Harbor Freight Tools... Inverter Generator

n7bsn wrote:


(ps I made my living for years worried about sound level measurement, I usually do sorta know what I am talking about)

Funny. So did I. That said, I would not have thought to mention it as a "credential." lol

Gulfcoast wrote:
I received a new sale paper from Harbor Freight the other day and see that thay have a NEW inverter generator:

Predator brand
2500 max./2200 rated watts
125 cc
Red in color
Lot # 61169
$499.99

I don't see it on the website yet... probably in the stores soon.

Watch your local Sunday paper, I see 20 to 25% off coupons every couple of weeks.. I have a 25%, that means it would cost $375

As I've noted before, I buy HF when ever I don't need a tool that will "last for ever"
I know they are (generally) only OK

One of the things I do is power-sand, using an angle drill. I could buy a really expensive one for $150(or more) or I could buy the one from HF for $25 (plus a 20 to 25% off coupon).
What kills drills doing this is sawdust, so spending $20 is a lot better idea then $100-plus

SaltiDawg wrote:
bikendan,

Are all of those SPL measurements you cited measured at the same load and the same distance? It appears not.

Actually it appears to me they just might.
Every one I have read is measured at 23 ft, using the same weighting scale

Of course a "conventional" gen-set regulates the 60hz using the engine RPM, which means the engine is running full out. While an inverter type can vary the speed to the load

(ps I made my living for years worried about sound level measurement, I usually do sorta know what I am talking about)

Max49 wrote:
Harbor Freight 2200 Watt Inverter Generator


Has any one bought and used one of these yet?

About 2 HP and 40CC bigger engine than the Champion 2000 Watt.
They don't say any thing about paralel capability and no RV type of plug, That would be nice but maybe not a deal breaker.
I'm tempted to try one but there are few reviews of this yet.

The parallel circuit is NOT in the Harbor Freight genset.

i am not afraid to say i have spent close to 4K at harbor freight over the years.

i have grinders like those linked in this post that prolly have close to 300 hours on them still work. air compressors that have hundreds as well. i have multitude of air tools, some which have significant amount of hours as well.

if you don't massively abuse it it last forever, i have a reciprocating saw i can't kill, and a hammer drill which has drill 200+ solid concrete holes.

i also love craftsman. alot of people pretend they use their stuff, most don't

that said alot of stuff is not worth it either, like reciprocating blades, zipties, hose clamps, generally disposable stuff is not worth the price difference.

HF has also gone up in price, i started to see small differences in price between stuff, inspection camera's spade bits, extension cords, etc... u do have to shop around....

HF gets a bad deal because people really really abuse stuff

For the Champion's 53dB at 23' without power level specified I'd suggest that is with the generator unloaded.

It used to be extremely difficult to compare generator sizes/capacities due to manufacturers citing Maximum Power or Continuous Duty Power as the capacity - without making it clear which.

My Smarter Tools Generator is a Model 9500... that would be Maximum... 7500 Watts Continuous.

The current spate of apples and oranges is indicaa=tions of "loudness" using dB's.

Here are the specs on the Champion Inverter:
2000 Watt Champion Inverter Generator

Delivers consistent power flow to accommodate sensitive electronics
Eco mode conserves fuel on reduced loads
Connect with another identical unit to double output
Push-to-Reset Circuit Breakers
Comes Fully assembles
Two year limited warranty
Easy Pull recoil start
Low Oil shut off
CARB approved
Lightweight

True sine-wave technology delivers pure, smooth waveform power for peak performance from all your electronics. Champion Inverter Generators are rated for 1,600 watts with a maximum load of 2,000 watts. Eco mode idles to conserve fuel on reduced loads. Stackable frame and parallel connector doubles power output when linked with an identical Champion 2,000-watt Inverter Generator. Includes a single 14-amp, 120-volt duplex & 12-volt dc with 12-volt battery charging cables. Overload protection and low-oil shut-off. 53dBA at 23 ft. The 2000 has a 80cc Champion single cylinder, 4 stroke OHV engine with a 1-gallon fuel tank and can run 9-1/2 hours at 25%. CARB approved in all 50 States.
19.3"H x 13.2"W x 16.3"D.
Wt: 48 lbs.
Available:

2,000-Watt Inverter Generator
Parallel Cable Kit - connector includes one L5-30 and one 30-amp RV receptacle.

Max49 wrote:
I went on the Cabelas website and thechampion 2000 watt inverter generatorsaid it was rated at 65 decibels which surprised me.

65db is the Champion 3500 open-framed generator's noise rating, not the inverter 2000w one.
wouldn't depend on Cabela's website as having accurate specs, as much as Champion's own website.

SaltiDawg wrote:
bikendan,

Are all of those SPL measurements you cited measured at the same load and the same distance? It appears not.

champion's website says: Noise Level- 53 dBA at 23 ft.
doesn't say what the load % is but i've read many reviews/posts that is similar in noise level to the Honda 2000, just a different kind of noise.
plus it has a great warranty and customer support and you can parallel it.