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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.
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Description
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 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 Ryobi RY903600
The Ryobi RY903600's engine, 212 cc Ryobi OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3600W and reaches a peak wattage of 4500W.
With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator features Ryobi's EasyStart pull-start mechanism (more information below).
The fuel capacity of 4 gallons allows the RY903600 to operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).
As the RY903600 has a relatively high THD (<20%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
This Ryobi generator is RV Ready, thanks to its 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.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 113 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀9") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
EasyStart 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:
- Put the engine switch on the “ON” position, and place the lever on the “START” position
- Pull the recoil until the engine runs
- Let the engine run 15 to 30 seconds and place the lever on the “RUN” position
Features
The RY903600's control panel
The RY903600's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Ryobi RY903600 also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit and oil.
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 therefore, can 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).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 113 lbs, the Ryobi RY903600 belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 72 dBA can be judged as noisy. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Cummins Onan P4500i. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- 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. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Predator 4375, reaching around 16 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. 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 iGen4200, with a fuel consumption of 0.17 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Decent weight (113 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the noisy side (72 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc Ryobi OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3600 W |
| Starting watts | 4500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 113 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24 x 26 x 20.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 046396014177 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 4367 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2840 W | 3430 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 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).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
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
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!!!
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.
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