Trying out the Harbor Freight Tri Fuel 13,000w Predator Generator

[Applause]

Harbor Freight sent out the Predator 13,000-watt Tri Fuel generator, and it's pretty cool. One standout feature is the remote start, and it can also run on propane. I’ve tested the propane feature, and it works great. Previously, I had a Predator 9500, which was my first mobile rig. At a price of $ 1,200, this new generator comes equipped with a 50 amp plug.

We’re going to perform some tests on it today. I’ll plug it into the 255 welder, crank the welder to its maximum setting, and see how the generator holds up. Here’s a rundown of the generator’s features:

Plug-ins: There's a 30 amp plug, two 30 amp plugs, a 50 amp plug (though it says 42 amps max on the machine itself), and GFCI plugs for 120 volts.
Controls: Simple run/stop button, electric start, digital display for voltage and runtime, automatic idle down, and a three-fuel selector for natural gas, propane, and gasoline.
Adapters: Includes a NEMA 14 plug. I used an adapter for my welding machine.

The Predator 9500 served me well for mobile setups but had limitations of about 125 amps. Now we’ll see if the Predator 13,000 can push the 255 inverter welder. The generator also comes with a port to hook up propane or natural gas.

Before we start welding, here's the plan: We’ll use ⅜-inch plate, set the 255 to ½-inch material, and observe how the generator holds up under load. I’ll also plug in a grinder and see how the generator manages both.

Now, let's fire this thing up and start welding. I’ll pull the mic off to avoid the noise, and we’ll watch how the generator operates under the welding load.

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Let's crank up and weld this material. We're setting it at 910 inches per minute wire feed and 28.9 volts. We’ll listen to the generator to analyze how it handles the load.

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All right, I got everything tacked up. Under welding conditions, I registered 198 amps, slightly above 200 amps at peak. Let's set up a tripod, plug in a grinder simultaneously, run another bead, and see how the generator sounds.

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This isn’t a scientific test but running the Predator 9500 as a mobile setup for a long time, I know it wouldn't handle this current load. For $ 1,200, the Predator 13,000 seems like a good option for mobile repairs or as a backup home generator. The tri-fuel option is impressive too.

When running on propane, you get 12,000 max starting watts, slightly less than gasoline. For longer locations, I'd stick to gas.

To sum it up, the generator held up well at 28.9 volts and nearly 200 amps in a spray welding process using 910 shielding gas. Longevity will tell, but if it performs like the 9500, it's worth the investment.

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Keywords

Harbor Freight
Predator 13000
Tri Fuel Generator
Remote Start
Propane
Mobile Rig
50 amp plug
Welding machine
Adapter
Natural gas
Gasoline
255 Welder
198 Amps
28.9 Volts
Backup Home Generator

FAQs

1. What are the standout features of the Predator 13,000-watt generator? The standout features include remote start, the ability to run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline, a 50 amp plug, digital display for voltage and runtime, automatic idle down, and multiple plug sockets including GFCI for 120 volts.

2. Can the Predator 13,000-watt Generator handle heavy welding equipment? Yes, it managed to hold up well under 198 amps and 28.9 volts when used with the 255 inverter welder.

3. How does the generator perform on propane compared to gasoline? When running on propane, it yields 12,000 max starting watts, slightly less than gasoline.

4. Is it a good option for both mobile setups and home backup? Yes, for $ 1,200, it’s a viable option for mobile repairs and as a backup home generator with the flexibility of the tri-fuel feature.

5. What additional accessories are needed for welding? You may need an adapter for the 50 amp plug to connect your welding machine properly.

6. How does it compare to the Predator 9500 in terms of welding capacity? The Predator 13,000 has a higher capacity and can handle more load compared to the 9500, which had limitations around 125 amps.

7. How easy is it to switch between fuel types? The fuel selector allows easy switching between natural gas, propane, and gasoline.