The Ryobi RY906500S is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,500 W and a starting wattage of 8,125 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Ryobi RY906500S
In a nutshell, the Ryobi RY906500S is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- 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 Ryobi RY906500S
The Ryobi RY906500S is powered by a 420 cc (13 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 6,500W as well as a peak wattage of 8,125W.
The generator features Ryobi's EasyStart pull-start mechanism (more information below). It is rated for a noise of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher).
The fuel capacity of 6 gallons allows the RY906500S to operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.6 GPH).
As the RY906500S exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:
Thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RY906500S is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
At L39 x W29 x H24.5 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Ryobi RY906500S ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
With a weight of 195 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
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 RY906500S's control panel
The RY906500S's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor 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 LED on the sensor will flash red and the generator will automatically shut down.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Ryobi RY906500S, the following accessories are also included: tool kit and oil.
Product Videos
The Ryobi RY906500S versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ryobi RY906500S compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).
- With a dry weight of 195 lbs, the Ryobi RY906500S sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 6000 to 7000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, standing at just 118 lbs.
- With noise emissions rated as low as 72 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar power. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Powerhorse 7500i stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 55 dBA.
- Autonomy-wise, with around 10 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the RY906500S is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Pulsar PG7500 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 13 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. When operating at 50% load, the generator's fuel consumption is estimated at 0.6 GPH, placing it within the average range of gasoline usage among similarly powerful devices. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the A-iPower SUA7000L, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.36 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6000-7000W generators, the Ryobi RY906500S 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 sensor
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Decent weight (195 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No 50-amp output
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,500 W |
| Starting watts | 8,125 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 67.7/33.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Plastic, 6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 195 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 39 x 29 x 24.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 046396023483 |
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 RY906500S 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 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5192 W | 6692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5195 W | 5785 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3480 W | 7980 W |
Who makes the engine for this generator. (Asked July 13, 2019)
The 420cc engine of the Ryobi RY906500S is manufactured by Ducar.
What type oil is recommended for the RY906500S? (Asked April 24, 2020)
For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W-30 is recommended.
Can you get in inverter to connect with the model RY906500S? (Asked June 10, 2020)
Unsure what you are trying to achieve. This unit outputs AC power. An inverter converts DC into AC. If you need clean power, you should consider an inverter generator.
Both my oven and A/C need 50 amps. Will this unit be able to run my oven and A/C during a blackout? (Asked June 14, 2020)
This unit does not feature a 50-amp outlet. Assuming that you were talking about their combined draw, and that they both operate on 120V, you'd be pulling 6000W out of the 6500W. As we recommend to keep the load under 80%, you should be looking at a unit able to deliver around 7500 running watts.
How many gallons does it use per hour? (Asked July 09, 2020)
Fuel consumption depends on load. At 50% load, it should be around 0.6 gallon per hour.
Is this unit OK to operate in the rain? (Asked August 03, 2020)
Please refer to our article on rain and snow operation, which applies to any existing unit.
What kind of gasoline does it use? Is just regular unleaded or a mix? And which mix? (Asked August 26, 2020)
Gasoline should be unleaded, with no more than 10% ethanol. The engine is 4-cycle, so gas shouldn't be mixed with oil.
Can you convert this generator from gas to natural gas? Is there a certain converter kit you need to make this happen? (Asked August 27, 2020)
There are no official conversion kits.
what is the oil capacity on model RY906500S generator? I purchased new and without oil. However, a bottle of oil came with the unit. It is 32 fluid ounces. How much do I put in the generator? (Asked August 28, 2020)
Engine oil capacity is approximately 32 fl. oz.
Is there a special kit to purchase to attach to breaker box (Asked October 04, 2020)
The L14-30R outlet allows for an easy connection to a majority of transfer switches. This connection should be done by a licensed electrician.
what are the little black "buttons" next to the outlets and how do you use them? (Asked December 21, 2022)
These are reset buttons for the circuit breakers. Circuit breakers will automatically switch OFF if there is a short circuit or a significant overload of the generator at each receptacle.
What is the difference between inverter and regular generator (Asked July 02, 2024)
Inverter generators are more fuel efficient, and usually produce cleaner power. You may want to read our article on the differences between inverter and conventional generators.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Very happy I purchase this life saver generator 5 hurricanes in the pipe line Paline just past last week Monday knocking out 25,000. home and teddy’s bearings down on us as I write this post some folks just getting power back after 5 days.