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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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580ECO
In short, the Pulsar PG6580ECO is a compact portable generator adequately designed 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 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
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PG6580ECO
Running on gasoline, the Pulsar PG6580ECO utilizes a 274 cc (9 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,580W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator offers the versatility of starting with either a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included).
The PG6580ECO's fuel tank holds 5.2 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.52 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the PG6580ECO is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
At L26.6 x W19.7 x H18.7 in, the Pulsar PG6580ECO boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough 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 (⌀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 PG6580ECO's control panel
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data are embedded in the control panel of the PG6580ECO.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if its oil levels are insufficient.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Pulsar PG6580ECO ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit and funnel.
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 far as its dry weight is concerned, the Pulsar PG6580ECO weighs just 140 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4500 to 5500 rated wattage generators. If you are mindful of weight, the Champion 201238 is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 101.4 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 75 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Honda EU7000iS stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- 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. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the NorthStar c5500 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 15.1 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.52 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the WEN GN5602X, with a fuel consumption of 0.35 GPH could be in your good books.
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
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4230 W | 5730 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 | |
| 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.