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Description
Zoom on the Predator 9500
In summary, the Predator 9500 is a powerful portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 9500
The Predator 9500's engine, 459 cc (15.3 hp) OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 7600W and reaches a peak wattage of 9500W. 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.
With a noise rating of 67 dBA (less noisy than an office), the inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 6.8 gallons, the 9500 can operate for up to 18.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.37 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 9500 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets and a 12V 9A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
Even though this Predator generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as the 9500 holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
The Predator 9500 is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L31 x W23.8 x H28.9 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Since the generator weighs 253 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). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its set of 4 wheels and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The 9500's control panel
A digital data center, one of the features of the 9500's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is on overload.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
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).
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Predator 9500 also comes with several accessories, including: battery charging cables, funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Predator 9500 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 Videos
The Predator 9500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 9500 compare to generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).
- A weight of 253 lbs makes the Predator 9500 one of the heavier devices in the 7500-8500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Dewalt DXGNR8000, standing at just 183 lbs.
- At a lowest noise rating of 67 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the most quiet devices of similar power.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 18.5 hours at 25% load, the 9500 benefits from one of the highest run times among generators of a similar output
- 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 inverter generator can be considered as one of the most fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.37 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, within the aforementioned wattage range.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 7500-8500W generators, the Predator 9500 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
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (67 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No remote start
- Weak warranty
- On the heavy side (253 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7600 W |
| Starting watts | 9500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 63.3/31.7 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 18.5 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) 1x 12V 9A receptacle |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 6.8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 253 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 31 x 23.8 x 28.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 67 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, battery charging cables, and battery |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Other model numbers | 57080 |
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 9500 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 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 6072 W | 7547 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 6060 W | 6650 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4880 W | 9380 W |
is the Predator 9500 fuel injected or carbureted? Are there natural gas or propane kits designed for this model at this time? (Asked April 20, 2021)
The unit is carbureted. At this time, there are no official conversion kits. Chances are that there will never be any official ones, since it would require the manufacturer to get new engine emission certifications.
Where can I purchase the parallel kit for the 9500 predator generator? Can’t find it online or HarborFreight and I will buy generator today if I can find parallel kit. (Asked May 05, 2021)
The official parallel kit is not available yet.
what is the oil capacity (Asked June 18, 2021)
Engine oil capacity is 37 fl. oz.
Is this unit weatherproof? Can it run outdoors during severe weather? (Asked July 16, 2021)
The unit must be properly sheltered. We recommend reading our article on operation in bad weather.
Is there a way (or is it recommended) to "float" the neutral since the neutral is bonded to the frame? I'm will be using it connected to my main panel (which is bonded) thru an interlock breaker and I've read that the neutral shouldn't be bonded twice. (Asked July 21, 2021)
It should be possible, but could potentially void your warranty. We recommend reading our article on neutral conversion.
Can you run non ethanol fuel only? (Asked August 17, 2021)
Gasoline should be unleaded, fresh, stabilizer-treated, and with an octane rating of at least 87. It should not contain more than 10% ethanol (so no E15, E20, E85, etc.)
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
I have purchased two and made a parallel kit for them that feeds into a 50A hookup. Great success so far with powering my all electric home, and as long as we don’t go crazy with the appliances, we can live relatively normally. (Search YouTube for “Predator 9500 Home Built Parallel Kit” to see it). The parallel hookup bypasses the built in breakers on the unit allowing you to exceed the 30amp limit (within the range of the generator’s capacity)
Note that we have a 5ton heat pump, so I needed to install a soft start on the outside compressor (micro-air “Easy Start”). That lowered my starting amps from over 80A down to around 40 or less. This is the “secret” that really allows us to operate normally and run other appliances, without risking overloading everything the moment the AC compressor tries to kick off, asking for over 80amps (that’s the peak of both units combined, so EVERYTHING else in the house would have to be off, for it to have a reasonable chance of starting). Most people get much lower numbers with the soft start kit, but I think our heat pump is designed a bit differently so it was about half of what I expected.
If we had gas for the water heater/hvac/stove, etc…. we probably would have been able to get away with just a single unit, and a 30amp hookup.
Big warning though, these units do NOT have oil filters, and there are a *LOT* of metal shavings in the oil during the early break-in process. You NEED to get a magnetic dipstick (nice aluminum ones are on Amazon) and/or position a strong magnet under the oil fill area to collect the shavings, or they will be cycling around in your oil during the 30hr break-in. I’m not kidding, with the strong magnet under it, it looked like I was growing crystals inside the dipstick / fill tube. There was a pile of shavings collected in there. Both my 9500 generators had this issue, as well as my predator portable 110 inverter unit. USE A MAGNET and you will no doubt greatly extend the service life of these units.
It would have been nice for there to be a load meter, big loss there. I had to incorporate that into my parallel kit. the tiny little doors on the side are really pointless. You have to pull off the main panel to really do anything (it’s only 2 more screws, 4 in total). Wish the screws were captive, and wish they were thumb screws. But these are minor complaints (apart from the missing amp meter).
Bang for the buck, this really can’t be beat. Perfect quality power, the ability to throttle down on lower loads to save fuel and noise. The sealed design is very quiet anyway. There is a reason they sell out in a day or two each time a shipment comes in.