Predator generators are distributed by Harbor Freight Tools, a discount tool and equipment retailer in the United States. However, they are manufactured in China by various manufacturers, depending on the specific model. Some common manufacturers include:
- Loncin Power Machinery Industry Co., Ltd. is a large Chinese manufacturer of engines and generators. They make many of the Predator inverter generators, which are known for their quiet operation.
- Lifan Industry Co., Ltd. is another major Chinese manufacturer of engines and generators. They make some of the Predator gas-powered generators.
- Guangzhou Junli Power Machinery Co., Ltd. is a smaller Chinese manufacturer that makes some of the smaller Predator generators.
It is important to note that the quality of Predator generators can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. However, they are generally considered to be a good value for the price.
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History of Predator Engines
One of the other reasons why Predator Engines are so controversial is that they have quite a murky past. You’re reading this article because you want to know who makes these products and where. The bad news is that there doesn’t appear to be a simple answer to this question.
Let’s start off with what there is pretty clear evidence of – who USED to make Predator Engines.
These engines used to be made by a Chinese company called The Lifan Group. This company is based in Chongqing, China. They had the license to sell in China, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The products they made included:
- Commercial vehicles
- Passenger cars
- Microvans
- Dirt bike engines
- Motorcycles
- Sports shoes
- Wine (obviously…)
When The Lifan group was making predator engines they were made in China and shipped across the world.
But what about now? Let’s dive into the mysterious practices of the company called Harbor Freight.
Where are Predator engines manufactured?
There have been many articles reporting that The Lifan Group no longer makes Prediors Engines. The Group has not shut down but it was reported that they either sold the patents or have created a smaller company to continue making the engines.
Where things get confusing is that a large American retailer who was once a stockist of Predator Engines now seems to be making the engines as well. This company is known as Harbor Freight.
Harbor Freight is a series of tool superstores, founded in California in 1977. Their unique selling point is that they source their tools directly from the manufacturer and therefore can offer their customers a lower price.
Whilst this is not technically white labeling, it does make it harder to find out where Harbor Freights get their engines made.
We have seen a few places report that these engines are made in the U.S., Japan, and Thailand. However, this appears to be information copied from Honda’s website, rather than information about the Honda clones.
So, where does Harbor Freight make their Predator Engines?
Well, this is not information that they seem to want to share. If we were to make an educated guess, we would say they’re still made in the Lifan Group factories in China.
Best-selling Predator Generators
- Predator 9500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator: This powerful option boasts a 9500-watt starting capacity, quiet operation (67 dB), and a long runtime (up to 18 hours). It’s popular for home backup, job sites, and RVs, but also has a higher price tag.
- Predator 3500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator: This more affordable inverter generator offers 3500 watts of starting power, quieter operation (58 dB), and a decent runtime (up to 8 hours). It’s suitable for camping, tailgating, and powering essential appliances during outages.
- Predator 2000 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator: This compact and lightweight inverter generator provides 2000 watts of starting power, making it ideal for camping, picnics, and powering sensitive electronics. It’s known for its quiet operation (54 dB) and fuel efficiency.
Highest-rated Predator Generators
- Predator 8750 Watt Inverter Generator: This generator offers 8750 watts of starting power, a fuel-efficient design, and a long runtime (over 15 hours). It’s praised for its quiet operation (60 dB) and value for money, making it suitable for home backup and job sites.
- Predator 5000 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator: This versatile generator can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, providing 5000 watts of starting power. It’s appreciated for its fuel flexibility, portability, and electric start feature, but some users mention limitations in features compared to competitors.
- Predator 9000 Portable Generator: This gasoline-powered generator delivers 9000 watts of starting power, making it suitable for home backup, job sites, and powering larger appliances. It’s known for its affordability, durability, and long runtime (up to 14 hours), but may be considered noisy (74 dB) by some users.
