The Predator 9500 (71365) is a powerful inverter generator with a rated wattage of 7,600 W and a starting wattage of 9,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Predator 9500
In a nutshell, the Predator 9500 is a powerful portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- 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.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 9500
Running on gasoline, the Predator 9500 utilizes a 459 cc (15.3 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 7,600W and a starting wattage of 9,500W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (parallel kit not included) allows for increasing of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
The inverter generator, rated for a noise of 67 dBA (less noisy than background music), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism and a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included).
Equipped with a 6.8 gallons fuel tank, the 9500 ensures continuous operation for up to 18.5 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.37 gallons per hour).
Thanks to its low <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 9500 produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) perfect for conveniently charging mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices and a 12V 8A receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities.
While not classified as 'RV Ready,' this Predator generator can still provides the advantage of RV connection via its L5-30R receptacle, ensuring power supply to your RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, the 9500's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
The Predator 9500's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L31 x W23.8 x H28.9 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
While weighing 257 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Still, once it is on the ground, its set of 4 wheels and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
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, the light indicators show you if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and 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 inverter generator.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout operation.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Predator 9500 ships with supplementary accessories: funnel, tool kit and battery charging cables.
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. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Westinghouse ecoGen10000 is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 147.7 pounds.
- At a lowest noise rating of 67 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the DuroMax XP9500iH with only 61 dBA.
- At a 25% load, the 9500 offers up to 18.5 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among generators of similar power level. For those prioritizing autonomy, the DuroMax XP10000DX could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 22 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. This inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient options in its power range, consuming approximately 0.37 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the DuroMax XP9500iH, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.34 gallons per hour.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 7500-8500W generators, the Predator 9500 is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- CO SECURE™ technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (67 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- 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 | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| 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 | 71365, 59188 |
| UPC | 193175546340 |
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 6075 W | 7575 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| 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.