Ryobi 6500 generator

Ryobi 6500 generator

The Ryobi 6500 generator is a massive gas-powered generator capable of providing backup power to your home or remote worksite. This generator has sufficient power and features for multiple applications.

Compared to other generators, the Ryobi 6500 is among the top of the pack. Manufactured by Ryobi Limited, this generator is a quality product. While Ryobi started as a small Japanese company producing die-cast products, they have expanded into multiple areas, including power tools, mowers, and generators.

Features and Benefits

Take a look at the main features and benefits of the Ryobi 6500 generator:

Power Output, Run Time

Most household appliances can be operated on a 6500-watt generator. The Ryobi 6500 packs a lot of power into a compact generator. With a 6500-watt running capacity and an 8125-watt starting capacity, this generator can power multiple pieces of equipment.

If you are looking for home power backup, this generator has enough juice to keep your lights on. The 6-gallon fuel tank provides a 10-hour long run time at 50 percent capacity. When running a full load, the generator consumes 0.93 gallons per hour.

The generator features an automatic voltage regulator to ensure the power remains consistent.

Outlets, Hook Up Provisions, and Possibilities 

This generator has multiple hookups for every need. There are four 20 amp three-prong outlets that provide 120 volts each. There is also a 30 amp outlet that can provide either 240 or 120 volts.

The outlets are GFCI protected and feature overload protection to ensure you do not damage equipment or the generator. The 30 amp outlet is a twist lock outlet allowing you to connect to your home electrical system. You can also purchase an adapter to power your RV for camping. 

If purchasing this generator for emergency home backup, you will want to get a qualified electrician to prepare your breaker box. While this generator will not run everything in the home at once, it will keep you comfortable until the lights come back on.

Starting

The easy-start mechanism makes the Ryobi 6500 simple. It has three settings; off, start, and run. It takes the guesswork out of starting the generator.

First, move the switch to start to get the generator up and going. Start and pull the starter string once the switch is on until the generator fires. Move the switch to run after a couple of minutes, and you’re all set.

The only drawback to the easy start mechanism is that you can’t run the carburetor out of fuel. There is a small screw that you can drain the fuel from if stored.   

Portability

While the Ryobi 6500 does come with wheels and a convenient fold-out handle, it is heavy. With an approximate weight of 200 pounds, this behemoth will take two people to lift. While picking it up is a workout, moving it around once it is on the ground isn’t too bad.

The generator has a wrap-around hand truck frame that supports the generator well. There is a convenient fold-down handle for easy portability. The ten-inch wheels are large enough to move around rough surfaces. The wheels are no-flat wheels meaning you don’t have to drag along an air compressor.

Other Features

  • Paralleling with Other Generators: The Ryobi 6500 holds its own compared to other generators in its class. The run time, affordability, and safety features are pretty standard. Ryobi does take the cake when it comes to warranties and product services. The 3-year warranty is above most in the class.
  • Control Panel Features: The control panel is easy to access and provides a digital monitor for the generator. The digital display provides information on voltage, frequency, and hours for the generator. There are four 20 amp outlets and one 30 amp outlet protected by an overload circuit breaker.
  • Security, Alarms, Accessories: One of the best features of this generator is the automatic CO shut off. This feature has a CO monitor and will kill the generator if too much toxic gas is present. The generator also features a low oil shut-off, overload protection circuit breaker, and automatic voltage regulator.

Emissions

As with all combustion engines, carbon monoxide gets produced while the generator runs. The Ryobi 6500 provides a CO sensor and automatic shut-off to protect users from this deadly gas. 

You will want to be cautious with placement. If the sensor is downwind from the exhaust, it can cause a false alarm. There is also a spark arrestor installed so the generator can be used in forested areas. 

Warranty

Ryobi has reputation for making reliable, quality products. This generator is no different. A 3-year limited warranty covers the generator. The warranty period is only 3-years if the generator is for personal use. If you use the generator for commercial purposes, the warranty shortens to 90-days.

About the Manufacturer

Ryobi is a Japanese company that has been around since 1943. Initially, Ryobi manufactured die-cast products but eventually moved into everything from power tools to generators. In 2014 the company completed a makeover and decided to sell the power tools portion. Since 2018, Ryobi power tools have been manufactured by Techtronic Industries.

FAQ About the Product

Take a look at the most common questions related to the Ryobi 6500 generator:

Will this generator power my home in a power outage? 

A typical home backup generator is at least 5000 watts. The Ryobi 6500 provides 6500 running watts and can power most home appliances. 

Does this generator have an RV plug? 

The Ryobi 6500 has a 30 amp twist lock plug that can provide either 120 or 240 volts. To plug into an RV, you would need to use an adapter. 

Is this generator portable? 

This generator is portable but is quite heavy. The large wheels and fold-up handle make it easy to move around on the ground. 

Will this generator power my AC? 

Most 2000 to 2500 square foot homes have a 4-5 ton air conditioning unit. These units will use at most 2000 watts of power. This 6500-watt generator will be more than enough to power these air conditioners.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Take a look at some things to consider before buying a Ryobi 6500 generator:

Best Suited For:

The Ryobi 6500 is best suited for emergency home backup or construction site power. The heaviness of this generator makes it impractical to move around continually. Also, 6500 watts is much more than is needed for the typical recreational vehicle.

Reasons to Buy:

The Ryobi 6500 provides an outstanding warranty and has good customer ratings. This generator provides more than enough power to keep your home going in an emergency. The standard features include the automatic voltage regulator and safety shut-offs to protect your equipment and the generator. 

Strengths, Average Specs & Weaknesses

The Ryobi 6500 is a great option when considering larger portable generators. It provides 6500-watts of running power with an 8125-watt start-up power. Several safety features protect the generator and the user.

While the easy start mechanism is convenient, it doesn’t provide a fuel shut-off preventing users from running fuel out of the line and carburetor for storage.

Pros:

  • The Ryobi 6500 provides ample power for multiple appliances or power tools. 
  • Large fuel tank for run time up to 10 hours. 
  • Multiple safety features include a carbon monoxide sensor and shut-off.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for sensitive electronics. 
  • Not CARB compliant, not available for sale or purchase in California.
  • The fuel valve doesn’t let you run the carburetor out of gas.

Social Proof

In our review of the Ryobi 6500, we scoured the internet for reviews, both positive and negative. Overall, the feedback is positive. Most sites rated the generator 4 stars or above.

Related Products

We compared the Ryobi 6500 with some of the other top generators in its class. These other generators include the Dewalt 6500, Briggs and Stratton 6500, and Champion 6500. In researching the competitors, we evaluated factors such as weight, noise, autonomy/fuel consumption, and price.

  • Weight: The Ryobi 6500 is the hulk of the group. Weighing in at nearly 200lbs, you need some help to move it. The lightest in the category was the Champion 6500 at only 123lbs. 
  • Noise: With an operational volume of 72 decibels, the Ryobi 6500 is not quiet. It is comparable to other generators in its class. If you are looking for quiet, you will want to purchase an inverter-type generator. 
  • Autonomy: With a run time of 10 hours, the Ryobi 6500 topped the group in autonomy. The large fuel capacity helps ensure this generator runs for the long haul. 
  • Price: The Ryobi 6500 is one of the more affordable generators in its class. All of the generators compared ran around $1,000.

Conclusion

When the lights go out, you need a reliable backup source of power. The Ryobi 6500 has enough power to maintain most appliances in your home. The carbon monoxide monitor provides extra security to ensure that your loved ones are not exposed to toxic fumes, and the 3-year warranty means this product will last.

If you’re in the market for a portable generator, you should check out the Ryobi 6500.

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