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Description
Zoom on the Predator 9000
In summary, the Predator 9000 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
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 9000
The Predator 9000 houses a 420 cc (13 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 7250W along with a peak wattage of 9000W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery not included).
With a full tank, the 9000 can operate for around 13 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.62 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 8 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
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. Besides, since the 9000 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 its dimensions of L26.9 x W22 x H22.8 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Predator 9000 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.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 194 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by a wheel kit (separate purchase from Harbor Freight or Amazon), with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The 9000's control panel
A light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Predator 9000's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which will help you start your generator promptly.
Emissions
The Predator 9000 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 therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Predator 9000 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 9000 compare to generators of similar power (between 6500 and 7500 W).
- Having a dry weight of 194 lbs, the Predator 9000 belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 6500 to 7500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF with only 133 pounds.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 76 dBA is on the noisier side. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Powerhorse 7500i. With just 55 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The 9000 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 13 hours at 50% load. 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 Generac XC6500, with around 14 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. This generator can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.62 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Lifan ESI 7000iER-EFI, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.38 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 9000 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
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (194 lbs)
- No data center
- Battery not included
- No remote start
- Wheel kit not included
- 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 | 7250 W |
| Starting watts | 9000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 60.4/30.2 amps |
| Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 75/37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13 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 | 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 194 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 |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Other model numbers | 63968, 63969 |
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 9000 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 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5772 W | 7247 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5785 W | 6205 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Concrete vibrator (1 hp) | 1080 | 1080 | |
| Total | 4480 W | 8980 W |
Can I add an hour meter to the 12VDC port? The manual says not to use the 12VDC port when using AC power. But would something small like an hour meter be ok. I ask this because it would help to keep track of oil changes etc. (Asked January 21, 2020)
If your manual says not to do it, why would you want to do it? You could try one of the cheap vibration-activated hour meters for sale on Amazon, such as this one.
How much fuel is the capacity? (Asked July 18, 2020)
Tank capacity is 8 gallons.
Does it run on gas and diesel? (Asked July 20, 2020)
Only on gasoline.
Will a 9000 watt be harmed if the battery is not hooked up (Asked July 28, 2020)
The battery is not included with the unit, and is only required for the electric start.
What's the best battery to use with the 9000 Watt Predator? (Asked August 01, 2020)
There is no such thing as the "best" battery. Unfortunately, we consider "best" as a subjective and time-sensitive term. Battery should be 12 V, lead acid, 9 Ah.
Will this power a Miller multimatic 215 welder? Also is the output a clean sine wave, or square wave? (Asked September 07, 2020)
This unit does not output a clean sine wave and thus, shouldn't be used to power equipment that contains sensitive electronic components. For clean power, it's always better to consider an inverter generator. Regarding your welder, we invite you to check its wattage requirements or to contact its manufacturer.
Where do I hook up ground wire (Asked October 07, 2020)
The ground terminal is located on the control panel
What battery do I need (Asked October 08, 2020)
Battery should be 12 V, lead acid, 9 Ah
If portable do I need to connect to a grounding rod every time. (Asked October 11, 2020)
It is always safer to ground your generator
Can I parallel with another predator 9000 generator? (Asked October 11, 2020)
This unit does not have paralleling features
What spark plug does it take for NGK (Asked October 27, 2020)
Can a remote start be connected (Asked November 02, 2020)
There are no official remote start kits, but you can highly likely find an unofficial one. Be aware that modifying your unit may void your warranty.
Does it have idle control (Asked November 29, 2020)
The unit does not have idle control.
How much oil is capacity? (Asked December 05, 2020)
Engine oil capacity is 1.16 qt.
Where to attach the battery for easy start (Asked December 15, 2020)
Battery setup instructions are detailed page 8 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
My gas tank took 5 gallons although I believe it should hold 6 gallons. 8 gallons? Where did that come from? Other than way too noisy it is a very good generator that I use for home back up. Heavy yes but OK with wheel kit. Get the battery it’s only 30 to 40 dollars. The warranty is only 90 days unless you buy the 2 year warranty at around 100 bucks. Even with these add ons price is unbeatable.
Can’t seem to find any information on expected hour lifetime,have a predator 9000 that is decent to very good on fuel consumption.
For the price, it can’t be beat, I ran 2 refrigerators, lights, 3 fans and a 12,000 btu a/c unit, not a hiccup.
Set up the predator 9000 and started first time. Everything is working as far as I can tell except fuel level indicator.
I bought a returned unit and somewhat happy so far. It doesnt like the surge of my well pum.i was running 2 fridges and 3 LED lights. When the pump kicked on the lights shut off or dimmed. It should have been well within the 9000 watt surge.
Great powerful generator but very loud and heavy