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
In summary, the Cat RP6500 E is a portable generator especially useful 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 who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP6500 E
The Cat RP6500 E's engine, 420 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 6,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 8,125W.
Equipped with a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and a hassle-free and practical electric starter (battery included), this generator provides versatile starting capabilities.
With its 7.9 gallons fuel tank, the RP6500 E can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.66 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Cat generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RP6500 E is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
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 generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 202 pounds. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The RP6500 E's control panel
The RP6500 E and its control panel include a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Cat RP6500 E also includes several accessories: tool kit, oil and funnel. 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).
- At 202 lbs, the Cat RP6500 E stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 6000 to 7000 watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO with only 118 pounds.
- Since the RP6500 E boasts with a run time of around 12 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Pulsar PG7500, boasting with around 13 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.66 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.42 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5192 W | 6692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5195 W | 5785 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.