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Since: April 23, 2022 |
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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580E
In a nutshell, the Pulsar PG6580E is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PG6580E
The Pulsar PG6580E houses a 274 cc (8 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5500W along with a peak wattage of 6580W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
The PG6580E can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 5.2 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Even if this Pulsar generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, because the PG6580E is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
The dimensions of the Pulsar PG6580E, which are L27.5 x W21 x H22 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
As the generator's weight is 140 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The PG6580E's control panel
The PG6580E's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when its oil levels are insufficient.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
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.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Pulsar PG6580E also comes with several accessories, including: tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The Pulsar PG6580E is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
The Pulsar PG6580E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG6580E compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- As for its weight, the Pulsar PG6580E weighs only 140 pounds, making it one of the lighter generators in the 5000-6000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE, with a dry weight of only 106.9 lbs.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 72 dBA. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU7000iS with only 52 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 12 hours at 50% load, the PG6580E benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Cat RP5500, reaching around 15 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. This generator is one of the more fuel efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.43 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the A-iPower SUA7000L. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.36 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 5000-6000W generators, the Pulsar PG6580E 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
- Several accessories included
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (140 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
- No remote start
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 | 5500 W |
| Starting watts | 6580 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.8/27.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| 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) | 27.5 x 21 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 814726025380 |
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 PG6580E 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 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5497 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| 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.