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
To sum up, the Ryobi RY906500S is a portable generator tailored for:
- 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 ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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
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.
With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), the generator's ignition is facilitated by 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).
Due to the high THD (<20%) of the RY906500S, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Because the RY906500S is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
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 device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 195 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
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 status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.
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 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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Ryobi RY906500S is bundled with additional accessories: oil and tool kit.
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 a dry weight of 195 pounds, the Ryobi RY906500S is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 6000 and 7000 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, with a dry weight of only 118 lbs.
- At 72 dBA, this generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its power category. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc, whose lowest noise levels reach just 60 dBA.
- Offering around 10 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the RY906500S is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Pulsar PG7500, as it provides around 13 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 0.6 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 minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 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 average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- 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)
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5172 W | 6647 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 5180 W | 5600 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.