Harbor Freight Tools... Inverter Generator

[Gulfcoast]

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.

[mchero]

DON'T buy anything from Harbor Freight that has moving parts is what I have always read on this forum. I believe it!

I have see a few posts by people who have purchased one of these gensets, has issues & then ask where to get parts/service.


RM

[otrfun]

westend wrote:

otrfun wrote:
Wow, you guys/gals are certainly down on HF. There's a reason they're a very successful company. They do offer value for those consumers who don't have the highest checking account balance. I agree sometimes it may be little difficult to find the values, but they're there at HF. I have top-of-the-line woodworking equipment for situations where I need this precision. If I purchased top-of-the-line, ego-expanding, tools for all my woodworking, I'd be broke.

The only reason the doors aren't closed is that Americans shop by price and they can offer lower prices because what they sell is imported from Asia. As was stated, choose carefully and be prepared to make a return trip when the product fails.

There is a regimen posted about using the HF two-cycle generators, nothing too special but it increases the longevity of that model. I would guess as the 4 cycle units are put in use, user-based modifications will make them workable.

The process is called capitalism---the freedom to buy junk if we so choose. As an American I absolutely wouldn't want it any other way. If we as Americans didn't "shop by price", we would have "closed the doors" on Toyota, Honda, and Sony, back in the 50 and 60's.

[westend]

otrfun wrote:
Wow, you guys/gals are certainly down on HF. There's a reason they're a very successful company. They do offer value for those consumers who don't have the highest checking account balance. I agree sometimes it may be little difficult to find the values, but they're there at HF. I have top-of-the-line woodworking equipment for situations where I need this precision. If I purchased top-of-the-line, ego-expanding, tools for all my woodworking, I'd be broke.

The only reason the doors aren't closed is that Americans shop by price and they can offer lower prices because what they sell is imported from Asia. As was stated, choose carefully and be prepared to make a return trip when the product fails.

There is a regimen posted about using the HF two-cycle generators, nothing too special but it increases the longevity of that model. I would guess as the 4 cycle units are put in use, user-based modifications will make them workable.

[vermilye]

Have to agree with otrfun - While some of the stuff at Harbor Freight is junk, if you shop carefully, there are some real bargains. I've been pleased with my $19.00 creeper, free scissors & flashlights, even a $90.00 inspection camera. On the other hand, their "80 Piece Rotary Tool Kit" at $10.50 isn't worth $.50! Again, you have to shop carefully to take advantage of what they have to offer...

[otrfun]

Wow, you guys/gals are certainly down on HF. There's a reason they're a very successful company. They do offer value for those consumers who don't have the highest checking account balance. I agree sometimes it may be little difficult to find the values, but they're there at HF. I have top-of-the-line woodworking equipment for situations where I need this precision. If I purchased top-of-the-line, ego-expanding, tools for all my woodworking, I'd be broke.

[Gulfcoast]

This is a new 4-cycle gen, not the $99 2-cycle you are talking about.

[Jerrybo66]

My BIL who has no mechanical smarts of a rock gave me one of those, then it had 12V charging. They are two cycle and need to mix gas & oil. I never started it and sold it on Craig's list in the box.. Don't throw your money away. Buy a Honda 1000 or 2000.

[deleted-2]

old guy wrote:
do remember they say their hand tools are warranted
for life.

Those tools do have a short life 🙂
Got my share of single use HF items.

[old_guy]

do remember they say their hand tools are warranted
for life.

[romore]

It definitely will be an off shore knockoff,anything that cheap cannot be expected to last and parts and service will be next to non existent. Do what you want, it's your dollar but remember the bitterness of poor quality will be remain long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

[path1]

Only had a "C" clamp break. And there painter's tape is junk, already dried out. Everything else I've had good luck with. Including 3/4 inch clicker type torque wrench for RV lug nuts. Last time I had some tire work done I torqued lugs with HF cheapie and my tire dealer followed up behind me with his professional calibrated wrench, we were both surprised. Off only about 4 pounds so I'll apply some Kentucky windage, I mean Chinese windage.

[Lantley]

I consider harbor freight tools disposable. I do not expect them to last at all

[gmctoyman]

HF stuff is usually suitable for my purpose, or I buy something that is....and pay more.

[Gulfcoast]

Many inverter gens are in the 50's sound rating... no specs that I can find yet though.

[Crazy_Ray]

Save your MONEY. JMO