HF Predator Genny #69671

[Gregster613]

Howdy welders...
I know there are numerous threads per HF generators; I searched but couldn't find an answer to my query. I have very rare needs for a household generator; but they are there! I received a coupon today from HF for Item # 69671, a 7000 watt running genny, with an 8750 peak watt rating. I feel that this will definitively fit my household needs. However, the add doesn't say anything about the THD's it produces - or doesn't produce? Prior to driving 30 miles to the store and asking a clerk [whom probably won't even know what I'm talking about?] I thought I'd ask for advice via TBN.

I will alternatively/mostly use this genny to run a welder I will later buy from Mark here on this fantastic web; along with the household computers/phones, etc., etc.

So, my query is; has anyone had any personal experience with this particular model? It normally sells for $799 and is coupon discounted to $529 which sounds like a "great" buy!! But, I know, you get what you pay for. I'm only asking about this particular "brand/model" of genny. I know what my personal needs are and the output fits them!

I have zero prior experience with generators, but have read both good and bad per the Predators?! I am really leaning towards this model due to its capacities and can deal with bad gas issues, etc., etc. but if there are other "known" faulty issues it'd be great to hear them prior to making a purchase. I might add, I plan to go and buy it - if I hear zero negatives - before the 5th of the new year?!

So, Mark, if you are reading this - I eagerly awaiting your response; along with anyone else whom might already own this genny!

Thanks for any ideas, suggestions, responses, replies... Greg

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I don't know about the HF generators. I saw them in the in the HF store in Macon last week. They look nice. But I do know that Northern has a generator around that same price that they advertise that is clean. Several of our customers have bought one. It's called a Powerhorse. I do know the predator engines are pretty good. I bought a 14 hp. I've made some comparisions against the Thai built Hondas, and the castings and finish are actually better on the Predators in my opinion. You can tell a good bit about things and overall quality control if you take a look at the castings.

I'd take a look at that coupon. Most of the coupons are excluding gensets and engines these days.

 

[aczlan]

The manual says the following:

CAUTION: This generator is not intended to power sensitive electronic equipment without the addition of an appropriate line conditioner and surge protector (both not included). Sensitive electronic equipment includes, but is not limited to, audio/video equipment, some television sets, computers, and printers. Sensitive electronic equipment should be operated on approved inverter type generators or pure sine wave generators

Sounds like its NOT a clean power genset.

Aaron Z

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I have one. Starts easy, puts out the right volts, and seems to have plenty of power under load with very little lag when my compressor kicks on. Legal disclaimers aside there are plenty of reviews that state they are running electronics directly off the generator without issue.

Question for Mark, do you know of any welder failures due to dirty power from any generator? All I can find are accounts of people running off generators with no issues.
Runnng inverter welders off generators

 

[newbury]

I have one. Starts easy, puts out the right volts, and seems to have plenty of power under load with very little lag when my compressor kicks on. Legal disclaimers aside there are plenty of reviews that state they are running electronics directly off the generator without issue.

Question for Mark, do you know of any welder failures due to dirty power from any generator? All I can find are accounts of people running off generators with no issues.

I'm not Mark but am very interested in this issue since I have a PA 300 I'd like to have the flexibility to use in the field.
I know I read at least one account on weldingweb that blamed a blown inverter welder on a genset but despite lot's of searching that was the only one I found. Numerous accounts of poor performance though, usually due to undersized gensets.
Try on Google:
generator site:weldingweb.com
and read a lot.
It's bad to blow a $1,000 welder because you tried to save a few hundred on a generator.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I have one. Starts easy, puts out the right volts, and seems to have plenty of power under load with very little lag when my compressor kicks on. Legal disclaimers aside there are plenty of reviews that state they are running electronics directly off the generator without issue.

Question for Mark, do you know of any welder failures due to dirty power from any generator? All I can find are accounts of people running off generators with no issues.
Runnng inverter welders off generators

Yes, ours and other brands. I hear of it all the time. Customers call me to buy a new unit when they fried their other brand and it costs too much to replace it.

IF it says don't run it, and they are saying don't run it, then don't run it! You can't look a how pretty or the name brand and tell if something is clean on its output or not. You have to go by what the sines wave says. A lot of these cheap generators are barely modified square waves. This is fine for resistive loads like incandescent lights, but will sooner or later fry electronics.

I remember one guy who argued with me and said that since the welder put out a square wave, it should run on a square wave output....Never could get him to understand that an inverter depends upon the sine wave to create the square wave.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Good answer.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes, ours and other brands. I hear of it all the time. Customers call me to buy a new unit when they fried their other brand and it costs too much to replace it.

IF it says don't run it, and they are saying don't run it, then don't run it! You can't look a how pretty or the name brand and tell if something is clean on its output or not. You have to go by what the sines wave says. A lot of these cheap generators are barely modified square waves. This is fine for resistive loads like incandescent lights, but will sooner or later fry electronics.

I remember one guy who argued with me and said that since the welder put out a square wave, it should run on a square wave output....Never could get him to understand that an inverter depends upon the sine wave to create the square wave.

Mark is spot on here. I haven't run or messed up a welder on a generator but I have seen other electronics (hifi equipment) get ruined on a cheap generator. I have a Honda 3000is gen and I am even nervous running sensitive equipment on that. I put a line conditioner in my A/V rack to help protect the electronics as well.

 

[Gregster613]

Thanks to all for the insights!
Mark, I looked up those powerhouses and none of them are available for sale in/to Ca. Darn. So, I started looking at Ca specific and found one I liked at Costco. I ordered it today. A Champion 7500W/9375Peak Watt. Model #41430, item #910380 (CARB-50 state compliant). I should get it in a week or two. It came out a bit more $ wise ($755.99) with shipping to my doorstep. But, I believe I'll be completely happy with its output. The manual states it will run computers, etc., etc. Even though I was unable to find "anywhere" the total THD it produces.
+/- 10% was all I was able to glean. I'm sure it'll run whatever I need to run though.

Brad, Thank you for stating that you have the Predator I was looking at. I believe it also would have powered up what I wanted; but I was unwilling to chance burning up my computers and other extremely sensitive devices. At the moment, Ii have no inverter sensitive gizmos other than my computers but I will now look at gaining a welder I can run off of the genny. That gives me a reason to power it up several times a month!

Aczlan, Thanks to you I realized that "perhaps" looking through the proper manual - I might get further insight into the capabilities of the machine! Duh on me!!

Thanks to all whom showed interest in my dilemma of finding a worthy genny. Happy New Year to all!! Greg

 

[Djames55]

Here it is for $699.99 free shipping... Link>Champion 7500 Running/9375 Peak Watts Gas Generator with Electric Start (CARB-50 State compliant) That is if others wants one...