Predator 9500 Watt Generator | Will it run our shop? 

So if you want this generator to power equipment that’s pulls more than the generator can supply, don’t buy it. 😂 Brutal review.

I started my welding business with this generator. Bought it 3 years ago and ran it hard and wide open since day 1. I have never had a problem other than the electric start. I run all my 220 welders, stick, flux core, tig and a 50amp plasma cutter. It will pop the breaker on the generator if I run the plasma anything past 40 amps. Other than that it has ran anything I throw at it. Now with 1800 hours on it I still use it for our camper since I bought a new engine drive welder. I would recommend this gen to anyone

I have a 2 year old predator 9000 generator and recently lost power. I had already installed my transfer switch so I hooked up generator and got it started in the 7 degree temps. It did a wonderful job. I had lights, furnace heat, tv, internet, 2 refrigerators and a freezer running at the same time. Great generator for the price!

Was a compressor service guy for many years. You would be surprised at how many people buy these and can't get them to start even wired to their house. Takes 2-3x amps at start up. Not shocked at all you couldnt get it started. The starting power needed exceeds the generator. That said, have the smaller predator and love it so far. I think the benefit of this one is the 220v output.

Dude, you knew that would not start that compressor. That thing is huge!

Just because of this very intelligent review, I’m going to Harbour Freight and buy this model

Getting pissed that a $2k generator wouldn’t run an off grid shop is ridiculous. This generator isn’t built for that. You guys need a 7.5kw pull behind unit to do what your asking. Look at industries(oil rigs in remote Wyoming) that have similar requirements to you and go from there. It is designed to run a home with appliances that don’t pull massive amounts of power at start up, ie furnaces, refrigerator, stove, lights, water heater, electronics. And it is an inverter generator to prevent destroying delicate electrical devices. I have this exact generator that I paid about $1600 for. It ran my house and garage for 3 days this year already with zero issues. I couldn’t go any cheaper than this on a unit because a 3500 can’t take the load for a whole home. It fills a niche market, and that market isn’t industrial compressors and off grid repair shops.

Highly recommend this 9500. . These guys are full of it, I’ve had one for 2 years and forced to use multiple times, worked perfect for the money we spent.

As others have said, that compressor is going to stall any but the biggest generators out there, even with a soft-start. Inverter generators are built for 2 things, true sinewave clean power and being quiet. Clean power for a shop is an oxymoron, all your equipment could run on 20% THD and never miss a beat. It will however fry your computers, laptop and TV etc. in a heartbeat. That genset is perfect for running a modern home as a backup, well, I would want it to run propane or natural gas rather than gasoline, but kits are available. What you boys want is one of those Mil surplus diesel gen sets on a skid to run that shop.

Electric motors like your air compressor require a HUGE surge in additional current to get them going. Industrial installations of such motors often include a device consisting of capacitors, inductors and voltage phase/amplitude matching. Savvy garage owners add such devices to their electrical panel to cover surges that would otherwise cause a generator to cough. Alternatively, use the generator as an alternative means of charging your home battery when the grid is down or the sun won't shine and the wind has died.

Get a soft starter for your compressor

Part of what you pay for on that particular generator is also the sound insulation. And as mentioned below, and as anyone with electric motor experience know, start-up power demand is significantly higher than run demand. I live off grid, and during construction went through 3 generators: First a Firman (started using lots of oil and finally died), a Generec (just died) and lastly the smaller (and smaller than the other 2) 3500W Predator. I have over 1200 hrs on the Predator and it is fantastic! I have since bought the 9500W Predator (only have 25 hrs on it so far) and am really happy with it - BUT don't think it can produce more than maybe 8000-8500W continuously.

Starting current and running current are two entirely different beasts. I'd love to see the inrush current peak on that compressor. I'd bet my 401k it's over 9500 watts.

I don’t know guys. My 9500 ran the whole house minus the Ac and stove for 5 days during the last tornado we had. That includes 3 refrigerators, lights and microwave, water pump and water heater. About 2400 sqft

"Locked Rotor" or starting amps is usually six times the run amps. Voltage drop is critical for all motors so wire/cord size is just as crucial. To Me it looked like your Generator power cord was too long and too small of wire gauge(#6 or #4 wire a must). The longer the run the larger the wire size to get the oomph to get motors started. Volts x Amps = Watts, I hate talking in Wattage for motors and associated load but it's easy enough to convert with the formula I gave. I heard you say 5500 watts for the air compressor, so it would take 33,000 watts at 220 Volts to start it clean. Yes, that's 150 Amps inrush to fire that motor without burning it up! So you need a 33.5KW Generator to start that monster air compressor alone! Three Phase is more efficient but you will only find it in a Commercial Building area. You guys get to Work! Enjoyed your content.............M-

Approximately 6 1/2 years ago I bought the harbor freight 8750. It is not the inverter generator. I bought it as a back up power source for my mobile welding so I didn’t have to run my engine drive all the time to power lights grinders etc. I have run a 220 V wire feed welder, TIG welder, and stick welder off said generator with zero issues. I’ve used it multiple times when the power is out to run my whole house. If you make a jumper kind of like the one you have “yellow” and only pour one leg of power wired into a single 120 V plug kind of like the one you cut off you can run that welder and that small compressor at the same time with no issues because you’ll be running off a 30 amp breaker instead of a 15-20 amp breaker

Might want to check the lock rotor amps of that compressor motor. It should be on the name plate LRA . I bet it’s over 80 amps. You would need to add a soft start kit for a generator to start it.

It takes a lot of amps to start a 240 volt compressor. The 9500 predator is only 6700 watts running and obviously doesn't do the 9500 even at start up. I have a 3500 predator invertor and i love it. Got around 300 hours on it. I got cheap though off the clearance table after somebody else returned it. I'd have never bought it for full price but for $350 i almost had to.

Precisely why these are not “job site” generators. I have powered two 33+ foot travel trailers at the same time with my 9500.

Are you selling it? I’ll buy it.

i have this gen. manual transfer switch- switching 200 amp service. 6/3 with ground coming from generator location. location is about 55 ft or so from my panel/transfer switch. the reason for this is to get it away from sleeping area. even though its quite enough . i also needed to be near my fuel source.. Nat Gas. i installed a conversion kit on it. on natural gas which lessens the wattage rating. i have had every light on in my 2500sw ft home. fridge calling to cool. furnace running on high heat. tv on. audio hardware on. not a single issue. drawing about 20 amps at various times from each leg. i ran a 220v 4000 watt electric heater in my garage. and lights. and tools while installing the transfer switch wile meter pulled. not one issue. the issue as it has been said previous is the inrush - this is a larger what looks to be magnetic start compressor. startup wattage/amprage is going to be at least double possibly a bit more. the rated running wattage. you would need to have a bigger generator either larger inverter model or larger regular model. or parallel two of these together. also. i am hoping this shop was just a stand alone building with no actual utility service to it. with how it was wired in. even so . there should never be a cord like that used - in any application.

I have heard bad things about the Predator generators from other RU-vidrs but mainly about the durability of them. I have another Chinese made brand that an electrician recommended, Firman, sold at Costco. Have only used it a couple times to power the house during outages and seems to be ok. It’s a Tri-gas which can run on either gasoline, propane, or natural gas which is nice. maximum power only comes from gasoline but propane works sufficiently for what we need. Bought a 40 gallon RV tank so that we can run generator for days without refueling. Hope you can return yours and find what you need. Thanks for the info, God Bless 👍

Good shipping, easy set up and start

Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

Great video. I never thought of testing my generator like that. I am going to see if my gen can run my welder, lights and air compressor.

I would have checked the actual amp draw of compressor by using an amp meter to see what it is pulling.

Try the non inverter version? Its mostly smaller electronics that really need the inverter from what I've seen. Maybe you'll have better luck that way? Would love to see the comparison!

I have their older style, largest generator, and i tested it having a 220 hot shot heater and another space heater at the same time while plugging in other items and it did well. I wonder if its just that model or that one is just a clunker and try another one. By the way great seeing you guys, its been a spell since the last time you uploaded.

You need 2 of those linked up to each other because there inverter generators buy another and make a suicide cord and plug them into each other and start them both then slip the shop breaker on and you will have 18k watts and it will power everything. Run just one generator when you don't need allot of power. Also be sure to unplug the suicide cord if you will not be running both generators. Or they may even make a kit to link the 2 up with each other. Of not a suicide cord 110 to 110 of each generator will suffice

I have a 10k generator which does my entire house....As far as starting a 7.5 hp compressor I don't think so. I have an industrial 5hp unit and it draws a lot from the pole. The starting current is amazing. Way over the running current. I think my generator has a 50 amp output I wouldn't think it would fire up my compressor. wires 8ga or 6ga...Should have a 60 amp breaker for yours..20k generator

You're asking WAY too much of that generator. Most of the comments stating the high start up draw are quite correct, especially starting a motor rated at 7.5hp. 2 to 3 times starting draw isn't an exaggeration, it can be more, depending on motor. 11600 to 17400 watt surge or more is a lot when stacked up against a 9500 surge watt genny. Try buying another one and run them in parallel. It might work, but you never know. After all, it's only money. Good luck.

The fix is a bigger diesel generator, or a smaller compressor. Or a non-off grid shop with 100 amps minimum of 240 V power. Always run the lightest fully synthetic compressor oil you can get, while having it warm inside and a low-tank pressure start-up. Then swim at your own risk.

Sad you guys didn't have a good experience with that Predator 9500 - Mines works great and it powers my home with a 5 tone AC unit w/Soft start, 2 refrigerators, 2 ceiling fans, sump pump and kitchen lights. Maybe you guys got a lemon.

as others have noted, inverter style generators (especially ones with high frequency inverters, which this more than likely has) HATE dead start motor loads like this. low frequency inverters will handle it much better, but they have monster transformers and weigh 3x as much. this is one of those areas were the crossover between generators and off-grid inverters happens, and the knowledge gained from the latter will inform the former.

Not sure what your guys problem was. I just ran my whole house for 9 days straight 24hours a day. Including my 5hp ag well pump. Whole house furnace etc. Lights TV. Basically ran the house like I still had normal power going into it. No issues at all.

My compressor requires a fuse- delay type breaker for start up … perhaps that may be the issue??

Volts x amps = watts. Check your amps/volts to see if you’re overloaded. Just a thought. Nice video 👍🏻

Need 2 times the full load amps on the compressor name plate to be able to start it properly

Waaaaay to much to ask for that generator to start 7-1/2 hp compressor. The start current is at least twice the running current and way more than the surge rating of that generator. Wrong tool for the job, not a bad tool. You would need a tow behind generator or approaching an industrial size. By the way, glad you adhered to the break-in instructions🥴

Would this generator be able to run a 3.7 hp 15.7 amp 30 gallon air compressor?

I've had one since they came out I'm a carpenter I use it everyday runs 7 hrs a day maintenance is preformed at scheduled times synthetic oil and I've never had an issue.I run a tablesaw chopsaw fan radio gluegun and a pancake compressor

Let me say “that is not the correct application for that compressor!!” I am so observant! I am an electrician and would never recommend that generator for that application. You need a 22kw generator minimum for what you are doing

All your tests are with devices that have huge reactive load requirements. The inverter generator isn't going to be able to sustain this, because it's electronically creating the sine wave and it's going to trip out every time. If you used a conventional alternator head instead, you wouldn't be experiencing the trip outs due to the mechanical inertia remaining in the generator. Also, you might mention suicide cords aren't really the best way to power the building with.

I think you guys got one with a bad inverter but also that is way too much compressor unless you have two parallel together I have three predators an older non-inverter that I’ve had since 2014 still runs great and two inverters 3500 I basically use the two 3500s paralleled to run my house at night time when the power is out since it only does 120 but I get 50 A with two units and I use the other one in the daytime when I need 240 my older one has 1000 hours on it the other two have 200 hours have had zero problems I added meters on my breaker box for my interlock so I can see how many amps I am pulling on each leg so that I don’t overload it is very helpful.

The inrush current on that large motor/compressor is well over the 30amps and like others people have commented there are ways to make that compressor run from that generator. Hire a good electrician and he will know how to put a soft start or install capacitors to help with inrush current.

When you are dealing with any generator to run an electric motor you need to look at that motors locked rotor current (LRC)not the running amps. If the LRC is more than your generator starting current then well it’s not going to work. The electric motor will never overcome the low voltage to get to full running speed and either trip the overload or breaker.

I love your approach Truth is entertaining..every homesteader has had issues with that brand of generator...🥴

Something's not right here. This generator will generally power lots of equipment simultaneously. I have one and it works great. My is new and I haven't had a chance to use it extensively, but I've powered a few things without problems including larger home compressor. Not an industrial one like yours. Maybe that thing requires a much greater amp draw than you thought? There are lots of reviews of people putting bigger loads on theirs with no problems, running every single thing including microwaves and air conditioners in huge RVs etc without a so much as a whimper. Or maybe you just ended up with one that isn't running correctly? I noticed you still have it in a recent video. If you weren't satisfied with it why didn't you take it back? It's got a satisfaction money back guarantee. Again, this generator has tons of rave reviews so not sure why your experience wasn't good, but seems something is amiss.

THD from NON inverter generators - Northern tool brand Powerhorse and NorthStar ALL have less than 5% THD. They give you the wattage needed, and

Would you guys quit stealing all the stop signs We had a fender bender up the road from you because neither of us stopped

What about the 50 amp adapter cable.

Ahh, gotta love the Chineseum.

Hey, can you try this? Switch off the Eco mode if it has one. That should put it at full power from the start. Motor start will still be a problem but I wonder how it will do on the welder. It is a big jolt of power when strike a spark. Let us know if it does better with that mode if it even has an Eco switch. I just looked on the HF website and I can't see one on the 9500 but IDK??

Thanks for warning us about this piece of durian.

I think the Predator 9000 W would have been a better deal for you since it has plenty of power and does cost a bunch less too.

Starting current on a 9000 watt motor UNDER LOAD is around 18KW. The surge current on the welder is similar. Buy a 30KVA or larger diesel generator USED like my 33KW, 4 cyl commercial with auto switchgeear.

That compressor has a surge of like 10k+ when warm. Almost 15k cold.

amps x volts = watts. not to mention the extra startup required to get them going.

Lock rotor amps is 3 times nameplate amps

Induction motors can take up to 3 times the amps than the full load rating of the motor. IE a 30 amp motor could take up to 90 amps to start. Check your ratings of motors and surge rating of generator and recalculate .

Great I was wanting to run a tig welder with this after finding out it was going to cost 3k just for the wire to run to my shop

I just bought a camper and it needs 50 amp to have it running, im not to familiar with watts, volts or amps, i deff dont want to over or unload it, but want something that can have all my necessities running with no prob, struggling trying to find a generator, any suggestions? Its a 37ft couger on a trailer hitch

Jeeez boys, you should have read a basic electrical/generator book before the purchase and you would have found that startup current on an a/c motor runs 3 to 6 times the operating wattage. So 7 1/2 hp = 16,875 to 33,750 watts to start, your little generator did not have a chance!!

Before you buy generation, you must calculation how many jump power you need in?

Can you use a regular car battery for a generator and what other kinds of batteries you can use for a generator ?

I bought a magnetic dip stick to help clean the oil during the break in period of my Predator genny. I was very surprised at the amount of metal shavings it picked up. I definitely recommend buying one from Jeff Bezos

Only problem I would have with this generator is the 90 day warranty, Harbor Freight is not real confident about it.

Taking this back!!!! Asap

I bought the genmax 6000xie open frame inverter and my 14 amp ryobi circular saw will make the overload light come on when NOT in economy mode, so at full power 1700 watts is almost too much for a 6000 surge rated generator. I think it's that the inverters just don't like induction motors my well pump I have wired to 240v is I believe 7.5 amps dogs the thing down aswell. Mind you it does catch up with these loads and the voltage comes back up to normal operating range but it's just really disappointing when you spend the money on these things and they can hardly handle anything you'd expect them to. Don't even ask about my 20amp 240 volt compressor no way I'd need a new start up capacitor every day the way it starts that up lol.

Thats sad , I have a John deere 5500 watt with a 11 horsepower motor and it will run my whole house and 60 gallon industrial air 220 compressor all at the same time. Didn't have my 220 welder at the time or I would have tried to weld with the compressor running too. I may have to try that.

Whoa, wait a minute! The only way that 7 1/2 H.P. Motor is 30 Amps is if it were wired to 3 Phase Power! A 7.5 Horse 240 Volt 1PH Motor would be on a 60 Amp circuit on Single Phase! Check that nameplate and see if it doesn't state 3PH!

Did yall follow the break in period? Like suggested

you need a soft start for that compressor

did you add fuel stabilizer to the gas?

Your shop is going to need a 20kw-40kw diesel to run everything

Buy another one and make the parallel cord! That should do the trick!

I was gonna chime in as well about the power demands of that air compressor. I see that was done. I searched online to see if I could find the wattage/amperage requirements and was unsuccessful. However, I heard you say 5800 watts. If that is running watts, locked rotor amps can be up to 3 times that. Even 2 times it would exceed the capabilities of that generator. Now... the welder. I have nothing. I don't know the requirements. But, the 30 amps on each leg is not the same as say 2 - 15 amp circuits together. The two devices, compressor and welder could have exceeded the 30 amps for one of the legs and shut it down. Thanks for your humor and the demonstration. I do a video on the open-frame version showing the in-rush current of various devices.

That's sad! But considering where EVERYTHING is made anymore....still sad! Looks like there's gonna be a Generac in your future...maybe?? Whatever, take care, be safe and God bless!

Yous guys are funny!

Do a load calc!

When I saw the compressor I chuckled. There is no way that generator was going to start that motor.

I'm pretty sure even a 240v 60 gallon upright compressor needs about 13,000 watts for startup

Cool And funny

What generator do u suggest?

I can't understand how you ever thought that generator would start that compressor. You need to do some math before you go spending money on the wrong thing. Start with the locked rotor amps (LRA). Some items have this labeled "instantaneous start amperage". Air compressors are notorious power hogs at startup. The motor nameplate can be misleading for startup amps. As KuntalGhosh states 3x to 5x FLA may be more like it for some without a cycling pressure control with an air relief valve to eliminate the startup pressure.

power = voltage X current. So if the big generator is 240 V / 30 A , that would be 7200 watts. Not sure how you came up with 5800 Watts? But I understand, even at 7200 watts, the generator should've handled it.

Would thi3power a mobile home with a 100 amp service

no inverter type generator will handle motor loads on an air compressor and a welder together. To start that 7.5HP compressor would take at least a 27,000W peak 18.000 continuous load conventional generator - maybe more. Motor loads are brutal. I have a 9500 and it runs my house fine in the winter to include a 4000W electric heater in my shop along with the furnace in house, all lights and electronics. Inverter generators by limits of their capacity are not suitable for shop loads. With no other load on them they may start up to about 2HP.

Factor load 9500 wattage if you connect the compressor the welding machine lights and other things of course the generator is not going to handle it house hold appliances you put everything together and in case of emergency refrigerator TV lights electric stove and water heater possibly you got 8500 watts is a domestic generator to move your shop you need a commercial grade generator

When a moto start up it take 2 to 3 time the runing power

I'm sure the surge power required to start compressor far exceeds the generator surge power. The motor plate on compressor would have told you that.

Did anyone measure starting amps and full load amps?

LOL you must be counting the wind chill

In my experience I've found that Harbor Freight is great for hand tools and consumables but not for heavy machinery. Honda generators are the best. They cost a lot more but you get what you pay for.

Dont tease us.. Whats the nameplate on the motor.?! Also. you are starting it with a load any way to dump the load? make sure the tank is completely empty? (although im sure this does not matter as much)

Hobart is made by Miller there the same company

Harbor freight has a pretty good return policy. Take it back

man that generator is useless.... we always put the air compressor out side...Make a lean to with a closed door on the outside of your main building and put compressor in it and insulate it.... no noise in main building!

I've stopped quite a few shoppers from buying this item in store. I told them to do their own research & find reviews. At least with the older stuff, you could fix it with carb cleaner or some simple parts. I was on the phone with Jackery for hours right after Cyber Monday. I was not impressed with their answers. Basically, electronics is not the same as solid-state.

try champion 12000-15000w