HF Predator 8750 generator

I figured I would share my experience with the Predator 8750 generator from HF. If anyone else has an experience, please share.
I purchased the first one on Christmas Eve because I needed a larger gen than the Honda 3k, and plan on using it during my home build out in Christmas Valley OR. On inspection after adding oil and gas, I found that one of the gen mounts had been broken off during assembly. You could see the dent in the frame where it had hit. Somehow, I completely missed it during my first inspection.
Took it back today and got another. Inspected it, and everything looked good. Oiled and gassed it. Pulled the cord to start it and the backfire was almost as loud as the big block in my car. Smoke out the exhaust, flame out the carb. The backfire snapped the butterfly off the choke rod, snapped the choke rod in 2, blew the filter backing plate off, broke the top retaining clips off the filter cover.
Tomorrow, I have to make another 160 mile round trip to exchange for #3. If that one fails, I'm getting my $ back and going with another brand.
This is just my experience. I have talked with guys who are more than happy with theirs, but I am definately not. If you have one or had one, share your experiences. Maybe we can help a member in the future if they are considering one.

 

I've often wondered if the predator engines they sell are decent quality or not. Sounds like yours was timed improperly from the factory. Good luck sir, I hope it fires up on the first pull.

 

Funny, we have a 4k version of the same generator. It runs just fine. We have been using it at our hunting camp for the last 4 years.

Of course, we knew we were gamboling, but so good so far.

 

Yeah, it is a gamble. But then again, so is buying a Honda. Just that the odds are different. So far, I have 2 strikes. Hoping for a home run, instead of an out.
I tried to get the manager to comp me a battery, but he gave me 50% off instead, so happy with that.

 

First one.

 

Damn!

 

Got another one today. Same size, but seems to be a newer model. No issues so far with an hour use.
Oil fill/check is a little easier to access, fuel full is off to one side instead of in the middle, air filter cover is metal with a clip on top and bottom instead of plastic with just a screw on the bottom, 2 foam filters instead of 1, choke butterfly is screwed to the metal choke shaft instead of pressed through a plastic shaft. Also, welds on the cage are much better and without huge amounts of grinding.
I'll post up both model numbers later. That way if anyone is looking at buying one, they will know which is which.

 

Item 68530- fail x2. I wouldn't recommend this item.

Item 69671- working fine so far. If you can get this one, it seems better designed. It will get use at home for times the power goes out for more than a few hours (Honda 3k for short use). I'll put this one to the test when I start building my house out in the middle of BFO.

 

Have the 8750 for a couple of years now. Ran it for 4 days during a power outage. I have had zero issues with it. Crank it up every couple of months and let it run for an hour. Heard the motor is a clone. Figured I couldn't go wrong for the power vs price. Got it on sale for $459. It's paid for itself.

 

Added a hour meter. Wired to the back side of the 12v supply. There is a perfect gap in the protective housing where all the wiring and stuff is. Placement is where the warning use to be to unplug devices before shutting down.

 

I've been meaning to install hour meters on the mowers. I just never seem to get to it.

 

Put a couple hours on it today. Power went out, apparently for most/all of the town. Ran the house without issues, then flipped on the air compressor to do some sandblasting and it didnt miss a beat.

 

Got a long run on it last night. Power got knocked out yesterday when the roof got blown off a research facility a couple doors down and took out some lines.
Generator ran from about 6pm til 11am. No issues. Did have to build an impromptu cover to keep the rain off.

 

I'm thinking I might grab one if these just to have handy.

Thanks for the updates.

 

With the issues I had wih the first two, I can't suggest these over another brand. However, if you do decide to get one, make sure it is the 69671.

 

I have a Honeywell Generator, had it for several years now and not even sure if they make them any longer.

 

I wouldn't mind having the Honeywell automatic household generator. But a lil too rich for me at this moment. Plus, gotta build the new house first.

 

Thanks for the review, I have always wondered about HF small engines. I have a Briggs & Stratton 5500 that I bought about 10 years ago for $650. I have only used it for one power outage and it did very well. I start ot about every two months and let it run under load for a half hour or so. So far so good.

 

Power went out for about 8 hours yesterday, but only ran the gen for 2. It powered my house via hardwired switchover. Neighbor has young kids (2 elem. age and one infant) and had his brother with family over, so we also ran a couple ext cords over to their house to run their fridge and an oil heater. Thankfully, power came back shortly after we got everything set up (Pacific Power said expect 24hr +). But, I know I can power my place and keep the neighbors atleast warm and their fridge running.
I do need to get a new main ext cable. The one I have is about 5' short to reach the gen shed I am building.

 

Funny, I'm researching the 22 hp predator to repower a zero turn mower.