I just picked up this generator from Harbor Freight and it is not as quiet as what I was anticipating. It is quieter than my old generator but it is louder than what I thought it would be. Are my expectations too high or is there possibly something wrong with this one??

 

I have low expectations of just about any product from Harbor Freight. There are a few exceptions, of course.

Get a decibel meter and get an objective measurement on how loud it is. My on-board Onan 5500 generator is rated at 67 dB for comparison purposes. I checked it and my brother's Honda generators with my meter and they both came in at about 68 dB and even lower if the reading is taken from a direction other than where the muffler is.

 

I have had a predator 3500 inverter gen set for over a year...been awesome, and as quiet if not quieter then my bros honda 2000 inverter.

 

 

 

I downloaded a decibel meter for my phone and used it on my Predator 3500. It was right at where the paperwork claims. Right around 60 decibels or so. Very quiet and smooth. Especially on Eco mode. However, you had a pitch change when you went to the rear of the unit which is the muffler. It will be louder there. My recommendations would be to run it for the 8 hours. Change the oil while hot. Run it until 25 hours and change the oil again. As it was mentioned, a spark plug change would be in order. The Predator 3500 is pretty darn nice for the price. Besides try using a contractor generator, then come back to us. LOL

 

I think i responded to your thread on another forum, but they are quit. i'll did mine out tonight and fire it up and see what it reads.

 

It sounds like mine does. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was.

 

I just bought one and am happy with it. Broke it in, changed plugs and it's good to go.

 

Just be cognizant that the noise levels are usually stated with the generator under a 25% load. If you are running your AC or a microwave you will be using more than 25% of the available wattage.