Ryobi RY906500S - 6500/8125W Portable Generator
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
The RYOBI 6,500-Watt Portable Generator is the perfect power solution at home or on the jobsite. This generator delivers 6,500 Running Watts and 8,125 Starting Watts of power. A durable wrap-around hand truck frame and 10 in. wheels help protect the unit while making it easy to transport. An Automatic Voltage Regulator ensures reliable and consistent power while preventing damage to the generator and the devices plugged into it. The easy-access control panel has four 120-Volt 20 Amp (GFCI Protected) outlets and one 240-Volt 30 Amp Twist Lock Outlet to meet all your power needs.
Zoom on the Ryobi RY906500S
In a nutshell, the Ryobi RY906500S is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- 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 able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Ryobi RY906500S
Featuring a 420 cc (13 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, the Ryobi RY906500S operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,500W and a starting wattage of 8,125W.
Operating with a noise level of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator starts up via Ryobi's EasyStart pull-start mechanism (more information below).
The RY906500S's fuel tank, with a capacity of 6 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for around 10 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.6 gallons per hour).
Given the RY906500S's high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RY906500S is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
At L39 x W29 x H24.5 in, the Ryobi RY906500S boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 195 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed 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 RY906500S's control panel
The RY906500S and its control panel include a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Ryobi RY906500S also comes with some accessories: tool kit and oil are included.
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).
- At 195 lbs, the Ryobi RY906500S stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 6000 to 7000 watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 118 pounds.
- With noise emissions reaching as low as 72 dBA, this generator has a noise level typical for devices of its power category. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc appealing. It's rated at 60 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- The RY906500S, 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 concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Pulsar PG7500, boasting with around 13 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. This generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.6 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.42 gallons per hour.
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
- GFCI Outlets
- Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No 50-amp output
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (195 lbs)
Do you own the Ryobi RY906500S and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 |
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 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
Got the generator for 50$ saying it was broken. There was a wire that got cut on the kill switch.. after chucking the co sense, the “amplifier” chip (is just a 25v 100 μf cap and 2 diodes) and wired it up outright with magneto it ran great. Ditched the gas tank and fitted a ng/ lpg conversion for a similar sized predator one, ran a 25’ x1/2” flexible ng line from a new quick connector on my gas main and the proper shutoff switch and drip leg with shutoff switch also on the business end of hose. Built a small doghouse into a generator shed with rockwool insulation and a 12v power supply for 2 car radiator fans blowing and sucking air.. you cant hear the thing run when your 20 feet away. I also increased the wire gauge inside the receptacle box to 8 gauge on the 240v plug and changed the breakers to 50a so it could go to my 70a subpanel with transfer switch feed.. only negative is theres some led lights that flicker..
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.