Pulsar PG3500MR - 3000/3500W Portable Generator
The Pulsar PG3500MR is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,000 W and a starting wattage of 3,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Pulsar PG3500MR |
|---|
| Highest Price $399.99 Lowest Price $329.99 Current Price $349.99 |
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Description
Pulsar’s PG3500MR is designed to give you enough power to operate at least one major appliance as well as multiple smaller devices, and yet small enough to take anywhere.
Zoom on the Pulsar PG3500MR
To sum up, the Pulsar PG3500MR is a compact portable generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PG3500MR
The Pulsar PG3500MR houses a 208 cc (7 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,000W along with a peak wattage of 3,500W.
The generator features a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music).
Equipped with a 4 gallons fuel tank, the PG3500MR ensures continuous operation for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.33 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 2 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Portability
With its L23.6 x W17.5 x H17.9 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Pulsar PG3500MR provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
The PG3500MR's dry weight of 92 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Moreover, its wheel kit and its folding handle make it easy to shift the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
The PG3500MR's control panel
A light indicator serves to show you when the oil level is too low.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
In addition to the standard documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for prompt setup, Pulsar has also included a tool kit in the packaging of the PG3500MR.
The Pulsar PG3500MR versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG3500MR compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- At a weight of 92 pounds, the Pulsar PG3500MR places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 2500-3500 rated wattage range. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
- As this generator has its lowest possible noise of 69 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU3000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 50 dBA.
- At 50% load, the PG3500MR achieves one of the longer run times compared to devices of similar power, sustaining operations for around 12 hours. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Pulsar PG3250, which is able to run for around 16 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.33 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.22 GPH, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W generators, the Pulsar PG3500MR is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- High run time
- Decent weight (92 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
Do you own the Pulsar PG3500MR 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 | 208 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,000 W |
| Starting watts | 3,500 W |
| Running amps | 25 amps |
| Peak amps | 29.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 92 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.6 x 17.5 x 17.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | PG3500M |
| UPC | 814726021139 |
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 Pulsar
Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.
Warranty Information
The Pulsar PG3500MR 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 Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2392 W | 3392 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 2800 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
How often should the oil be changed (Asked October 11, 2020)
Oil change schedule is detailed page 19 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Will use this generator to run our food trailer, we have only been out with it about five or six times, and every single time it bogs down at least twice. It takes us no less than 15-20 minutes to get it re-going, a generator out of the box should not operate like this. And continuously loosen during operation even after being properly hand tightened. I cannot unrecommend this generator enough
Pull cord assembly was crushed and couldn’t get it to pull,tires so soft they won’t stay on the rim. And the paint was chipped and rust was under the paint,stay away. Emailed Rick at corporate and he was a problem out the gate. Pulsar won’t stand behind their product and that’s with a three year warranty, my generator is less than a day ol
Runs everything in my 24 ft camp trailer with ease, 18000 btu rooftop air, refrigerator, 12 volt battery charger plus all the appliances i use, coffee maker, tv, dvd player…everything! All at once if i so choose. Owned many other brands of generators with same output & this pulsar 3500 beats them all! Its been used for the last 2 years hard. Sum it up…AWESOME generator!