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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 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 9500
The Predator 9500's design includes a gasoline-fueled 459 cc (15.3 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 7,600W and also a peak wattage of 9,500W. The impressive running wattage makes this unit one of the biggest inverter generators currently on the market. 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.
At a noise rating of 67 dBA (less noisy than background music), this inverter generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 6.8 gallons, the 9500 may run for up to 18.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.37 GPH).
As the 9500 produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 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 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
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 9500 is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
Since the Predator 9500 is an inverter generator, its closed design (L31 x W23.8 x H28.9 in) has an esthetical advantage over conventional, open frame devices. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 257 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. 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, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Predator 9500 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, battery charging cables and tool kit.
Emissions
The Predator 9500 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, making it usable in forested areas.
The unit also meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.
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 257 lbs makes the Predator 9500 one of the heavier devices in the 7500-8500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Westinghouse ecoGen10000, with a dry weight of only 147.7 lbs.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 67 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Pulsar PGD95BiSCO, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 62 dBA.
- The 9500, falls within the average autonomy range compared to generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 18.5 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. 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 DuroMax XP10000HX, 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. This inverter generator can be considered as 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. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP9000iH, with a fuel consumption of 0.35 GPH could be in your good books.
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
- One of the biggest inverter generators on the market
- CO SECURE™ technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (67 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- Weak warranty
- On the heavy side (257 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,600 W |
| Starting watts | 9,500 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 8A receptacle |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 6.8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 257 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 31 x 23.8 x 28.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 67 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| 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 |
| Country of origin | China |
| Other model numbers | 59188 |
| UPC | 193175495617 |
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 Harbor Freight'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.)
Manuel or automatic choke (Asked October 06, 2022)
Choke is automatic when the multi-switch is on the START/CHOKE position.
what type of oil does it use and how often should oil be checked? How do you get to the oil compartment.. (Asked August 28, 2023)
Recommended engine oil is SAE 10W-30. Oil level should be checked before each use. When facing the control panel, the oil fill access door is located at the bottom of the right panel.
Where can I find a replacement carburetor (Asked November 04, 2023)
Replacement parts can be ordered directly from Harbor Freight: 1-800-444-3353.
Does it have a GPS tracker too (Asked November 17, 2023)
The unit does not have a GPS tracker.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Bought this to run our house. Got it on sale and joined the MembersClub to save more. Easily handles our well pump, electric water heater, furnace, TV, misc lights & outlets. Fairly quiet compared to other manufacturers of the same size. Controls are easy to read & understand, starts quickly, but takes a bit of time to warm up. The retractable handle is nice to have to move the unit. Moving on pavement is relatively easy, but on grass or loose dirt; presents a problem with its small wheels and weight. Wheel locks are a good feature. Changing oil is straight forward.
Relatively quiet operation is the only selling point.
Heavy weight and small wheels make it difficult to move around except on a flat hard surface. Forget rolling across the lawn. No clue where to service this gen. I discovered after purchase that this gen is essentially the same as the Duromax XP9000 which carries a 3 year warranty.
THE 90 DAY HF WARRANTY SAYS IT ALL FOR ME.
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.