This Generator Replaced My Predator 3500!! The Predator 4550 Inverter Is Awesome!!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 117

  • @BretteCaldwell
    @BretteCaldwell Місяць тому +6

    I just bought one today as scratch and dent.
    The original price was $680, scratch and dent $475.
    Then my particular store was running a 40% off scratch and dent.
    So I got this generator for $276.
    Got home changed the oil, let it run for a hour and proceeded to run my Dewalt table saw for two hours.
    It ran great!

  • @xxcrazy_critr6661
    @xxcrazy_critr6661 5 місяців тому +15

    Would never trade my 3500 for that 4550. Sorry. I love the quiet, and I have the OG version before the CO2 shutoff. Mine was given to me, sat in a field, full of water and rust for 1-2 years. I took that bad boy home, cleaned it all up, got it running with original carb but opted for a brand new one 27 dollars on amazon, I replaced all the fuel lines, added inline filter. The fuel lines and shutoff valve were completely stopped up, so cleaned the valve replaced the lines. I have put 100 hours on it since and it runs like a top, no surging, no issues at all. Love the electric start, love the quiet, love the display, don't care about the plugs, I use the 30A outlet on front to a breaker panel anyway, so doesn't matter what other plugs it has. I have owned 4 open frame generators, and will never go back to that. I run a 12K BTU air conditioner and basically a whole 400 sq ft shop with my 3500. Will buy another used OG 3500 for a spare, they are all over for sale, $400-$500 used in great condition. I can wrench, I don't need warranty. You can even buy the Inverter replacements from Amazon for $135 I think? Super popular model, always go with the model that everyone has so parts availability is never an issue.

  • @Thrash155
    @Thrash155 3 місяці тому +4

    I've been contemplating a generator for several years, this year had a huge tornado hit close to me and power was going to be out for several days if not weeks. I've been using my Hobart Welder for emergency power but the thing just drinks gas and I only get about 4 hrs per tank. Did I mention it was a welder, they are not meant to be quiet. Finally purchase this same generator and wheel kit, assembled, added oil and gas.. 1 good pull and boom it was running. WOW.. Ran for 4 straight days(only turned off to add gas) while the power was being restored, ran my Fridge and Deep freeze and several other small electronics. Also used it to keep my rechargeable batteries topped off. Did I mention it was a welder, they are not meant to be quiet. The Preditor 4550 was so quiet, I went outside several times to make sure it was still running.. LOL

  • @BBEEKKAY
    @BBEEKKAY 4 місяці тому +2

    I bought this same generator a few months ago. There were a lot of complaints on the reviews about the pull cord ripping and other small issues. I changed the pull cord, replaced the oil dipstick with a magnetic one, changed the spark plug, did a couple oil changes and voila! It lasted me the past few days after a hurricane hit us.

  • @blockkboyz729
    @blockkboyz729 18 днів тому

    For me to literally listen to your review says alot. Thank you for no babbling and staying in topic

  • @davestewart9146
    @davestewart9146 5 місяців тому +6

    I have an old Coleman generator that I bought years ago when the power went out for three days, still runs great, enjoyed your video 👍😁

    • @josephpuchel6497
      @josephpuchel6497 5 місяців тому

      Hey Have one myself a Coleman. The electrical system back in the day was simple no computer or chip boards unlike today everything has a computer chip or board. Now you need an inverter generator so you don’t damage an expensive appliance.

  • @erock801
    @erock801 4 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for the great vid. Really liked your wheel hack. Just picked up a 4550 for hurricane prep. The markets for the 3500 and 4550 are different. 3500 is more for RVs, food trucks, festival booths, etc. where noise reduction is key. The 4550 seems to be geared more towards emergency power outage and remote work sites, situations where reliability is paramount and noise is a distant second.

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  4 місяці тому

      Absolutely love the 4550! 🤙

  • @kmosier22
    @kmosier22 5 місяців тому +20

    Am I the only one that thinks he looks like Steven Keaton off family ties? Love the videos!!

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +1

      Have you commented that before? 🤙

    • @kmosier22
      @kmosier22 5 місяців тому +1

      @@1RoadGarage Dont think so......but every time I've watched your channel I kept feeling like I've seen you somewhere. Today it hit me. haha Keep up the great videos!

    • @robertkubrick3738
      @robertkubrick3738 10 днів тому +1

      Bert Gummer from Tremors. No offense meant.

  • @ftlaud911
    @ftlaud911 5 місяців тому +2

    Had two 3500's a few years back. Both had idle issues and returned them. Went with three 2000's that truely sip fuel. Also gives me redundancy and can fuel/oil change one at a time. Make sure you do first oil change within a few hrs, then second at10 hrs. After that you can run normal oil changes. You need to get those initial metal shaves out while rings set. Looks like a good unit. Congrats and good choice.

    • @lawrencehenry1326
      @lawrencehenry1326 4 місяці тому

      I only ran my first only 5 hours. Now I'm changing it and adding Lucas. I use in everything.i swear by it. I first bought a a2K watt fired right up ! Then never did again. So I was so beat I went back and bought the 3500 with electric start.

  • @russknepper2815
    @russknepper2815 2 місяці тому +1

    Excellant review. I have owned a 4550 for a year now. I agree , better all around than my 3500 that I owned and gave to my son. i will put a propane conversion on somedayif I can find one. Im only using tru fuel. Starts and runs well.

  • @natewarda2205
    @natewarda2205 4 місяці тому +1

    Just picked up one of the predator 4550 inverter generators during the recent clearance sale at harbor freight. Was out the door with it at $265. I’m really excited to put the generator through its paces.

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  4 місяці тому +1

      You’re gonna love it. I’m very satisfied with mine.

  • @paultice610
    @paultice610 5 місяців тому +2

    I have the same open frame inverter and I also have a 3500 fully enclosed I parallel them together and run most of my house during power outage haven’t had any problem with either one. I’ve enclosed one six hours straight shut it down. I’ve never took any panels off. Still works fine.

    • @francisvazquez13
      @francisvazquez13 5 місяців тому +1

      Noise difference between the two ?

    • @paultice610
      @paultice610 5 місяців тому

      @@francisvazquez13 the noise difference is very minimal. The open frame is about five DB higher than the fully enclosed one at 25% load. at 23 feet.

  • @zoefaith120
    @zoefaith120 5 місяців тому +12

    Cant beat the radio shack brand... old school baby!

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +1

      Haha! Wondering if someone would notice.

    • @mansharker8
      @mansharker8 5 місяців тому

      I like that older model of decibel meter vs the newer model that I had. The newer one died on me in a little over a year lol.

  • @albertsmedley3636
    @albertsmedley3636 5 місяців тому +7

    You mentioned that a big reason you wanted a generator was because of tornadoes. My need is similar. I need a generator because my area has huge fires, (which now causes the power provider to shut off power on hot, windy days besides when there is really a fire), floods and earthquakes. The problem is that it may sit unused for years but when I will need it, I will really need it. But the gas will be bad by then. I am really disappointed that this generator isn't dual fuel, including propane. I then wouldn't have to worry about old gas (when the stuff hits the fan, the gas stations are shut down too.)

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +1

      Very good points

    • @tomschmidt381
      @tomschmidt381 5 місяців тому +4

      Stale gas is a problem. I have an old school predator 8750 (7000 running watts) generator. I keep five 5-gallon gas containers with stabilizer in the shed. I run the genie every 3-months or so with a 1500W space heater as a dummy load. I've numbered the gas cans and if they get old I dump the gas into one of our cars. It is electric start so I keep the battery topped up with a low power battery maintainer.
      As you said it does not make sense to have a generator if you don't know it will work when you need it. We have had ours since 2016 but have only needed to use it once for a actual power outage. We keep enough gas on hand to survive a week long power outage when running the genie a few hours in the morning and evening.

    • @CarlosDelaoGunEngraver
      @CarlosDelaoGunEngraver 5 місяців тому

      grenergy conversion kits the best

    • @albertsmedley3636
      @albertsmedley3636 5 місяців тому

      ​ @CarlosDelaoGunEngraver I guess you abbreviated answer alludes to a kit to convert the Predator?

  • @Wolf6151
    @Wolf6151 4 місяці тому

    I bought a used pull start generator in 2008. 16 yrs. later I'm still using the original pull cord, it's never broken. The push button start generators have a battery that will need to be maintained.

  • @robertkubrick3738
    @robertkubrick3738 10 днів тому

    I used to be a mechanic and I worked on weapons in the military as well as PMCS on my shop truck and I know the status of everything I'm using or count on to work. I think that meter is important for those not mechanically inclined and it's a shame they didn't Integrate one on the 4550. You can buy your own hour meter so you know when to change the oil. You can buy a clamp on meter to monitor the output, but it's not the same as integrated.

  • @autocad_junkie
    @autocad_junkie 5 місяців тому +1

    Funny timing on these Predator videos. I purchased a Predator 2000w inverter generator from HF and went thru the OCD break-in procedures but quickly realized it was simply underpowered for my needs. I took it back this week and got the 3500 model. So far so good on break-in, with no surges. My HF happened to have the 5000w version open box and unused for 50% off but decided to just settle for the 3500. Hopefully I don’t end up having buyers remorse because I wouldn’t have minded the extra power.

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +1

      It seems like the 3500 is what most buy. I would’ve kept mine if it didn’t have an issue. 👍

  • @MrBowNaxe
    @MrBowNaxe 5 місяців тому +1

    Dang Jimmy, you put a lift kit on that thing! I was looking at that one but went with a dual-fuel 5k watt generator to run my camper AC when boon-docking and the biggest plus is the electric start. Great comparison video and I can't wait to see what's next.

  • @SoloHiker1
    @SoloHiker1 4 місяці тому

    You need to replace the spark plug and oil the air filter. I love the 4550. I also squirted some mystery oil in the crankcase before I started it the first time. I took a long neck funnel, stuck a screwdriver in it and then heated it. Then I bent it a little bit, and it works perfectly. I've also found it much easier to have a dedicated measuring cup. Much less mess when you don't have to pay attention how much you're pouring.

  • @lstownley
    @lstownley 5 місяців тому +1

    I would suggest putting a Kill-A-Watt on it to verify the voltage and hertz output. Also would recommend checking the THD with a meter to verify the inverter is functioning properly. With an inverter generator, it should be a pure sine wave and practically a 0 THD. You won't know till you check.

  • @silentvoiceinthedark5665
    @silentvoiceinthedark5665 24 дні тому

    Here is what I did with my open frame WEN inverter generator. I made a pad for it then I got some sand bags and put them around to make it less noisy. Also have a box fan blowing on low speed to keep it cool. I have used it during two power outages for a total of 7 hours and 38 minutes so far. I take the gas out after ever use.

  • @NWGarage
    @NWGarage 5 місяців тому +3

    Always love the quality with 1Road!

  • @chetmyers7041
    @chetmyers7041 Місяць тому

    12:39 Upgrade that "tow strap" to a seven foot wooden "tiller pole." It would allow you to walk ahead of the genny and easily steer. The long lever length means easy carry.

  • @ChatGPT1111
    @ChatGPT1111 5 місяців тому +1

    If at all possible, get a Trifuel Inverter. That way you'll have a lot more options for SHTF situations. With NG, you never have to leave your house to get to a business that has no power.

    • @rsuto
      @rsuto 4 місяці тому

      Agreed - I bought a kit from Grenergy for my 3500

  • @Tobymt1925
    @Tobymt1925 5 місяців тому +2

    You should have bought the wheel kit with that $155 you got back.... LOL, love your videos

  • @nickchaisson1832
    @nickchaisson1832 5 місяців тому +3

    I have both. We are in a unique no power situation. Long story. Anyway, the 4450 I have has I think over 5,000 hours of almost 24 hour usage. Besides the time of filling it up with fuel. The pull cord on mine has already broken and I've had to replace it. It's pretty straight forward but a little bit of a pain as the inverter is located in front of the pull start assembly. But that's the only issue I've had with it so far. (Tho I do wish they put electric start on this). Just curious, what oil do you run in yours? I forgot if you mentioned but it looks like She'll Rotella? First I was using conventional 10w30 to break it in for the first 8 hours and changed it with the same, then 20 hours. 30 hours, and then to 100, At I think 100 hours, I switched to Toro full synthetic 10w30 which I can get really easily and it has added zinc which engines like these really like. I also added an hour meter and a 12 volt adapter to run it on (I can suggest the unit I've used if you would like).

    • @ArchangelHornet
      @ArchangelHornet 5 місяців тому

      yes please, do tell...

    • @rexhorning7228
      @rexhorning7228 5 місяців тому

      Shell Rotella 15w 40 is perfect for your situation and very economical. Being you don’t have lots of cold starts stay with the heavier weights.
      Having two drain plugs you could install a small pump and oil cooler it would increase the oil volume and increase the time you can run between oil changes. Top of the oil cooler would need to be lower than the oil fill level and you would need to run the pump to purge out oil when checking the fluid level. You could also add a filter in between pump and cooler. Large metal fuel filter would probably work. Or if you could find an external twist off oil filter for external sump system.

  • @akbychoice
    @akbychoice 25 днів тому

    Transmission funnels work well for these oil fills.

  • @TJsVette
    @TJsVette 5 місяців тому +1

    For the front, I wouldn't level it, I would want it to be slightly lowered to allow fuel to drain better.
    Im surprised they didn't put a leg for the front for support or a handle. You could make a handle and attach it with a pin.
    Guess they dont make them like they used to but want to charge more money for less. Kinda sad, to be honest.

  • @elviraraff6809
    @elviraraff6809 Місяць тому

    Both generators are great and since they are Honda clones they can be converted to tri-fuel for about 30 bucks.

  • @sweetdaddy77
    @sweetdaddy77 5 місяців тому

    I have the 3500 and 4400 (one they shelved and rebranded to the one you have) both run great but 4400 runs cooler and powers more.

  • @allabouthim03
    @allabouthim03 3 місяці тому

    I'm gonna do what you do, LOL. I wasn't planning on driving it on the streets, smile.

  • @confedaratewolf
    @confedaratewolf 12 днів тому

    Im off grid. I use a generator as a back up to our solar. Im contemplating hooking this up to my solar charge controller to charge my batteries

  • @JamesAndersen-w2y
    @JamesAndersen-w2y 5 місяців тому +4

    When you're done running it turn the fuel drain off and then run it till it's empty to prevent the ethanol from damaging anything

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +1

      Good point!

    • @rexhorning7228
      @rexhorning7228 5 місяців тому +1

      Best practice is to only buy no ethanol fuel from a dedicated pump to fill your gas cans.
      Ethanol fuels should only be used in equipment that runs daily.

    • @donmichaelcorbin4417
      @donmichaelcorbin4417 Місяць тому

      4 13:10 ⁴f +ÿ⁶⁶⁶

  • @Danieltorres-b2d
    @Danieltorres-b2d 4 місяці тому

    Was wondering, can this unit be able to run a vacuum and a air compressor at the same time. I currently have the 3500 and notice that it trips a lot. Thanks 👍

  • @2284esther
    @2284esther 5 місяців тому +4

    Use non ethanol fuel please you'll be glad.

  • @danhambrick6331
    @danhambrick6331 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice upgrade from the other one Jimmy..

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому

      I really think it is.. 👍

    • @PrinceJes
      @PrinceJes 3 місяці тому

      You think so?..

  • @goaway3333
    @goaway3333 5 місяців тому

    Jimmy do you think this will easily power a 8000 BTU window unit we just need something after hurricanes I'm not worried about running everything maybe just a 110 well pump and an air conditioner not both at the same time if needed and not weigh 200 lb thanks for any advice

    • @rustymac40
      @rustymac40 3 місяці тому

      You could easily run an 8000 btu window unit off of a 2000w gen so absolutely this will run it and a lot more.

  • @heathhamel7966
    @heathhamel7966 5 місяців тому

    I did everything you did. But it doesn’t want to start. Any thoughts?

  • @DJ-vm2zi
    @DJ-vm2zi Місяць тому

    Do both take propane for fuel?

  • @72dodge340
    @72dodge340 5 місяців тому

    Serious question... is your wife related to Poppy (the singer)? LOL... I realized in that last video she was in, she looks almost exactly like her. It's eerie how similar!
    And yeah, on topic, I love my Predator generator. Really high quality for a good price.

  • @MySpam-v1t
    @MySpam-v1t 11 днів тому

    Can you share please where you get your funnel from?

  • @SamsungGalaxy-ls8ys
    @SamsungGalaxy-ls8ys 5 місяців тому +9

    Closed frame generators have to have their panels removed when turned off after use to prevent 300F+ temps from cooking it as there is no more air flow after being turned off.

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +2

      Hmm.🤔

    • @freedomisntfree_44
      @freedomisntfree_44 5 місяців тому

      Never had a problem with mine. When it’s real hot I’ll pop the spark plug cover open to let some heat out though

    • @hunterm4188
      @hunterm4188 5 місяців тому

      lol 😂 if only plastic had thermal properties like that

    • @SoloHiker1
      @SoloHiker1 4 місяці тому +1

      I was just in grand teton and I got rid of my thirty five hundred because it overheats. It was in the ninety day return period. I got rid of it and got the 4550. Runs much cooler and doesn't even stutter. The thirty five hundred kept shutting down because it was overheating. I had to take the panels off. Of course then it was raining... The open frame version is much better, Runs cooler, and it's almost thirty pounds lighter.

    • @davidcook8323
      @davidcook8323 4 місяці тому +1

      Are you sure about that? I've never taken the panels off my generator after running all day in 100+ temps. The owners manual doesn't say to do that. It's fine, no cooking involved.

  • @RobertYonng
    @RobertYonng Місяць тому

    Did you ever find out what the miss fire was on the 3500?

  • @eddiegerena6600
    @eddiegerena6600 Місяць тому

    Interesting that you say misfire. I just purchased a poxurio generator inverter 6000 Watts it's only a week old which Jen Max makes when I started it it starts fine if I shut it down and restart it. It misfires on backfires but then runs fine going back and forth with the seller to see if I can get another one it shouldn't be doing that correct. Any input would be appreciated

    • @robertkubrick3738
      @robertkubrick3738 10 днів тому

      Probably valve adjustment. They just throw these things together at the factory, not a good precise valve lash.

  • @noneyerbidness
    @noneyerbidness 27 днів тому

    could this run a pair of refrigerators?

  • @dougharlow6037
    @dougharlow6037 Місяць тому

    Just curious where's the gauges?

  • @binkywarren21
    @binkywarren21 4 місяці тому

    How soon do you have to return a generator to Harbor Freight ?

  • @greebuh
    @greebuh 5 місяців тому

    Just bought one of these for 577 bucks at their yard sale.

  • @two-strokesmoke7289
    @two-strokesmoke7289 5 місяців тому

    Does Harbor Freight sell "dual fuel" propane/gasoline generators?

    • @cjb1708
      @cjb1708 5 місяців тому +2

      yes

    • @rsuto
      @rsuto 4 місяці тому +1

      There are aftermarket conversion kits. I added one to my 3500 that allows me to also run propane and natural gas

  • @MOAON_AABE
    @MOAON_AABE 4 місяці тому

    What's the life expatcy of the 4550?

  • @1983mojo1
    @1983mojo1 4 місяці тому

    Does your power washer work?😁😁

  • @white24valve
    @white24valve 5 місяців тому

    Swap the nut out for a nylon lock nut..no drilling.

  • @billdavidson4424
    @billdavidson4424 5 місяців тому +1

    Use 2 u bolts

  • @danpena7922
    @danpena7922 4 місяці тому

    It's a lot noisier, right?

  • @bradleycass11
    @bradleycass11 5 місяців тому

    Use locknuts on the wheels

  • @robertmailhos8159
    @robertmailhos8159 5 місяців тому +1

    Hope you are able to get ethanol free gas where you live in Tennessee one road

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому +1

      I can.

    • @robertmailhos8159
      @robertmailhos8159 5 місяців тому

      @@1RoadGarage cool beans 🫘 there young man because small engine equipment as we both know can sit for months on end and only get used when we need them

  • @tomtreece3224
    @tomtreece3224 5 місяців тому +1

    It’s noisier that the 3500 because it’s and open frame

  • @mchowdy22
    @mchowdy22 5 місяців тому

    Heads up the spark plug gap from the factory is way out of spec

  • @JamesSmith-jr2rc
    @JamesSmith-jr2rc 5 місяців тому

    Why not add two more wheels so you can easily roll it around.

    • @1RoadGarage
      @1RoadGarage  5 місяців тому

      I was just looking at that yesterday.

  • @Noslime
    @Noslime 2 місяці тому

    Just came from your other video, this two is worthless to me. Only 120 V. The layman would not know the difference, but it is a big one. You cannot directly connect this to your house as you would a traditional Generator. You’re paying twice as much for half the generator. I don’t see any appeal to these whatsoever unless they are for an RV or just to have something on a job site to charge batteries

  • @bladengutz2042
    @bladengutz2042 2 місяці тому

    You left your headlights on

  • @kevinkinsler
    @kevinkinsler 5 місяців тому

    I'd spend more money and buy Honda.

    • @SoloHiker1
      @SoloHiker1 4 місяці тому

      I've got 2 hondas for my hurricane preps, but I bought a predator for my R V. Each honda was $1200. The 4550, was only $400 on sale. Gotta be smarter than that.

    • @kevinkinsler
      @kevinkinsler 4 місяці тому

      @@SoloHiker1 The Honda will last 10 times longer with proper oil and changes,those predators don't have the good Japanese Bearings.

  • @turnandburnroadtripssouthe8432
    @turnandburnroadtripssouthe8432 5 місяців тому

    Should have spent this 21 minutes painting the frame of those parking lights to match the headlights…..

  • @dm285
    @dm285 3 місяці тому

    I avoid all Harbor Freight machines whenever possible. Go with big box stores brands like Honda, etc. Been burned with HF too often in the past

    • @rustymac40
      @rustymac40 3 місяці тому +1

      I bought a Predator 3500 4 years ago to replace a Honda 2000 and couldn't be happier. I have friends that feel the same way as you but the Predator engines have been proven reliable for too long to discount them. Me, my wife and 3 kids all drive Honda cars so I'm not hating on Honda.😊

  • @MCOult
    @MCOult 5 місяців тому

    An Important Point: Before starting this unit IT MUST BE GROUNDED. In most jurisdictions, an 8' long grounding rod is required, buried. Failure to ground this unit can result in serious injury or death from electrocution.

  • @trxtech3010
    @trxtech3010 3 місяці тому

    You should be using a Strait 50 or even a Diesel Oil 15W-40 in my opinion.

  • @robertsandidge441
    @robertsandidge441 Місяць тому

    Just please don’t run it at whatever camp site I’m in. Ok? NOISY

  • @EARTHKEENING
    @EARTHKEENING 5 місяців тому

    7:45 mine is 30. I bought a recliner chair and used the box 📦 to put it on the generator it's actually very quiet now 🫠.

    • @moonolyth
      @moonolyth 4 місяці тому +1

      Ill have to get a recliner for the box 😂😊 good tip.

    • @EARTHKEENING
      @EARTHKEENING 4 місяці тому

      @@moonolyth 😅

    • @moonolyth
      @moonolyth 4 місяці тому

      @EARTHKEENING some people cover one side with a plywood or add an old muffler (motorcycle)?