One Year Predator 3500 Generator Update

[STIHLNTIME]

One year ago after much research on multiple forums, YouTube and talking in depth to a certified generator technician at the local small engine shop I made the decision to purchase two Harbor Freight 3500 generators and a parallel kit to provide adequate power to run everything on Montana 3121RL. Although I probably could have got away with one, living in SW Missouri there are times were running both A/C units is necessary to keep the interior at tolerable levels. After a year I can say without hesitation that both units have met or exceeded my expectations. I have not had any issues of any kind after several hundred hours of use. Neither unit has failed to start, no oil consumption between changes and no increase in the noise level of either unit. All digital displays and light still function as new. I purchased these on a parking lot sale with coupon for approx 475.00 each and feel like they were an exceptional value. As a retiree I have had an opportunity to work a couple days a week at a local farm store/lawn mower/chainsaw retailer and have become certified on Stihl,Echo,Husky,Shindawia power equipment. IMHO the Predator Generators are equivalent to many of the non Honda units on the market today. Today after sitting for the last couple of months in storage pulled them out and they fired right up. Proper maintenance is critical on any piece of power eqipment, I run only ethanol free gas and add a product called Briggs&Stratton Fuel a enhanced stabilizer I have found that work better than the majority on the market. I change the oil every 100 hours of run time using Mobil 1 synthetic. With the parallel kit I can run both units and microwave or wife's coffee maker with our any issues. I have tested both units at 56-58 decibels under load. Bottom line would I purchase them again.......most definitely. Hope this helps anyone sitting on the fence about these units. Can't wait to head west for a month again in about ten days, South Dakota,Wyoming,Montana,Idaho and Colorado here we come.

[mlh]

I have a Honda IS 3000. I gave $1000 for it new but if I were buying a new generator I would get the Predator 3500. To me it’s a no brainer less than $700 or over $2000.
Lynwood

[Last2Die]

That’s a sweet price, I paid more for my 2 units but I agree with proper maintenance they will run for quite some time. I use the same oil and even clean out the air filter when i do the oil change. Never a problem. I carry 2 parallel kits just in case but never had a problem.

[DQDick]

Thanks for the follow up. Wish more folks would do that when they try a product out.

[Montana Man]

I can say the same about my Honda. Except, it gets fairly rough service, has been doused in salt water, has too many hours to count, and runs like a top. It is over 10 years old.

[druryg]

I did not opt for the 5.5 Onan in our 2008 3000RK as we had just recently bought a 65OOIS Honda before our purchase. That genset ran both 13.5 ac units with ease and had power to spare. We were doing lots of NASCAR races at the time and our friends that had a smaller 5ver bought a smaller 3k unit that failed. The Honda powered both. It fit nicely in the bed of the 2000 Ram ahead of the B&W hitch. Was so quite and a fuel mizer. We did have to shut one ac unit off while the wife’s were using the hair dryers, but no biggie.

[druryg]

We lost that 6500 Honda in 2010 in a house fire as it was stored on the back porch that burned. If I ever spend again it will be a Honda. I have a Honda 2k for power outages around the new house that will run two fridges and a little more with no problem for at least 20 hours on a fill. Just bought a DP Coach that has an 8k diesel Onan and that will be our home during outages.

[prndl]

The subject is timely. I was getting my one year old Predator 3500 ready for our next trip and the battery is dead. Pull start the engine and the battery will not take a charge. Went to HF as I bought a two year warranty and tried to exchange the battery and they said the battery is a component of the generator and I need to exchange the whole thing for a new one. I go back tomorrow to get a new generator just to replace a battery. Wish I could buy the returned generator back from them.

[druryg]

Buy an appropriate sized Honda for your needs. You will not regret it and if you can wheel and deal a bit and maybe buy at a contractor show or something like I did and save $$$$. I am not a contractor but just used my company name at a show and acted like I knew and scored cheaply. The other brands make the AC power but the engines are poor and tend to leak a lot of oil. JMO! The Honda engine is a winner!

Do not believe anything you see on YouTube! It all sounds great but Companies like Honda have the long term record of excellence the Chinese have not yet mastered!

[Last2Die]

Yeah Honda’s are great and you will pay for that. I have had my 3500 for over 3 years and not 1 single issue and it does not leak oil nor does it consume or burn oil. No need for a video to prove anything I actually own 2 of them. Those on the fence about the HF 3500 they are worth every penny period.

[Sparatacus]

I came close on getting one myself, still thinking about it down the road.

[druryg]

Sorry if I upset anyone but have seen the mess. A Honda is not cheap but think about the long haul and total money spent! Is it worth it? I think so!

[prndl]

Originally Posted by druryg

Sorry if I upset anyone but have seen the mess. A Honda is not cheap but think about the long haul and total money spent! Is it worth it? I think so!

Did you read the op? In the "long haul" the HF 3500 works for him. Works for me too. It's your money, spend it where it makes you happy.

[purpletractor]

I would take a serious look at the predator 3500 if I was in need, anything has to be better than the Westinghouse 4500 that I returned. I ended up buying two 2000 Yamaha powered units from Costco shortly after that POS Westinghouse gave up.

[2 Yoopers]

Never purchased anything from Harbor Freight before, but seeing the great reviews on the Predator generators, I took a shot and purchased 2 of the 3500 inverters for 649.00 each with coupon. Probably could have got away with one as well, but nice to have the ability to run both airs when we are in the warmer areas. I have a Honda 1000 inverter and absolutely love my Honda 13-32 snowblower here in the U.P. But I also love these Predators that perform without an issue, and kept a lot of money in my wallet.

[Montana Man]

It is good that those generators lasted a year. However a year of use for a generator does not reflect positive long term durability. I would say so far, so good. With pampering, a 1974 Vega would last a long time. With average use and maintenance, they were considered disposable.

[prndl]

This generator is found under several names. WEN, Predator, Duradrive, Powerhouse, ECHO, Case-International Harvester, Generac and more.

Different color case but the same inside. All have best seller ratings.

It's your money, spend it how you wish.

BTW: The Vega was known for rusting on the dealer showroom floor.

[Last2Die]

I have had 1 of my 3500 for 3 years... and the other 1 year and I can tell you they work

[Our3231CK]

Can I ask where you got the Parallel kit from? I have been searching for one, there is one at Harbor freight but it's only rated for a max of 4000W

[Last2Die]

You can find what you are looking for here: http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...t=76151&page=2

I posted both kits I use.