The Pulsar PG10000B16 10000-watt portable dual fuel hybrid generator seems like a versatile but affordable option for home backup power or other projects. A dual fuel portable generator gives you the option of using either gasoline or liquid propane when the lights go out.
Pulsar PG10000B16: Engine And Run Time
The Pulsar PG10000B16 dual fuel portable generator needs a powerful engine to produce 10000 peak watts. It has a 420cc four stroke engine which runs on either propane or gasoline. This is not a quiet generator because of its large engine and open frame.
This portable generator weighs just over 200 pounds, so it is essential to install the included fold-down handles and never-flat wheels.
It seems to have both a low oil indicator light and a low oil shutdown function. Use SAE 10W-30 grade oil for the engine, although 5W-30 might be necessary for cold weather. The oil drain plug is located to the bottom left of the oil dipstick.
The large fuel tank on top of the generator has a 6.6-gallon capacity. The product information says that it can run for up to 12 hours at 50% load (4000 watts) on a full tank of gasoline. The run time on LPG is not provided, so we are not going to comment on that.
Recoil And Electric Start
The Pulsar PG10000B16 dual fuel portable generator comes with a battery which provides power for its electric starter. It also has a recoil pull starter as a backup starting method for times when the battery does not have enough charge. You should get a battery charger or maintainer to keep the battery charged for emergencies.
Dual Fuel Switch
You have both the fuel tank and LPG tank hooked up to the generator, but it is running low on gasoline. What now? The switch & go fuel knob allows you to switch from gasoline to propane while the engine is running. The engine will probably struggle for a few moments before it runs smoothly on the propane. Because of that, all appliances should be unplugged before switching from one fuel source to another. The generator comes with its own LPG regulator and hose.
Peak And Rated Watts
The Pulsar PG10000B16 dual fuel generator has different output watts depending on the fuel source. It achieves a maximum output of 10000 watts for starting purposes before going back down to its maximum rated load of 8000 watts. Liquid propane gas does not have the energy density of gasoline, therefore it achieves only 9000 peak watts and 7000 rated watts when running on propane.
Power Outlets
The Pulsar PG10000B16 hybrid generator does not have a shortage of receptacles. It has four 120V 20A AC outlets for various tools and appliances. It also has a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, 50A RV receptacle and 12V DC trickle charge output.
Pulsar PG10000B16 vs. G10KBN
These Pulsar generators have almost the same specifications with only one or two small differences. For example, the frame of the G10KBN has two extra bars which are installed above the fuel tank to protect it should the generator ever roll over on its top side. The color schemes are not the same, but this makes absolutely no difference to performance.
The key difference is that the Pulsar G10KBN does not have the switch and go knob for switching between fuel sources while the engine is still running. This simply means that you should turn off the generator and close the gasoline fuel switch before switching between gasoline and propane.
Pulsar PG10000B16: Conclusion
People are interested in the PG10000B16 model because it is large enough to provide backup power for a house during power outages. Gasoline fuel is more difficult to obtain during long power outages, so being able to switch to propane is a big benefit. Liquid propane gas can also be stored for extended periods without turning stale like gasoline. Ethanol fuel might gum up the carburetor if used infrequently, while propane does not cause such problems.
All in all, the Pulsar PG10000B16 seems like a good generator for the money you have to spend. In other words, you get a 10000-watt dual fuel portable generator with electric start for around $1000 (view offers on Amazon).
P.S. Why not take a look at the Duromax XP12000EH dual fuel portable generator with electric start? It might not have switch & go technology, but it costs about the same as the Pulsar PG10000B16, yet it offers 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts on gasoline. You may read my Duromax XP12000EH review for more details.