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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580ECO
In summary, the Pulsar PG6580ECO is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- 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 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
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PG6580ECO
The Pulsar PG6580ECO houses a 274 cc (9 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5,300W along with a peak wattage of 6,580W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
With a full tank, the PG6580ECO can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.52 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 5.2 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the PG6580ECO is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
The dimensions of the Pulsar PG6580ECO, which are L26.6 x W19.7 x H18.7 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 140 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The PG6580ECO's control panel
To help you monitor the PG6580ECO's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if its oil levels are insufficient.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
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. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Pulsar PG6580ECO also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Pulsar PG6580ECO is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
The Pulsar PG6580ECO versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG6580ECO compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- Regarding its weight, the Pulsar PG6580ECO only weighs in at 140 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 4500-5500 rated wattage range. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE with only 106.9 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 75 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU7000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- Given that the PG6580ECO reaches an autonomy of around 10 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Predator 6500, as it provides around 14.5 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Standing at an estimated 0.52 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Genmax GM5500i, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.41 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W generators, the Pulsar PG6580ECO 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
- CO Sentry technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (140 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- On the noisy side (75 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 274 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,300 W |
| Starting watts | 6,580 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 44.2/22.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.8/27.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 5.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 140 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.6 x 19.7 x 18.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 75 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 814726027100 |
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.
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 PG6580ECO 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Total | 3800 W | 6500 W |
Who makes the engine? (Asked June 08, 2020)
The engine of the PG6580E is manufactured by Ducar.
what is the voltage of the battery that comes with the electric start model. 6V or 12V (Asked July 04, 2021)
Battery is 12V.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I recently purchased this generator. I live on the Gulf Coast and a generator is a must for any hurricane supply kit. As I removed it from the box I was impressed by the powder coated frame. I expect the finish to be more durable than standard painted frames. The Pulsar came with a wheel and handle kit included. The wheels are a solid rubber so no flats. After installing the kit I was able to move the generator around easily. After treating my fuel with stabilizer I topped off the tank. The tank is metal so taking precautions against rust will be necessary if you plan to store the generator for any length of time. The generator has an electric start that is a big plus for my wife. It started up with no problem. I was immediately impressed that it was not loud at all. I let it run for about 15 minutes just to check for leaks or any other issues. I noticed that it didn’t have a fuel filter. Not a big deal for me as I usually swap the filters on my equipment to a transparent one anyway. I strongly suggest adding a fuel filter to prevent carburetor issues. I did notice that I didn’t smell the usual burnt smell of new engines so the fi ish coatings must be of good quality. I then took the generator out to my camper to really test it out. I purposely bought a generator twice the size I needed in order to stay in that half load sweat spot. Once I got everything hooked up I turned on everything. All of the lights, AC, refrigerator, microwave and stereo and the generator never hesitated.i ran it for about 2 hours without issue. So far I am happy with the purchase and the generator does as it should. I do wish I could find more information on the Ducar engine it is equipped with.