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Ryobi RY903600 (Discontinued)

The Ryobi RY903600 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W.

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Ryobi RY903600Ryobi RY903600Ryobi RY903600Ryobi RY903600

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Ryobi RY903622. However, you might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.

Description

The RYOBI 3600 Watt Portable Generator with EasyStart technology is where efficiency meets convenience. With a Heavy-Duty 212cc OHV engine, this generator delivers 3600 Running-Watts (4500 Surge/Starting-Watts) and is powerful enough to be used on a jobsite or as an emergency backup system. Featuring the EasyStart 3-Step starting system and a large 4 gallon fuel tank, the RYOBI 3600 Watt Generator can run up to 10 hours at 50% load. The Quick-Release handle provides easy and compact storage while the flat-free wheels and the Hand Truck Frame design allow for easy transport, even over rough terrain. This generator is also equipped with an Automatic Voltage Regulator that provides consistent power. The Control Panel features (4) 120-Volt 20 Amp outlets and (1) 120V AC 30 Amp RV receptacle to meet all your power needs.

Zoom on the Ryobi RY903600

In summary, the Ryobi RY903600 is a portable generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Ryobi RY903600 in use

The Ryobi RY903600

The Ryobi RY903600 is powered by a 212 cc Ryobi OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,600W as well as a peak wattage of 4,500W.

At a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator is started via Ryobi's EasyStart pull-start mechanism (more information below).

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the RY903600 can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).

The quite high THD (<20%) of the RY903600 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

This Ryobi generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').

Portability

The design of the Ryobi RY903600 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L24 x W26 x H20.5 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 113 lbs. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀9") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

EasyStart Mechanism

ryobi easystart starting mechanism

Ryobi's 3-step EasyStart mechanism

The unit benefits from Ryobi’s EasyStart mechanism. This 3-step starting system allows you to easily start your generator. It works in the following way:

  1. Put the engine switch on the “ON” position, and place the lever on the “START” position
  2. Pull the recoil until the engine runs
  3. Let the engine run 15 to 30 seconds and place the lever on the “RUN” position

Features

Panel of the Ryobi RY903600

The RY903600's control panel

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).

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Ryobi RY903600, the following accessories are also included: oil and tool kit.

Emissions

The Ryobi RY903600 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.

Product Videos

The Ryobi RY903600 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ryobi RY903600 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • At a weight of 113 pounds, the Ryobi RY903600 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
  • This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 72 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
  • As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 10 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the RY903600 falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Predator 4375, as it provides around 16 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 0.4 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 you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (113 lbs)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the noisy side (72 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time

Do you own the Ryobi RY903600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc Ryobi OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,600 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerNo
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank4 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight113 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24 x 26 x 20.5 in
Noise (lower limit)72 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, tool kit, and wheel kit
UPC046396014177

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.

Spec Improvement×

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About Ryobi

Founded in 1943, Ryobi Limited is a Japanese based manufacturer that throughout its history mainly focused on electrical and automotive components. However, their quite recent power tool branch has proven to be popular for the quality and reliability of its products, which are nowadays found globally on the shelves of popular retailers. Ryobi products are listed to be produced in various locations globally, mainly US, Germany, Japan and China.

Warranty Information

The Ryobi RY903600 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Ryobi generators, please consult Ryobi's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-525-2579.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeElectric fry pan15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Radio100100
Total2867 W3867 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Total2840 W3430 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
What spark plug is in it? (Asked February 12, 2020)

The spark plug part number is 30010-Z010210-0000.

What type of oil use this generator when we have to change the oil? (Asked May 30, 2020)

For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W-30 is recommended.

Can I replace the 125 volt 30 amp receptacle on my ryobi 3600 watt generator (Asked October 23, 2021)

Replacement parts can be ordered from Ryobi: 1-877-634-5704.

does the generator have a fuel cutoff to switch on to let run till all is out of the carberator? (Asked January 24, 2022)

The unit does not have such feature. Tank and carburetor must be drained manually. Procedure is explained page 16 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).

Ryobi RY903600
5.7 Total Score
4 reviews
Add your review
Price
7.3
Value
5.3
Quality
5.5
Performance
4.8

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 1.15
    Price
    60
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    Knocks like crazy and all I hear from home depot is they don’t know why it does it. I ask can you replace it because I purchased it 2 and a half years ago and told it has been discontinued but you can buy this one for 6 hundred dollars and we may be able to pro-rate it. First time I have had issues with h.d. in 18 years. I won’t use them again

    + PROS:
    • Runs
    - CONS:
    • You name it
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. Avatar
    Pamela Marshall October 5, 2021 at 9:42 am
    2.9
    Price
    80
    Value
    60
    Quality
    50
    Performance
    40

    Used maybe about 10-15 times in a few years. Always used ethanol-free gas and kept fuel additive in to stop water condensation. Within 2 year we were having issues with starting and just finally figured out why. The tank had rusted and clogged the carburetor so now I have to replace the tank and carb at a cost over $150. We HAVE to have a generator to keep some pumps running to stop flooding. Fixing it for now but will be replacing soon. NOT HAPPY.

    + PROS:
    • Nice while it worked. For ONE season.
    - CONS:
    • Metal tank creates condensation
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 4.9
    Price
    90
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Purchased mine in 2017 when I went on the road with my RV. This little gen ran almost none stop for three years!! Burned 12 gal. of gas a day powering everything in my RV through the winter and summer. I made reg. oil changes and brush changes. Used reg. gas without “gas treatments”, just filtered the gas with a funnel that had a screen in it, plus reg. gas filter changes. Never had a single problem with my carb the whole time!! Any gas powered device left to sit for long will clog…. I got my $350 worth out of this little Ryobi generator!!!

    + PROS:
    • Well built, great price for 3600 watts.
    • Maintance parts easy to get (brushes, recoil, etc.)
    - CONS:
    • No cons.... It totally did it's job!!! Read the instructions and do the maintance!
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  4. 2.5
    Price
    60
    Value
    40
    Quality
    60
    Performance
    40

    Not bad, but you MUST use gas treatment in your gas or this Ryobi will clog up instantly …funny that I asked this when I bought it and the salesperson said “no, regular gas works fine”…nor was in mentioned in the instruction manual. Since we never know when we’ll need a generator, my warranty expired before i knew this…so the second time I tried to start itwas a total failure

    + PROS:
    • decent price
    - CONS:
    • never told it needed gas treatment to operate
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this

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