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Harbor Freight 
eBay | Price history for the Predator 4550 | |
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Since: April 22, 2022 |
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Description
Zoom on the Predator 4550
In a nutshell, the Predator 4550 is a portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 4550
The Predator 4550 houses a 223 cc (6.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3650W along with a peak wattage of 4550W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), its power may be increased if linked to a second compatible unit.
At a noise rating of 64.6 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator is started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The fuel capacity of 3.72 gallons allows the 4550 to operate for up to 16.1 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.23 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 4550 produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
This Predator generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included).
Portability
The conventional, open frame design of the Predator 4550 offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
As the 4550's weight is only 77 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator further helps when holding and moving it to a different place.
It is also possible to purchase the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to help you transport this unit more easily.
Features
The 4550's control panel
When the oil level is too low, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
The unit also benefits from the Predator's CO SECURE™ carbon monoxide detection. This system monitors the accumulation of CO gas while the generator is running and will shut off the engine if the levels become dangerously high. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Predator 4550 also comes with some accessories: tool kit, funnel and RV adapter are included.
Emissions
The Predator 4550 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Predator 4550 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 4550 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Predator 4550 weighs just 77 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 3500 to 4500 rated wattage inverter generators. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN GN400i, standing at just 66.1 lbs.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this inverter generator and its lowest emitted noise of 64.6 dBA is on the noisier side. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Cummins Onan P4500i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Given that the 4550 reaches an autonomy of up to 16.1 hours with a full tank and at 25% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Firman W03661OF, with up to 25 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.23 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Champion 200988, with a fuel consumption of 0.16 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Predator 4550 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO SECURE™ technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- RV adapter included
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (77 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- Weak warranty
- On the noisy side (64.6 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 223 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3650 W |
| Starting watts | 4550 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 16.1 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.72 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 77 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | Unknown |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64.6 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and RV adapter |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Other model numbers | 59304 |
| UPC | 193175465542 |
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.
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 4550 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 2917 W | 3917 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2915 W | 3505 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Total | 1800 W | 4500 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I’m really an anti-China consumer; but, there is nothing else available to date. I bought the Predator 4550 as a an interim solution. I’ll just have to wait for Honda to fill the gaps in this Amperage range. Pros: This Predator model has; a great price point, is moderately quiet, and easy to start. It simultaneously runs my 15000BTU AC, 1500W convection/micro, and coffee pot. Cons: It’s China and the longevity is up for grabs, no hour meter, no oil filter, and you have to purchase the weel kit extra.
Max amps are 23 amps and will not start a 15K RV A/C. Exchanged for a welder so not to pay the 20% restocking fee.