BIGGEST Harbor Freight Generator Predator 9500 Review & TEST

SECRETLY known as the HONDA KILLER the Predator 9500 Watt Inverter generator is BIG but is it worth buying? I got TONS of requests to look at this model & see if its garbage or gold?

Predator 9500 Specs:
Max Running Watts 7600
Output voltage (volts) 120v/240v
Accessories Included: Oil funnel, spark plug wrench, screwdriver, DC charging cable
Battery type Lead acid
Certification EPAIII/CARB
Engine displacement (cc) 459cc
Horsepower (hp) 15.3
Low oil shutdown Yes
Product Height 28.87 in
Product Length 31 in
Product Weight 257 lb
Product Width 23.75 in
Start type: Electric with recoil backup
Max Starting Watts 9500
Run Time: 18.5 hours @ 25%
Sound rating (dB): 67 dB

Check me out on Instagram for great photos and more project updates

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[billwoods]

I used our Predator 9000 generator for over 30 hours during this last storm with no issues powering our small office and the house next door.

[randytrader]

I had the older 9750 watt. For 6 years there's been several times I ran it for days because of power outages.. once for right at two weeks.. it still cranks ever time and never had any issues with it.. I think it was around $500.. one of the best machines I've ever had..

[Pk_Garage]

Great video. We have the Predator 9000/7250 watts gasoline generator. I installed a Tri-fuel kit, to connect it to our homes natural gas line. We have over 70 hrs. on it with no issues. I only use Pennzoil Fully Synthetic 10W-30. We have ours connected to two manual transfer switches, using the 120volt and 120/240volt outlets. This set up allows us to power our entire house, including our 3 ton AC with hard start hit.

[jimmcdonough]

Bought one just 3 years ago. Runs a 20 ft by 30 ft cabin. Love it. Easy maintenance. One drawback. It's loud.

[pmtips]

Predator should have included the multi-info display on this model. It's pretty nice to look at your amp and wattage draw as you start flipping on switches.
I love my Predator 3500 for this data on demand feature. I just put her up after losing residential power for 11 hours. She saved our fridge and made us coffee at daybreak this morning. We even tried the microwave, but that will dim lights in the kitchen.
Thanks for the review!

[lunchbox]

I love my predator 9k generator. Absolutely no issues with it. Runs everything we need to run while the power is out without any issues at all. Would definitely recommend it

[gussys]

I live off grid and use this generator daily. I have over 1000 hrs on it in 12 months and it still runs great! The only hiccup I have had was the CO2 sensor started tripping while outdoors, there are plenty of videos about the issue and a fix. This is the most used generator out here.

[Wormanatti]

All things considered especially keeping price in mind weighing pros & the cons. The Predator gets the nod for me. I don't have a food truck, live solely in an RV etc. Just having a generator for storm used or power outages due to whatever. I do my own maintenance & am pretty meticulous about care to upkeep of equipment. I saving the almost 3 grand & buying the Predator. The ability to run a dryer or water heater is also huge especially when you have children.

[TheTravelingTechGuy]

I bought one a little over a year ago. Had issues with the low oil sensor right off the bat. Harbor Freight said to bring it back even though it's an hour drive to the nearest store for me and, the 9500 was in short supply, I chose to keep it. Thanks to YouTube, I was able to connect with a user that had a solution to the sensor problem. I ended up bypassing that sensor and have ran it for almost 100 hours with no issues. In between uses, I faithfully run it once a month for at least 30 minutes. Not a big fan of all of these points of failure (sensors) but, over all, I still love my 9500.

[wseamon]

Bought one of these in august, it has been nothing but great. We have Honda EU7000i’s and predator 2000’s at work and this thing does more for less IMO than the Honda. Sure it may not last 4000 hrs but for my use I well never run it that much. It has ran my house a few times during outages and also my air compressor and saws. I only use 89 Non-ethanol fuel in predators and have never had issues. The key is turn the fuel off then let it run the carb dry. I crank mine once a month and let it load up on my air compressor for around an hour.

[ICWe]

LOVE my Honda Generators. eu3000is. paid 2k and ran it for 10 years, ~600 hours/year. 6000 hours. Only one issue in 10 years, turned out to be a clogged spark arrestor. Sold it for $1300 and still ran strong when I picked up a eu6500, used for $1600. Awsome upgrade for $300. 5 years later, no issues and 3557 hours. Runs both 15000 btu a/c's on my 5th wheel with much power to spare. And as far as fuel goes, I use 87 octane pump gas and will only put non-ethanal gas in it for long term storage. I camp off grid for 6 months/year. Honda is damn reliable and quiet. There is a huge difference between 59 & 67 db. 3 x as noisy. 3 year warranties go unused, as there are never any issues. I feel you get what you pay for.

[mattosborne]

Your channel, simply put, is one of the best. I've used your information to study and research products that I have purchased and I found you to be accurate, honest, and candid. This year, I invested in an ego lawn mower and string trimmer, partly based on your information.
I almost bought the little brother to the Perdator last year. I may end up buying this one. But I'm also fascinated and invested in power stations that some call solar generators. I've noticed you've reviewed some of those and did a fantastic job.
I wonder if you only review products that are already assembled and marketed. I have built 2 solar generators/ power stations & they have immense power. Well, one is only 600 watts, but the other is 3600 Watts. There are people like Will Prowse & Dave Poz who show you how to build them. Will Prowse's most recent project is a very simple one with 5000 watts of power! Would you ever consider reviewing something like that?
Thank you so much for what you do.

[GaryT]

Great review SC! I'm in MA also, on Cape Ann, we lost power for about a day and a half. I have the Honda and it performed flawlessly, as expected. I gave the HF a lot of thought before buying the EU7000is. My thought was...during a January Nor'easter and you lose power and it's 10º...do I really want to bet my life on HF and a 90 day warranty...easy answer "Buy once, cry once" I have peace of mind. The Honda is not a whole house generator, it doesn't claim to be...but I have heat, hot water, lights and refrigeration...that's all I need until the power returns. Always enjoy your reviews🎯

[terrytytula]

With that yard damage I see a chainsaw review in the future, and your comment at the end about longevity is the critical point. What we need is someone to run one of these nonstop for say six months, and see how they hold up. My old honda is going on fifteen years and running strong.

[PersonaNGrata]

When I bought my Honda EU2200i, I performed an exhaustive break in procedure with multiple oil changes over the first couple of hours with a magnetic dipstick picking up tons of shavings initially and gradually seeing less and less.

Whatever generator you buy, I think that if you perform a good break in procedure with a magnetic dip stick, service it on time, use ethanol free gas, and drain the carburetor before storage, it will last you a long long time.

[markdiephouse]

I hope you bought the extended warranty. I had 5 of the 3500s super quiet. Did all service as required, never got it wet, cleaned spark arrestor every time I changed the oil religiously. I also prefiltered all fuel.
I couldn't make one last over 1, 500 hours. Nobody services them, and they can't get parts. Non serviceable. I ended up buying a Honda.
Went through 5 Predators in 3 years.
Had to pay $ 180.00 warranty renewal every time.

[josh.explores]

Personally, I would never get one of these again. I have had three 3500s replaced under the extended warranty. Used non ethanol gas, iridium spark plug and serviced every 100 hours after break in period. Never ran more than 1600 watts on any of the 3500s and each one failed. Finally just ended up with a gift card to Harbor Freight.

[BruiserFL]

Great review! I'm amazed at all the features of this unit. And, it's quiet. Inverter units are the only way to go with all of the electronics that are in our appliances, etc today.
I'd probably buy the Honda if I needed to use this everyday (such as a food truck, etc) but for the occasional home back up, I would definitely consider the Harbor Freight Predator. The feature list is impressive.

[boltactionshooter]

I have this generator and highly recommend it. I am a Honda fan but no way the Honda is worth more than this unit. My wife was able to use it to power the house for several days this fall after a hurricane and she had no problems and loves it too.

[skeee]

I bought my 3500 when I moved down to Puerto Rico. What a life saver. The generator runs great and I change the oil every 35 hours or so. With all of the electricity problems here, it does its job flawlessly. I do have a 21kw diesel generator now for the whole house. But when I turn on the predator every couple of months to make sure it is running it starts right up.