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
Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580BCO
In a few words, the Pulsar PG6580BCO is a compact portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
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 PG6580BCO, equipped with dual-fuel technology and delivering 120/240V, ensures both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,580W. On propane, it provides 4,750 running 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.
Rated for 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 5.3 gallons, the PG6580BCO can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.53 GPH), or for around 6 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH) using propane.
The quite high THD (<25%) of the PG6580BCO makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 4 AC outlets:
Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Pulsar generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles. In addition, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the PG6580BCO is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
Measuring L23.3 x W20 x H18.6 in, the classic open frame build of the Pulsar PG6580BCO delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. 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 143.5 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. 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
The PG6580BCO's control panel
The PG6580BCO's control center features a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data to aid you with 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.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Pulsar PG6580BCO, the following accessories are also included: 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).
- Considering its dry weight of 143.5 pounds, the Pulsar PG6580BCO is one of the heavier dual fuel generators producing between 4500 and 5500 running watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN DF5600X stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 113 pounds.
- In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this generator's lowest emitted noise of 75 dBA can be considered noisy. 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.
- At a 50% load, the PG6580BCO offers around 10 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among dual fuel generators of similar power level. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the WEN DF5600X, which is able to run for around 12.5 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. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.53 GPH. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the WEN DF5600X, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.35 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
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 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
- Dual Fuel
- CO Sentry technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- RV Ready
- Switch & Go technology
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (143.5 lbs)
- On the noisy side (75 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
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 |
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.
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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4230 W | 5330 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 4235 W | 4825 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3800 W | 6500 W |
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