WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY RETAILERS ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Cummins Onan P9500df - 7500/9500W Dual Fuel Generator

The Cummins Onan P9500df is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 7,500 W and a starting wattage of 9,500 W.

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 58

Picture of the Cummins Onan P9500df
Set Price Alert
×
Notify me when the price drops
Set an alert for the Cummins Onan P9500df - Current lowest price: $1,131.00

Description

Zoom on the Cummins Onan P9500df

In summary, the Cummins Onan P9500df is a portable generator especially useful for:

  • Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

Power & Run Time

The Cummins Onan P9500df in use

The Cummins Onan P9500df

The dual-fuel technology of the Cummins Onan P9500df allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 7,500W and a starting wattage of 9,500W. If propane-powered, it gives 6,750 rated watts and 8,550 starting watts.

The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher). The Onan P9500df can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).

The Onan P9500df, with a fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons, reaches a run time of up to 16 hours utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.41 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of up to 8 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.59 GPH) with propane.

The quite high THD (<23%) of the Onan P9500df makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

As the Onan P9500df holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.

Cummins' Smart Switch Outlet

Picture of Westinghouse ST Switch outlet

The Onan P9500df has an identical outlet, but with a different name

The Onan P9500df features a special outlet that allows an automatic power transfer in case of a power outage.

To benefit from this feature, you'll need Cummins' Automatic Transfer Switch, which is not included with the generator.

As mentioned further up, since this unit is simply a Westinghouse generator in disguise, you can absolutely use the Westinghouse ST Switch (opens in a new tab) instead. It serves the exact same purpose.

Simply put, the ST Switch is a cost-effective and versatile portable automatic transfer switch, which can be installed quickly and easily, without the assistance of an electrician.

Plug the ST Switch into one of your household 120V outlets, plug your appliances to the ST Switch, and connect the Onan P9500df to the ST Switch via the special outlet and a 120V cord. The generator will automatically turn on when the power goes out, and automatically turn off when the power returns.

Portability

The Cummins Onan P9500df has the following dimensions: L27.3 x W26.3 x H26.3 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 194 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Cummins Onan P9500df

The Onan P9500df's control panel

The Onan P9500df's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Cummins Onan P9500df also is packed along with the following accessories: oil, propane hose, key fob, funnel, battery charger and tool kit.

Emissions

The Cummins Onan P9500df is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

Product Video

The Cummins Onan P9500df versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cummins Onan P9500df compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7000 and 8000 W).

  • Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 194 lbs, the Cummins Onan P9500df belongs in the expected weight range for dual fuel devices which can produce between 7000 and 8000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, with a dry weight of only 133 lbs.
  • As this generator has its lowest possible noise of 74 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Champion 201175, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 61 dBA.
  • As for its autonomy, the Onan P9500df, with an autonomy of up to 16 hours at a 25% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the DuroMax XP8500EH, boasting with up to 25 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.41 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the DuroMax XP8500EH, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.32 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 7000-8000W dual fuel generators, the Cummins Onan P9500df is on the average side of the price range.

Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Dual Fuel
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Remote start
  • Compatible with Westinghouse ST Switch
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (194 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • On the noisy side (74 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Cummins Onan P9500df and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine420 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric, Remote
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts7,500 W6,750 W
Starting watts9,500 W8,550 W
Running amps (@120/240V)62.5/31.3 amps56.3/28.1 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)79.2/39.6 amps71.3/35.6 amps
Run time @50% load11 hUnknown
Run time @25% load16 h8 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 6.6 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight194 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)27.3 x 26.3 x 26.3 in
Noise (lower limit)74 dBA
THD< 23%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit
Other model numbersA058U967

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

About Cummins

Cummins is a NYSE publicly traded, Fortune 500 corporation dealing in the power sector and heavy industry. Founded in 1919 in Columbus, IN, by William Glanton Irwin and Clessie Cummings, Cummins focused on the development of diesel engines. However, the company truly came to bloom only after the WWII, with the nationwide road expansion and went finally global in the 1960s, with its heavy-duty trucks. Cummins has, over the years, offered a wide variety of power solutions, from actual power plants to RV generators. Yet, the company has only recently dipped its foot into the portable generator market. The company currently offers a small selection of both conventional and inverter generators under the Onan product line, formerly the Cummins Onan brand.

Warranty Information

The Cummins Onan P9500df is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cummins generators, please contact the Cummins Customer Support: 1-800-CUMMINS (800-286-6467).

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Electric grill16501650
Radio100100
Total5967 W7442 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total5995 W6585 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Bug zapper8080
Total4880 W9380 W
What oil do I use in my 9500 Gas/propane generator? (Asked February 27, 2023)

For general, all-temperature use, you can use SAE 10W-30.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

Cummins Onan P9500df
4.4 Total Score
12 reviews
Add your review
Price
4.9
Value
4
Quality
4.7
Performance
4

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 4.75
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    I’m surprised with all the low reviews I’ve had my 9500 for a little over a year and love it! I just ran it for 24 hours straight during the Hurricane that just hit Florida. I have mine hooked to my houses’s breaker panel and powers everything, 3.5t A/C with soft start. Runs perfect on propane and gas( non ethanol) and has zero leaks. It’s a little loud, but that’s not a factor for me. I keep the battery charged and start it every couple weeks.

    + PROS:
    • Runs flawless on both fuels. Push button, pull cord and FOB work perfect. Zero issues during power outages in 2 hurricanes.
    - CONS:
    • A little loud,
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 3.25
    Price
    40
    Value
    80
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    50

    It was great and easy out of the box but wouldn’t start on gasoline. I inject fuel into the air cleaner it pops but won’t run. Hooked up to propane and it runs! any others have this problem ?

    + PROS:
    • It came with everything
    - CONS:
    • it won't run on gas
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 3
    Price
    30
    Value
    60
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    80

    There is a break in period for sure. Also you must be sure to charge the battery for the starter and to not let fuel foul the system. Its strong but it takes maintenance.
    It ran my AC just fine and a person I know with the same model runs half of his house with it hooked to his panel box..

    + PROS:
    • Sturdy build.
    • The dual fuel function does work.
    - CONS:
    • Very loud.
    • Heavy.
    • Cold starts can be a pain.
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  4. 4.5
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    90

    I do not understand any of these negative reviews. I have started mine manually, remotely and with the FOB. All good. Ran it for the 5 hr break in and changed the oil. Ran it again twice for 30 minutes. No problems.
    If this changes to my disappointment I will post it but so far so good.
    The noise is the 85 dB as listed when I measured it at 3′. I built an extended exhaust system for it the works really well.
    I say don’t hesitate to consider this generator.
    All the best.

    + PROS:
    • Looks good and good price for Canada.
    • Noise is as advertised.
    • The gas exhaust is not excessively hot and extending the exhaust is quite simple.
    • Assembly was easy.
    • I researched genies for 2 months and put the Cummins on the same platform as the Westinghouse (which don't seem to be readily availible).
    - CONS:
    • Well, honestly, I haven't found any yet. They are heavy (200 pounds dry) but generators of this size tend to be this heavy.
    • I haven't tried the propane fuel, yet. No need to now.
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  5. 0.75
    Price
    30
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    Bought this Generator, did all the per checks, filled with oil, gas, the unit will not start up, I have drained the battery 3 times and still nothing ! I have called and sent emails out…. All they say is you need to take it to an authorized dealer for repairs ??? I don’t have time to run it all over for repairs, would like to return it with a full refund.

    + PROS:
    • Good looking was delivered on time
    - CONS:
    • Will not start up, very upset and can’t get any help
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(3)You have already voted this
  6. 1.65
    Price
    30
    Value
    30
    Quality
    60
    Performance
    10

    Piece of crap. Trying to use during hurricane Iannjust now. Will only power up a single refrigerator – nothing else. If anything else plugged in will blow circuit both breakers and then you have nothing which is what this thing is. It’s a new unit. My old regular Honda worked great – put in shop for service whe hurricane Ian came up. Thought we had everything covered with this new on an/ Cummins unit. Boy was I wrong. Run, don’t just walk away from these. Even the cheap Harbor Freight units are better than these.
    Very bad product

    + PROS:
    • Automatic start
    - CONS:
    • Doesn’t work: will only power up one refrigerator. Nothing else.
    • Keeps blowing circuit breaker if ANYTHING else is plugged in.
    • Is a piece of crap. Needed for hurricane IAN just now
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(8)You have already voted this
  7. 0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    At 25 hours Stepper motor failed. Unit wouldn’t start! At 381 hours took unit to Cummins in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tech found a valve spring was broken and keeper nuts had severed and scarred piston and cylinder walls! Took Cummins a day and a half to get approval to replace this generator! I had to wait 2.5 more weeks for my replacement to arrive at Cummins in Green Bay! I made two round trips to Green Bay Cummins and then had to drive to Saukville, Wisconsin to deliver this generator back to Camping World for my refund. Neither company [Cummins or Camping World] even remotely offered to reimburse me for my diesel fuel ⛽️!! Heartless companies selling absolute junk generators!!!

    + PROS:
    • ABSOLUTELY NONE!!
    - CONS:
    • At 25 hours Stepper motor was defective. Generator wouldn’t start! At 381 hours less than 90 days old valve spring broke and keeper nuts went into engine and scarred piston and cylinder walls!
    • They got me a brand new one and I was without power for three weeks! And I had to drive to Cummins in Green Bay twice round trip and then drive all the way to Saukville, Wisconsin to return unopened generator to get my money back from Camping World!! Neither company even remotely offered to reimburse me for my diesel. Another junk generator!! MIDWEST EQUIPMENT SALES out of Columbus, OH makes these and Westinghouse generators!! Absolute garbage generators!!!
    Helpful(5) Unhelpful(4)You have already voted this
  8. Avatar
    Calvin Weimer May 23, 2022 at 8:12 am
    0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I got one brand new and after26 hrs run time the engine lost compression I’m out 1100.bucks and I’m pissed off the place I bought it won’t refund the money and I’m powerless in se alaska in my mortorhome

    + PROS:
    • None
    - CONS:
    • Discusted
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  9. 0.65
    Price
    20
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I bought a Onan 9500 from a solar supply guy and it has leaked propane from Day ONE. I have called Cummins and they said they would have a tech contact me and it never happened. never ever heard back. This winter it was leaking liquid propane onto the floor of my gen Shed and it caught on fire. Luckily i was in the shed when it happened and put it out immediately before any real damage.

    The Solar dealer has been trying to get warranty sorted out since early February with no luck.

    He had sold several of these to customers and all with the same issue. He has a garage full of Onan 9500 that all leak propane thru the carb and customers are fed up. Save your money. I thought I was getting a quality unit when I bought a Cummins product but did I ever get fooled.

    + PROS:
    • Worked good on Auto start and remote start
    - CONS:
    • Leaks propane profusely
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  10. Avatar
    Disappointed shopper October 13, 2021 at 6:49 pm
    1.75
    Price
    100
    Value
    20
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    This generator is the biggest pile of crap. Has only started maybe 3 times with the push start. It wont start with the pull. When it tries to start with the push start, the battery dies and probably because it tries to start 4 times and fails. When it does start, we were able to power 2 rv AC units. it’s REALLY REALLY LOUD. Do not buy. Unreliable generator.

    + PROS:
    • When it did start, it ran 2 RV AC Units.
    - CONS:
    • Never works
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  11. Avatar
    Iron Horse Industries September 12, 2021 at 5:42 pm
    4
    Price
    80
    Value
    60
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    90

    Seemed to work great and powered a 30 gallon 2 stage air compressor well. Next test will be running a Miller 130 wire feed welder.

    + PROS:
    • Cummins Branding
    - CONS:
    • Long run time
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  12. 1.15
    Price
    60
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I’m working with a customer who bought 2 of the generator from an rv co. Online. Neither one runs. On either fuel. He had trouble getting service from the place he bought them from. I’m an independent repair shop and The parts availability and service very poor. I’m dealing with some kind of factory defect in the timing of the ignition.

    + PROS:
    • Generator won’t start on either fuel
    - CONS:
    • Service sucks
    Helpful(23) Unhelpful(5)You have already voted this

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0