Pulsar PG6580ECO - 5300/6580W Portable Generator With Electric Start
The Pulsar PG6580ECO is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,300 W and a starting wattage of 6,580 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Pulsar PG6580ECO |
|---|
| Highest Price $799.00 Lowest Price $681.66 Current Price $681.66 |
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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 who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 PG6580ECO
With a 274 cc (9 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, the Pulsar PG6580ECO operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,580W.
The generator, rated for a noise of 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a manual recoil starter system and a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included).
Equipped with a 5.2 gallons fuel tank, the PG6580ECO ensures continuous operation for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.52 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output offering a convenient battery charging option.
The PG6580ECO's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
With its L26.6 x W19.7 x H18.7 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Pulsar PG6580ECO provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
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). 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 PG6580ECO's control panel
The control panel of the PG6580ECO includes a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, when its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.
With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
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 PG6580ECO, the following accessories are also included: funnel and tool kit.
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).
- As its weight is 140 pounds, the Pulsar PG6580ECO falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 4500-5500 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO with only 93.5 pounds.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 75 dBA is on the noisier side. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Honda EU7000iS is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- At a 50% load, the PG6580ECO's around 10 hours of runtime on a full tank fall within the average autonomy range for 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 NorthStar c5500, as it provides around 15.1 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. With a fuel usage of about 0.52 GPH at a 50% load, this generator falls within the typical gasoline consumption range observed in comparably powerful products. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the WEN GN5600 is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.35 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Decent weight (140 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- On the noisy side (75 dBA)
Do you own the Pulsar PG6580ECO 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 | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 274 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 814726027100 |
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.
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 | |
| Total | 4217 W | 5692 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4235 W | 4655 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| 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.