this premise.

 

[thooks]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

And another reason to buy it is to F-Honda (they deserve it).

Honda will be the last one laughing....

 

[itguy08]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Honda will be the last one laughing....

Why? Every one of these sales is one less for Honda.

Sort of like their cars - Americans are waking up to the fact that Honda is no different than Ford and GM. Their cars are not of better quality than everyone else and their poop stinks just like the others.

 

[HaroRider]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I'll have to add that to my list.

lol the list must be a mile long..

 

[djjsr]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

And another reason to buy it is to F-Honda (they deserve it).

Why?

 

[gunner3773]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

You guys might want to have a look at the reviews on the HF website for this inverter generator. The first one looks like the company line and the others may give a more realistic view.

 

[G_P]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Are these little generators 2 or 4 stroke?

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Are these little generators 2 or 4 stroke?

Most of the decent ones are 4 stroke and that is mostly all inverter one.
my boy got the Costco inverter with a Yamaha motor and it is GREAT, only negative is that it is not set up to put two together for 4k output.

 

[Steinmetz]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I saw this thread about inverter generators and it got me to thinking.
Could I use an inverter connected to the 12 volt battery system on my
12HP Troy Built lawn tractor?
Or would it be necessary to add a second generator to power the inverter?
Looks like it would make an easy alternate use for the tractor and a 120vAC
generator when needed.

I spy an HRO in there, Ron.

 

[GSteg]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Why? Every one of these sales is one less for Honda.

I doubt that's the case. Honda isn't the only choice for generators so that could have been one less sale for Yamaha, Generac, etc. I think Honda is doing just fine.

Not sure why Honda "deserves" it. They make quality generators and you cannot fault them for that.

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I spy an HRO in there, Ron.

Nope, I don't own an HRO anymore, traded it to a friend a few years
ago.



.

 

[thooks]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

For the folks saying its one less sale for Honda....

If you are buying a $500 generator to start with, you aren't looking at the top of the class to begin with.


FYI, you can find a demo EU2000i for about $750.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Are these little generators 2 or 4 stroke?

This particular model is 4 stroke. The tiny 800/900 generator from HF is 2 stroke.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

Interesting, thanks for the info. At one point in time I owned (note not purchased) one of their little 2 stroke generators. Just for kicks I put it on the scope. O boy was that nasty.

Was that with or with out a load (>5% rated) on the generator? Solid state switches used in inverters will produce all sorts of weirdly shaped sine waves and noise if not loaded (usually not clean until linear areas of the Voltage drop vs current curve.)

Well you are both right !

Garboui - the model that zkling is referring to is NOT an inverter. Straight up alternator. These should be clean output under all conditions as the output comes directly off the stator. Although I would agree a reasonable load (>5%) should be on it before observing waveforms.

Also, I would hope a recently designed inverter generator would do better. The inverter section is typically a sine wave generator (either analog of digital) and a Class B or D amplifier, plus feedback and filtering.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Re: Who's going first? New HF Invertor Gennerator!

I saw this thread about inverter generators and it got me to thinking.
Could I use an inverter connected to the 12 volt battery system on my
12HP Troy Built lawn tractor?
Or would it be necessary to add a second generator to power the inverter?
Looks like it would make an easy alternate use for the tractor and a 120vAC
generator when needed.

Briggs offered a Vanguard engine that had a huge stator and flywheel magnets and an inverter. It would give you 1500 watts of power. This was @2001. JD used them in the GT235E, and I think Sears offered it in a tractor too. Sadly neither sold well, but the concept was solid.