Ryobi RY904500 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator
The Ryobi RY904500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The RYOBI 3600 Watt Portable Generator is the ideal power solution for recreational use, jobsite power, and running household essentials during a storm.
Zoom on the Ryobi RY904500
In summary, the Ryobi RY904500 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Running on gasoline, the Ryobi RY904500 utilizes a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120V, offering a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W.
Operating at a noise rating of 82 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an alarm clock), this generator starts up with a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Featuring a 4 gallons fuel tank, the RY904500 provides continuous power for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Ryobi generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with recreational vehicles.
Portability
At L24 x W26 x H20 in, the standard open frame design of the Ryobi RY904500 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
As the generator's weight is 115 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
It also benefits from Ryobi's CO DETECT technology, which is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, Ryobi has included some oil in the packaging of the RY904500.
The Ryobi RY904500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ryobi RY904500 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At 115 lbs dry, the Ryobi RY904500 is consistent with the standard weight profile for devices ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the WEN 56432iX is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 52.9 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 82 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- With a runtime of around 10 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the RY904500 falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. If run time is one of your main concerns, the NorthStar c5500 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 15.1 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.4 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Ryobi RY904500 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 DETECT technology
- RV Ready
- Decent weight (115 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (82 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 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 | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 115 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24 x 26 x 20 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 82 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil and wheel kit |
| UPC | 046396056023 |
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 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 RY904500 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2857 W | 3857 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2860 W | 3450 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.


