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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 buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
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's engine, 223 cc (6.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3,650W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,550W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.
With a noise rating of 64.6 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator features 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 Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 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 featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
As the 4550's weight is only 77 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.
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
The light indicators show you if the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and the oil level is too low.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
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).
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Predator 4550, the following accessories are also included: RV adapter, funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Predator 4550 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may 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 for its weight, the Predator 4550 weighs only 77 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest noise of 64.6 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- As the 4550 offers up to 16.1 hours run time on a full tank at a 25% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman W03661OF, which is able to run for up to 25 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. Compared to its peers, this inverter generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 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 cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- 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 | 3,650 W |
| Starting watts | 4,550 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 | 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R) |
| 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2912 W | 3912 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 3500 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
After buying and assembling the unit (4550) complete with wheels I started it and ran for an hour or so with no difficulty. A few weeks later I attempted to start it again and failed. I read all directions completely but still no luck. About two weeks later I did start and again it ran well for a while. Now that winter has arrived I thought I should give it another trial run. No luck. The damn thing would not start. Calling the company didn’t help a bit. I purchased from Harbor Freight and they are no help. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE A PREDATOR 4550 GENERATOR. It has caused me only grief and I haven’t even used it other than those two trials.
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.