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 ACME TOOLS, EBAY, HOME DEPOT OR WALMART ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

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.

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 0

Pulsar PG6580BCOPulsar PG6580BCOPulsar PG6580BCOPulsar PG6580BCO
Set Price Alert
×
Notify me when the price drops
Set an alert for the Pulsar PG6580BCO - Current lowest price: $834.93
Price History
×
Price history for the Pulsar PG6580BCO
Latest updates:
  • $834.93 - May 24, 2023
  • $834.64 - May 17, 2023
  • $810.33 - May 10, 2023
  • $786.73 - May 2, 2023
  • $559.00 - April 18, 2023
  • $550.71 - April 17, 2023
  • $590.05 - April 11, 2023
  • $550.71 - April 4, 2023
Data source: homedepot.com
Since: December 10, 2022
  • Highest Price: $834.93 - May 24, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $550.71 - April 4, 2023

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. (source: Pulsar (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580BCO

In summary, the Pulsar PG6580BCO is a compact portable generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
  • 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 who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The dual-fuel technology of the Pulsar PG6580BCO allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,580W. If propane-powered, it gives 4,750 rated watts and 5,922 starting 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 is rated for a noise of 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

The running time of the PG6580BCO, with its 5.3 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.53 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 6 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH).

The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the PG6580BCO is not recommended due to its high THD (<25%).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

This Pulsar generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, since the PG6580BCO bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

The Pulsar PG6580BCO has the following dimensions: L23.3 x W20 x H18.6 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.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 143.5 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG6580BCO

The PG6580BCO's control panel

The PG6580BCO's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.

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

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Pulsar PG6580BCO also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, tool kit, propane hose and oil.

Emissions

The Pulsar PG6580BCO 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 and therefore, can be used in forested areas.

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 dry weight of 143.5 pounds, the Pulsar PG6580BCO finds itself in the expected weight range for dual fuel generators able to produce between 4500 and 5500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM6000iED with only 117.9 pounds.
  • This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 75 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Genmax GM6000iED with only 63 dBA.
  • The PG6580BCO, offering a run time of around 10 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Pulsar G65BN, boasting with around 11.5 hours.
  • 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. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.53 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse WGen5300DFv, with a fuel consumption of 0.43 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • CO Sentry technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • RV Ready
  • Dual Fuel
  • Switch & Go technology
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (143.5 lbs)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the noisy side (75 dBA)

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

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine274 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts5,300 W4,750 W
Starting watts6,580 W5,922 W
Running amps (@120/240V)44.2/22.1 amps39.6/19.8 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)54.8/27.4 amps49.4/24.7 amps
Run time @50% load10 h6 h *
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank5.3 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight143.5 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.3 x 20 x 18.6 in
Noise (lower limit)75 dBA
THD< 25%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and wheel kit
UPC814726027193

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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.

Spec Improvement×

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

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?
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 wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeDish washer15003000
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Security system180180
Total4230 W5730 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Toaster oven800800
Blender400850
Pair of small speakers4545
Total4235 W4825 W
For workTable saw18004500
Grinder14002500
Drill600900
Total3800 W6500 W

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

We would love to know your opinion

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