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Description
Zoom on the Predator 8750
In a nutshell, the Predator 8750 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 8750 houses a 420 cc (13 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 7000W along with a peak wattage of 8750W.
With a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery not included).
The 8750 can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.55 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
While this Predator generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 8750 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
The dimensions of the Predator 8750, which are L26.9 x W22 x H22.8 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Since the generator weighs 183 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing a wheel kit for this generator, similar to this one (opens in a new tab).
Features
The 8750's control panel
A light indicator shows you if 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 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.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Predator 8750 also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away.
Emissions
The Predator 8750 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 therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Predator 8750 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 8750 compare to generators of similar power (between 6500 and 7500 W).
- Regarding its weight, the Predator 8750 only weighs in at 183 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 6500-7500 rated wattage range. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, with a dry weight of just 133 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 76 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devise of a similar running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Powerhorse 7500i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 55 dBA.
- As the 8750 features an autonomy of around 12 hours at 50% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its power range. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Generac XC6500, boasting with around 14 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 can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.55 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.38 GPH, the Lifan ESI 7000iER-EFI is a device you should look out for.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 6500-7500W generators, the Predator 8750 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (183 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No data center
- Battery not included
- No remote start
- Weak warranty
- On the noisy side (76 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7000 W |
| Starting watts | 8750 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 58.3/29.2 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 72.9/36.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 6.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 183 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.9 x 22 x 22.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 76 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Other model numbers | 63087 |
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 8750 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5587 W | 7062 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Total | 5580 W | 6000 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4210 W | 8710 W |
Will it handle a 8000 BTU A/C / 21 CU Refrigerator / 2 - 60 watt lamps / 50 in LED TV...? (Asked April 02, 2020)
It should handle all these without any problems. However, we'd recommend giving a call to Harbor Freight to ensure that the power is clean enough to power sensitive electronics.
Where to buy a conversion kit to natural gas? (Asked June 21, 2020)
There are no official conversion kits. We do not recommend third party solutions as they could void your warranty and put you in violation of federal emission laws.
How much oil and what weight oil (Asked August 04, 2020)
Oil should be SAE 10W-30 above 32°F, SAE 5W-30 at 32°F or below. Engine oil capacity is 1.16 qt.
How do I purchase a carburetor for predator 8750 (Asked August 29, 2020)
Replacement parts can be ordered from Harbor Freight: 1-800-444-3353
Is this generator electric start (Asked March 02, 2021)
This generator does have an electric start. Note that it requires a battery, which is not included with the unit.
Where can I purchase a handle for moving this generator (Asked July 23, 2021)
A mobility kit (wheels + handle) can be purchased from Amazon (opens in a new tab) or Harbor Freight (opens in a new tab).
Wats the gap on valves to tighten up it's smoke in bad and using oil fast (Asked October 12, 2021)
Valve clearance settings are: Intake 0.004" – 0.006", Exhaust 0.006" – 0.008"
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
You’re right about being noisy. Is there an aftermarket muffler that could help??
This unit is a great deal for the price. I have used it to power my entire house at with zero issues. It starts very easy and has plenty of power. The wheel kit is a must, as this weighs a lot and is almost impossible to move by yourself without the wheels. All in all its a very good unit at such a low cost. I have 8 hours total runtime at this point within the last 3 months. Manual is written nicely for a unit of lower price.
I have owned this generator for well over a year now and was finally able to put it to the test last night. It started right away even after sitting outside under a cover for a year. I use sta-bil in the gas so I’m sure that helped. I was running 2 full size refrigerators, a 24,000 btu air conditioner, an old school plasma TV and cable box plus sound amplifier and miscellaneous light fixtures that were all converted to LED bulbs. This unit did great! I was without power last night in California during a record heat wave. It ran for about 6 hours before the power came back on. It is a little on the noisy side but it worked flawlessly and I’m totally satisfied. I gave a slightly less score for performance because of the noise.
We use the predator 7000/8750 generator as an emergency whole house generator. It’s wired through a transfer switch and easily powers our country home – including electric water heater, furnace, well pump, and lights… we live the same on the grid as we do on this generator.
We’ve run this generator continuously for the past 3 weeks due to wind and snow storms. I have it directly plumbed to a 55 gallon drum of fuel and it just does it’s thing. Couldn’t be happier. Will definitely need an oil change when the power is restored…
Power has been out for 3 days because of ice storm. And its been running none stop as along as can keep gas in it. Of course I can only use 5 gals at a time because that’s the size of the can. I get 8-10 hours running forsure..I like it a lot and its worth it. Just make sure you start it once a year if you use it or not..
I’m thoroughly impressed with this machine, I’ve bought 2 of them and they both continue to work without issue. As long as the maintenance is kept up, this generator should last many years. On another note, thanks for using my videos on this very thorough breakdown, I’m glad my content has been helpful to others mostly after this rough winter storm we had in TX. My dad ran his whole house on the Predator for 60+ hours during this power outage.
We have used the predator 8750 for 30 weeks straight while getting oir house ready to move into. And it quit working. Still impressed with it running every day straight for 30 weeks 8-12 hours a day
Terrible and cheap!
Great item powerful