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Description
Zoom on the Predator 9000
In summary, the Predator 9000 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
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 9000
The Predator 9000's core is the 420 cc (13 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 7250W and a peak wattage of 9000W.
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery not included). It is rated for a noise of 76 dBA (less noisy than a shower).
With a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the 9000 may run for around 13 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.62 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
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, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 9000 is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during 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. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 194 pounds. However, its challenging mobility is solved by a wheel kit (separate purchase), which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The 9000's control panel
The device’s light indicator will display if its oil levels are insufficient.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Predator 9000 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 9000 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, making it usable in forested areas.
Product Video
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).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 194 lbs, the Predator 9000 belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 6500 and 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. 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.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 13 hours at 50% load, the 9000 benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Generac XC6500, reaching around 14 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.62 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is a rather fuel efficient one within its wattage category. 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.
The bottom line
- 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
- 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 | N/A |
| 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 | N/A |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| 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 2 years. 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 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5797 W | 6897 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5790 W | 6380 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.
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.