Cat RP6500 E (Discontinued)
The Cat RP6500 E is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,500 W and a starting wattage of 8,125 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
If you were hoping to purchase it, you might want to take a look at the Generac GP6500, which offers similar specs.
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Description
A GREAT SOLUTION FOR LIGHT COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL NEEDS. This electric start generator, is a good option for keeping your business or home up and running. Cat portable generators are equipped with electric starters and lithium ion batteries that automatically recharge whenever the generator is running. Our power will be ready when you are. A single-side, LED-lit panel contains all of the power outlets and controls in one intuitively-designed location, including the start/stop switch, choke, and fuel shutoff switch.
Zoom on the Cat RP6500 E
To sum up, the Cat RP6500 E is a portable generator tailored for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP6500 E
The Cat RP6500 E is powered by a 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 6,500W as well as a peak wattage of 8,125W.
Featuring a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included), this generator offers flexibility in starting.
With a full tank, the RP6500 E can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.66 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 7.9 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features 6 AC outlets as follows:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Cat generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RP6500 E is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
At L32.9 x W27.4 x H24.7 in, the Cat RP6500 E boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
As the generator's weight is 202 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The RP6500 E's control panel
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the RP6500 E includes a convenient meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Cat RP6500 E also comes with some accessories: funnel, tool kit and oil are included. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Video
The Cat RP6500 E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat RP6500 E compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).
- With a weight of 202 lbs, the Cat RP6500 E sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among generators rated from 6000 to 7000 watts. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 118 pounds.
- At 50% load, the RP6500 E boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 12 hours. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Pulsar PG7500 could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 13 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.66 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.42 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- High run time
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (202 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Cat RP6500 E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,500 W |
| Starting watts | 8,125 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 67.7/33.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 7.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 202 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 32.9 x 27.4 x 24.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 502-3688 |
| UPC | 815683020067 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Cat
Caterpillar Inc., often abbreviated as simply CAT, is an American engineering corporation, whose product range includes machinery, engines, financial products, mobile phones and of course, power generators. The company, founded in 1925, is one of the backbones of the US Dow Jones index and is placed among the Fortune 500 list. While CAT mainly focuses on industrial scale generators, it also provides a wide range of portable and household-scaled devices. CAT portable generators were engineered and designed in Mossville, Illinois, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, their production was outsourced to China.
Warranty Information
The Cat RP6500 E is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cat generators, please consult Cat's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5172 W | 6647 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 5180 W | 5600 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3480 W | 7980 W |
Can this generator run your home a/c and other small appliances at the same time? (Asked June 09, 2020)
Considering that it is recommended to not exceed an 80% load, this unit can run for 5200W (6500*0.8) worth of appliances at the same time. While this should normally be plenty for what you mentioned, you'd need to know the actual wattage needs of your own a/c and appliances. Feel free to use our wattage calculator to help you assess your power needs, as it allows you to add custom appliances.
is it rain proof (Asked August 28, 2021)
The unit should be properly sheltered. We recommend reading our article on generator operation in bad weather.
User Reviews
Mine worked great for 312 hrs then the counter balance shaft broke in half and killed the engine and because it took 2 1/2 years to use the 312 hrs I am stuck with it because cat quit selling these 2 yrs ago
Reliable portable generator. Used for 2 Hurricanes w/o problems powering refrigerators and lighting. Runs at 1/2 power for at least 12 hours, but a little noisy. 2 items to take of to make life easier. First is change out the fuel valve. 5 dollar cost and a very simple job to do to fix the cheap valve that comes with the generator. Second, ALWAYS have the choke full out when starting, even with a warm engine. The Engine WILL NOT start if the choke is not out and it is not emphasized in the owners manual.
I used my cat 6500 in 2 hurricanes, both times our power was out for 10 days. It worked great. Especially at night we would run a 2 ton Ac at 20 amps for 10 hours. No problem. I’m very happy with my CAT.
Switches are cheap and don’t last for the starter and fuel shut off
Great generator, ran almost everything in house with no problem.
Bought it at Lowes for 424.00 out the door. Discount the Cat generators. Only problem is I can not read the hour meter. I love it
A lot of power source
Mine ran fine for 90 hours intermittenly and then it would not start. Would not recommend after I tookk to repair facility for warranty repair, it needs another engine. Cheap Chinese made junk.
Bought it on sale, using it for my home for power loss after storms.
Use to run Hobart 210 MVP welder. Powered house for 5 days after storm. No problems. 3 years in use.
Used one time. Now won’t start. Carb keeps flooding. Piece of crap
The pull start assembly broke after the 5th pull. Now I have to wrap the rope around the thingamajig to pull start it and it’s not really electric start.
Very disappointed for $1100 investment.