Pulsar PG6580BCO - 5300/6580W Dual Fuel Generator
The Pulsar PG6580BCO is a compact open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 5,300 W and a starting wattage of 6,580 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The Pulsar PG6580BCO Dual Fuel Portable Generator is the next generation of excellence when it comes to keeping the lights on during power outages.
Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580BCO
In a few words, the Pulsar PG6580BCO is a compact portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PG6580BCO
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Pulsar PG6580BCO delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 5,300W and a peak wattage of 6,580W. When propane-powered, it has 4,750 rated watts and 5,922 peak watts.
Pulsar’s patented Switch & Go technology allows you to switch from propane to gasoline or from gasoline to propane while the generator is running.
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner).
In terms of its run time capability, the PG6580BCO, furnished with a 5.3 gallons fuel tank, can maintain operations for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.53 gallons per hour). It also provides around 6 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH) of operation with propane.
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the PG6580BCO is not recommended due to its high THD (<25%).
Outlets
The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT meaning 'Travel Trailer'), this Pulsar generator is RV Ready, ready to power your recreational vehicle with ease. In addition, since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the PG6580BCO is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
At L23.3 x W20 x H18.6 in, the Pulsar PG6580BCO 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.
Since the generator weighs 143.5 lbs, it could be potentially be difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The PG6580BCO's control panel
The control panel of the PG6580BCO includes a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
The unit also benefits from Pulsar's CO Sentry carbon monoxide detection. The sensor monitors for the accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide gas around the generator, and shuts down the engine is increasing levels of CO gas are detected.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Pulsar PG6580BCO's package also includes these accessories: oil, funnel, tool kit and propane hose.
Product Video
The Pulsar PG6580BCO versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG6580BCO compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- With a weight of 143.5 lbs, the Pulsar PG6580BCO is notably on the heavier side among dual fuel generators in the 4500-5500 rated wattage range. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO with only 93.5 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 75 dBA. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the DuroMax XP7000iH. With just 62 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Among its dual fuel devices with similar power, the PG6580BCO offers one of the higher run times, running for around 10 hours at 50% load. If runtime is a priority for you, the WEN DF5600X stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 12.5 hours of continuous use.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.53 GPH at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the WEN DF5600X, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.35 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4500-5500W dual fuel generators, the Pulsar PG6580BCO 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
- In the expected price range
- Dual fuel
- CO Sentry technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- RV Ready
- Switch & Go technology
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (75 dBA)
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (143.5 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Pulsar PG6580BCO 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 | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 274 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,300 W | 4,750 W |
| Starting watts | 6,580 W | 5,922 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 44.2/22.1 amps | 39.6/19.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.8/27.4 amps | 49.4/24.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 6 h * |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 5.3 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 143.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.3 x 20 x 18.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 75 dBA |
| THD | < 25% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 814726027193 |
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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimate, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
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 PG6580BCO 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4230 W | 5730 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Water heater (10 gallons) | 1000 | 2000 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 4235 W | 5235 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Total | 3800 W | 6500 W |
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