Predator 4000 (Discontinued)

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Picture of the Predator 4000

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.

Description

Powered by a reliable Predator gas engine, this generator is ideal for emergencies, job site use, recreation, household, lawn and garden, heating and cooling.

Zoom on the Predator 4000

In a nutshell, the Predator 4000 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Predator 4000 in use

The Predator 4000

The Predator 4000's core is the 212 cc (6.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 3,200W and a peak wattage of 4,000W.

With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator's ignition is facilitated by a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

Featuring a 4 gallons fuel tank, the 4000 can provide power for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.4 gallons per hour).

Outlets

The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.

Since the 4000 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

With dimensions of L23.3 x W18.7 x H19.3 in, the standard open frame design of the Predator 4000 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

The 99.5 lbs of the 4000's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grasp the frame in order to change its location.

To make this unit even more maneuverable, an extra wheel kit, such as this one (opens in a new tab), could be an excellent solution.

Features

Panel of the Predator 4000

The 4000's control panel

A light indicator serves to show you when the oil level is too low.

With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.

From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.

Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the Predator 4000 is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away.

Product Videos

The Predator 4000 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 4000 compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

  • With a dry weight of 99.5 pounds, the Predator 4000 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 2500 and 3500 rated watts. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 72 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Honda EU3000iS. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 50 dBA.
  • The 4000's runtime of around 10 hours at a 50% load on a full tank positions it within the average autonomy range compared to other generators with similar power. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Predator 4375 could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 16 hours.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 0.4 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • GFCI Outlets
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (99.5 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Weak warranty
  • On the noisy side (72 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Predator 4000 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty90 days
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,200 W
Starting watts4,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)26.7/13.3 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)33.3/16.7 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank4 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight99.5 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.3 x 18.7 x 19.3 in
Noise (lower limit)72 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedNo
Other model numbers63089
UPC792363630894

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

Spec Improvement×

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About Predator

Predator portable generators are solely distributed by the Harbor Freight Corporation, which has an impressive list of over 200 trademarked products. The Predator brand is one of their newer lines of outdoor power products. As with many other makes and models of power equipment sold by Harbor Freight, Predator generators are manufactured in China.

Warranty Information

The Predator 4000 is covered under a warranty for up to 90 days. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Predator generators, please consult Harbor Freight's warranty policies stated in the user manual (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support : 1-800-444-3353.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Blender400850
Total2517 W3992 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2545 W3135 W
For workGrinder14002500
Belt sander11502400
Total2550 W3800 W
how, where to get repair parts? (Asked August 29, 2020)

Replacement parts can be ordered from Harbor Freight: 1-800-444-3353

What was the valve calibration setting for predator 4000? (Asked August 30, 2020)

Valve clearance settings are the following: intake 0.004″ – 0.006″, exhaust 0.004″ – 0.006″

What kinda oil does it use? (Asked November 01, 2020)

Recommended engine oil is SAE 10W – 30 above 32° F, and SAE 5W – 30 at 32° F or below

Do I have to ground it if I'm just running a couple house lights off of it? (Asked November 09, 2020)

It is always safer to ground your generator.

How to prepare the generator for long term storage? (Asked April 09, 2021)

You may want to refer to page 18 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).

Can I run a 30 amp rv (Asked July 23, 2021)

The unit features an L14-30R outlet, but the outlet is behind a 15-amp breaker.

What spark plug does this generator use? (Asked January 17, 2022)

Spark plug should be Torch F6TC or equivalent.

Predator 4000
9 Total Score
4 reviews
Add your review
Price
9
Value
9.5
Quality
8.3
Performance
9

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. Avatar
    GREGORY GALVAN June 3, 2023 at 4:37 am
    5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    I recently purchased an Odessa Lextra Rv 24ft., and the Predator 4000 came with it. After the outlets fried, I replaced them and now I have no more problems.

    + PROS:
    • Perfect for our rv home.
    - CONS:
    • It would be great if it had a bigger gas tank.
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    I’ve had this for a few years, never let me down.

    + PROS:
    • Works
    - CONS:
    • None
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  3. Avatar
    Paul Dembrowski August 6, 2020 at 10:59 am
    4.5
    Price
    80
    Value
    100
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    100

    I’ve had my Predator 4000 for about 3 years and it has done it’s job each time. I’ve had 3 significant power outages, one lasted 2+ days. If you run it as recommended and take time to perform PM on it it’s a nice unit to save your frozen goods plus a few lights and TV.

    + PROS:
    • Does it's job as advertised.
    • Simple to operate.
    - CONS:
    • A little noisy.
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  4. Avatar
    warrren kress July 1, 2020 at 12:02 pm
    3.4
    Price
    80
    Value
    80
    Quality
    50
    Performance
    60

    i have had a predator 400 for about 4 years. however at this time, the plugs do not work, the resets do not work and when the front panel was taken off to be looked at, the plug casing was broken, only on one side, the other side was cracked. teh resets were replaced, but that did not solve the problem. i have been thru 2 hurricanes and a couple of other power outages. i work on fence lines and where i go hunting. great tool. i need the panel or i hve a 99.5 pound noise maker. can you help me

    + PROS:
    • handy,
    - CONS:
    • susceptible to rust
    Helpful(11) Unhelpful(4)You have already voted this

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