Where Are Predator Generators Made?

Predator generators are manufactured by Harbor Freight Tools, a company based in Calabasas, California. However, the engines are assembled in China.

Despite being manufactured in China, the engines deliver exceptional performance because the design and testing processes are handled by the company’s main headquarters in the United States.

Harbor Freight Tools is a family business that has grown into a big company. Here are the important things to know about them:

Harbor Freight has an interesting story that shows how a small company can grow into something big.

Here’s how it all happened:

The company’s growth shows in its Predator generator line too.

They’ve worked hard to make generators that are both affordable and reliable, bringing power tools to more people who need them.

The story of who makes Predator engines has changed over time.

Here’s what we know:

In the Past: A Chinese company called the Lifan Group used to make the engines. They were based in a city called Chongqing, China, and were known for making good-quality engine copies.

What Changed: The Lifan Group was sold to another company, and after that, they stopped making engines for Predator generators.

Today’s Situation: Harbor Freight hasn’t told anyone exactly who makes their engines now. What we do know is:

Predator generators use their own brand of engines, which they call PREDATOR® engines. These engines come in different sizes, measured in cubic centimeters (cc).

The size of the engine determines how much power the generator can make:

Think of cc (cubic centimeters) like the size of a car engine – the bigger the number, the more powerful the engine usually is. Each size is designed for different needs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Many people wonder if Predator generators are a good choice, especially since they cost less than famous brands like Honda.

Here’s what we’ve found:

Value for Money: Predator generators have become very popular because they offer good quality at a lower price. For example, some people choose the Predator 9500-watt generator over the Honda EU7000IS, even though Honda is a more famous brand.

What Makes Them Good:

Real-World Example: A Predator generator might cost half as much as a similar Honda model, but still give you the power you need. This makes them especially popular with people who need a good generator but don’t want to spend too much money.

The bottom line is that Predator generators offer good quality for a mid-range price. While they might not be as fancy as the most expensive brands, they do their job well and reliably.

Performance Features

Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Mode

Automatically adjusts engine speed to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce noise.

Clean Power Output

Runtime and Efficiency

Example: Predator 3500 delivers 11 hours of operation at 25% load with 2.3-gallon tank.

Build Quality

Premium Components

Multiple Power Outlets

Safety Features

CO SECURE™ Technology

Automatic shutdown when carbon monoxide levels become dangerous.

Certifications

Convenience Features

Parallel Capability

Noise Level

Quiet operation – Predator 3500 generates only 56dB from 30 feet away.

Maintenance

Standard maintenance requirements:

All these features make predator generators a good choice for most people, whether they’re using them for camping, as backup power for their home, or at a work site.

While the generators are assembled in the USA, the engines and some other important parts come from factories in China. This helps keep the prices lower for customers who want a reliable generator without spending too much money.

Predator generators are manufactured by Harbor Freight Tools, a U.S.-based company headquartered in Calabasas, California.

To maintain competitive pricing, the company sources engines and major components from Chinese manufacturers.

Harbor Freight Tools designs and tests their Predator 3500 generator in the USA, but sources engines and major components from China.

This supply chain strategy helps them sell the Predator 3500 for less than half the price of the Honda EU3000is, while still offering solid performance.

Honda Power Equipment produces Honda generators, while Harbor Freight Tools makes Predator generators.

Despite online rumors suggesting both brands’ engines come from the same manufacturer, there’s no evidence that Honda supplies engines for Predator generators.

The Predator 212cc engine shares many similarities with the Honda GX200 engine.

When one of our technicians took both engines apart, they found that about 80% of the parts were similar, though not identical.

With some modifications, it’s possible to swap one engine for the other.

While it’s technically possible to swap between Predator 212cc and Honda GX200 engines, it requires different parts and complex modifications.

The process is difficult, expensive, and not recommended.