Predator 8750 Generator Review

With a name like ‘predator’, you expect a lot of power and a lot of guts. The Predator 8750 does deliver on its name.

It’s a powerhouse of a generator ideal for businesses, tradespeople, food trucks, and RV users. As it’s EPA and CARB compliant, this generator can be bought and used in all 50 states. 

There’s a lot to love about this generator, not least it’s 7000 actual watts and the 12 horsepower engine which keeps everything you need running. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Predator 8750 Generator and see what it has to offer.

Predator 8750 Generator Review

*This is based on a full tank running at a 50% load continuously. 

Construction

This generator has an open frame design that is typical of generators this size. The metal frame provides stability for the generator and a way to carry it. I don’t recommend carrying it alone as it is a solid lump of a machine! 

The control panel is a bit cluttered but pretty simple to use once you get the hang of it. It features 5 receptacles which give you a lot of versatility. You can plug in standard home appliances with the 120V receptacles, larger commercial appliances with the 240V receptacle, and smaller devices with the car plug style 12V receptor. 

Each of these receptacles has a circuit breaker switch allowing you to switch them on and off as you need them. 

The fuel cap is easy to access on the top of the generator, though the oil cap is in a bit of an awkward position. You’ll need a decently long funnel to use it without spills. 

Overall, the materials used are sturdy and durable. You won’t see bits of this generator falling off after use. It’s a rough-looking machine that can take a lot of use and abuse. 

Noise

An engine this size is going to be noisier than say a 2000 watt generator. At 79dBA it is about as loud as someone vacuuming in the other room. When you think about it, it’s not too bad. 

The noise rating given is calculated at a distance of 20 feet. This is how far away you should have the generator from your home, business, or campsite. 

Considering this generator is really aimed at industrial and commercial users, the noise level isn’t an issue. You won’t hear it over the din of a building site, for example. 

At 79dBA it’s about average for a generator this size. There are some competitors who add quiet mufflers or other design features aimed at reducing the noise level. In comparison to those, this would be quite loud. 

Fuel Efficiency

When tested for its fuel efficiency, the Predator 8750 generator can last for about 12 hours on a full tank of gas and with a 50% power draw. That means that it has a fuel consumption of about 0.55gph. 

It won’t compete with the likes of Honda, but it fares decently well against similarly priced and sized generators. 

This generator features a fuel gauge that lets you check on the gas levels at a glance. This is a handy little feature as it means you don’t need to guess. It also allows you to keep an eye on fuel consumption in real-time. 

Performance

The high capacity of the generator means that you can power a lot of appliances and devices at the same time. You don’t need to choose between the refrigerator or the washing machine. 

This really is a workhorse. It can, and has, happily powered whole homes for several days following storms. 

It will be able to manage a number of heavy-duty power tools, commercial fridges, freezers, and cooking appliances. The 240V output is particularly valuable for commercial appliances.

The generator usually starts on the first pull of the ripcord. It runs smoothly and continuously without a hitch. 

You also have the option of an electric start if you don’t fancy using a ripcord. However, you need to buy the battery separately. Considering the reliability of the pull start, it’s not really necessary to use the electric start. 

As far as safety is concerned, this generator features a low oil automatic shut off. When the oil levels get too low, the generator will stop working to prevent damage to its engine. You’ll be able to tell whether it’s the oil that has caused the machine to stop working thanks to the low oil light. 

This is not a portable generator and it doesn’t pretend to be. If you do need to move it you’ll need a couple of strong friends or a winch. There is a wheel kit you can buy separately to make moving it easier. Just remember that even on wheels, it’s still got a considerable amount of weight.

Maintenance 

Maintenance for this generator is in line with others. You’ll need to check the oil, gas, and air filter before each use. All of this can be done simply without the use of tools. 

As there’s no cover on this generator, it’s a good idea to give the exterior a quick wipe over to remove any dust or debris. You can also buy a generator cover to protect the unit. This will be particularly useful if it’s used only in emergencies. 

The only other thing that will need routine maintenance at home is the spark plugs. These will need checked and cleaned every 6 months or every 100 hours. Whichever comes first. 

The manual contains a maintenance schedule as well as for instructions for cleaning, checking, and replacing the oil, gas, air filters, and spark plugs. They are fairly comprehensive. So long as you’ve got the tools at home you’ll find it easy enough to do. 

Some things like checking the idle speed, fuel tank, and combustion chamber will need to be done by a professional. Thankfully, these only need to be checked annually. 

Customer Reviews

Most of the customer reviews talk at length about the sheer amount of things you can power with this generator. People have powered houses of up to 9000sq ft off this generator following hurricanes and tropical storms. 

Other reviewers mention powering full DJ and entertainment outfits using this generator. This is a great choice for larger entertainment events. You’ll be able to hook up a number of speakers, lights, and effects tables with no issue. 

Most reviewers have also purchased the separate wheel kit to move this bad boy around. I have to say, if you do want to use it for a mobile business you are going to need the wheel kit. It’s simply too heavy to lug around by hand. 

One user mentions purchasing a fuel converter kit. This kit allows you to use LP or CNG fuel instead of gasoline. If you are going to be running the generator frequently, using liquid petroleum gas or compressed natural gas can save you a fair bit of money. 

Probably the best news for potential buyers is that the Predator 8750 Generator has a pretty long life span. A number of users have used the generator frequently for about 4 or 5 years. Even after years of use and abuse, the generator seems to start easily and run smoothly. 

It seems to be well worth the money you invest in it!

Summary

Pros:

• Large 7000-watt capacity.
• 5 outlets with varying outputs to manage a wide range of appliances and tools. 
• Durable and sturdy construction.
• Low oil shut off feature for safe operation.
• Easy to read fuel gauge. 
• Simple maintenance that can mostly be done at home. 
• Decent fuel economy. The generator can run for around 12 hours on a full tank. 
• Average noise levels.

Cons:

• No wheel kit included. 
• Battery for the electric start is not included. 
• Difficult to move alone without the wheel kit. 
• Pretty pricey on Amazon. 

The Predator 8750 Generator is a serious bit of kit. It will give you a great deal of power for your home, business, or construction site. More importantly, it will give you peace of mind. 

With its simple operation and workhorse-like ability to chug away in the background, you won’t have to worry about losing power again. 

This is one of the few generators that doesn’t have a list of poor design choices. The only issue with it is the placement of the oil refill. However, this can be easily mitigated by using a longer funnel. 

With a few extras like the wheel kit and the fuel converter, you’ll find yourself with a near-perfect generator that will see you safely through any storms, hurricanes, or power outages. 

In a sentence, the Predator 8750 Generator is sturdy, reliable, and productive.