Further down the page, you'll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the Firman W02981 and the Predator 3500.
But before checking out explanations regarding their power, portability, and features, here's a table that summarizes the main pros of each of these 2 generators:
Firman W02981 | Predator 3500 |
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$799.99 at Harbor Freight (opens in a new tab) |
As the Predator 3500 and the Firman W02981 do not share the same manufacturer, their overall build and technology in use can vary.
Power Comparison
The following charts are provided to show you at a glance how the main specs of the Firman W02981 compare to the Predator 3500.
- Power: With a running wattage of 3,000 W, the Predator 3500 will allow to power more appliances and tools than the 2,900 running watts of the Firman W02981. Moreover, compared to the 3,200 starting watts of the Firman W02981, the Predator 3500 and its starting wattage of 3,500 W will give more power to start the appliances which require an additional boost to get their motor running.
- Runtime: When loaded to 25% of their max capacity, the Predator 3500 offers a higher runtime on a full tank than the Firman W02981: it can operate for up to 11 hours, whereas the Firman W02981 offers a maximum runtime of 10 hours.
- Fuel Efficiency: With a gasoline consumption at 25% load of 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour), the Firman W02981 is more fuel efficient than the Predator 3500 and its 0.24 GPH. The former's operation will therefore cost less in terms of the money spent on gasoline. Inverter generators like these 2 are of the most fuel efficient (and quiet) type.
- THD: Both generators offer a low THD (<3% for the Firman W02981 and <5% for the Predator 3500) and are therefore perfectly suitable to safely power your sensitive electronic devices.
- Noise: With 56 dBA, the noise emitted by the Predator 3500 is slightly lower than the 58 dBA of the Firman W02981. While this difference could seem insignificant, the former should still be easier on your ears.
Portability Comparison
- Bulkiness: As these two products share the same overall bulk, neither of them will really take up less storage space.
- Weight: The W02981 and its 84 lbs is somewhat lighter than the 102 lbs of the 3500.
- Portability: Both products benefit from a set of wheels, which greatly enhances their maneuverability. The Firman W02981 has a folding handle and the Predator 3500 a double handle, to help you better manipulate them.
Feature Comparison
- Starting System: While these two devices can both start thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, the Predator 3500 has the advantage of also being able to get running via a convenient electric starter.
- Outlets: The Firman W02981 and the Predator 3500 both offer 3 AC outlets. None of them feature GFCI outlets. Both of them also feature a DC output. However, the Predator 3500 does not provide an out-of-the-box USB connectivity. In addition, it is worth noting that they both only produce 120V. For more detailed information regarding all their respective receptacles, refer to the Firman W02981's and the Predator 3500's product pages.
- Data Center & Fuel Gauge: Each of these 2 portable generators is equipped with a data center allowing you to conveniently monitor some aspects of the power output. Besides that, thanks to a fitted fuel gauge, the Predator 3500 provides instant visibility of the fuel level.
- Technology: The Predator 3500 benefits from a welcomed additional security feature: its CO Secure technology monitors carbon monoxide and automatically shuts off the generator if the ambient levels become unsafe.
- Warranty: The Firman W02981 benefits from a significantly longer warranty. It is covered for up to 3 years, while the Predator unit is only covered for up to 90 days without purchasing a warranty extension.
TL;DR
Firman W02981 | Predator 3500 |
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$799.99 at Harbor Freight (opens in a new tab) |