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eBay | Price history for the Predator 4550 | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: March 15, 2022 |
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Description
Zoom on the Predator 4550
In summary, the Predator 4550 is a portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- 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. In addition, the device is parallel capable (parallel kit not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
Enjoying a noise rating of 64.6 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.72 gallons, the 4550 can 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:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
Even if this Predator generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included), thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.
Portability
The conventional, open frame design of the Predator 4550 offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
The 4550's dry weight of 77 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is also improved by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.
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
Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is on overload and the generator is ready.
The inverter generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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).
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Predator 4550's package also includes these accessories: RV adapter, tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The Predator 4550 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
Product Video
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 generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weight-wise, the Predator 4550 has only 77 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
- The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 64.6 dBA. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Cummins Onan P4500i. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The 4550, falls within the average autonomy range compared to generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 16.1 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Champion 200914, boasting with up to 22 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. 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 Westinghouse iGen4200, with a fuel consumption of 0.14 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W 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)
- Acceptable noise (64.6 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- Weak warranty
- 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 Predator'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.
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.
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.