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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 wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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 who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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 PG6580ECO
The Pulsar PG6580ECO's engine, 274 cc (9 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5,300W and reaches 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 conventional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
The fuel capacity of 5.2 gallons allows the PG6580ECO to operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.52 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
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
The design of the Pulsar PG6580ECO is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L26.6 x W19.7 x H18.7 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough 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). However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's 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, a light indicator shows you if its oil levels are insufficient.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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.
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. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use 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).
- Weight-wise, the Pulsar PG6580ECO has only 140 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 4500 to 5500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN5600 with only 103.6 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 75 dBA can be judged as noisy. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- The PG6580ECO, offering a run time of around 10 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Predator 6500, with around 14.5 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.52 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. 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 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| 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 | |
| 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.