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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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
In summary, the Pulsar PG3500MR is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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
Running on gasoline, the Pulsar PG3500MR utilizes a 208 cc (7 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120V, offering a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,500W.
With a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a manual recoil starter system.
Featuring a 4 gallons fuel tank, the PG3500MR can provide power for around 12 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.33 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output offering a convenient battery charging option.
Portability
At L23.6 x W17.5 x H17.9 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Pulsar PG3500MR ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
At 92 lbs, the PG3500MR is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. Additionally, its wheel kit and its folding handle enable easy movement of the generator once it's in place.
Features
The PG3500MR's control panel
The generator's light indicator provides visual feedback when its oil levels are insufficient.
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 automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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).
- With a dry weight of 92 lbs, the Pulsar PG3500MR sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 2500 to 3500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 69 dBA is on the noisier side. 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.
- Among its devices with similar power, the PG3500MR offers one of the higher run times, running for around 12 hours at 50% load. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Pulsar PG3250, boasting with around 16 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. Compared to similar devices, this generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.33 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. 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)
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2397 W | 3397 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Water heater (10 gallons) | 1000 | 2000 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 2390 W | 3390 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!