Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Where to Buy
- Extension Cords or Wire to the Main Electric Panel?
- What Comes in the Box
- Dimensions and Weights
- Technical Specs – Engine
- Technical Specs – Electrical
- Technical Specs – Extra Features
- Display Codes
- Troubleshooting Your RP7500 Portable Generator
- Maintenance and Care
- Replacement Parts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reference Links
Introduction
Caterpillar RP7500E is a robust, high-quality generator with a long list of premium.
The generator is built to be very user-friendly with electric starter powered by a self-charging Lithium Ion starter battery with easy pull-cord option as a backup.
Listed below are all RP models are:
- RP3500 – 3500 w (continuous)
- RP5500 – 5500 w (continuous) / 6875 w (starting)
- RP6500E – 8125 w (starting) / electric start
- RP7500W – 7925 w (continuous) / 9375 w (starting) / electric start
- RP12000E – 12000/11000 watts (running) / 15000w (starting) / electric start
All models come with a wide-mouth fill cap located on top of the metal fuel tank.
As a nice touch, the fuel tank has depression channels to keep fuel spills to a minimum.
Electric start models come with a heavy-duty Lithium Ion battery that will hold the charge up to a year so the generator is ready when you need it.
The will also self-recharge when the generator is running (if your battery is completely dead, simple remove and charge using a battery charger like this Schumacher 30 Amp 12V Fully Automatic Smart Battery Wall Plug-In Charger
Unfortunately, Caterpillar stopped making all portable generators in 2020 (except one inverter model) so the replacement parts can be hard to find so I will do my best to show you available sources.
However, as of 2022, I still own and use RP7500E generator for my home emergency power needs (had zero issues since 2017).
Where to Buy
As stated previously, CAT RP7500E portable generator has been discontinued by Caterpillar back in 2020.
There are still few vendors selling various RP-series generators. If you purchase one of these units, I highly recommend that you check the following:
- Make sure there is engine oil
- Remove the spark plug and squirt about 2 tablespoonful of oil into the cylinder head
- Change oil after 1 hours of operation
Extension Cords or Wire to the Main Electric Panel?
Although CAT RP7500E genny has more than enough outlets, you cannot power larger appliances like a furnace as well as small appliances (i.e. dishwasher).
Instead, I use a gen cord from my generator shed (you can either buy something like this or build a relatively inexpensive generator shed (see how I built one in this post) to my main electric panel to power the house.
Although my Caterpillar RP7500W generator is a powerful unit, I cannot cannot power the entire house so I selectively switch on and off my circuit breakers to manage the load.
If you want to see my setup generator-to-main-panel setup, please read my post Connecting a Portable Generator to the Home Main Electric Panel (Part 1 is here)
What Comes in the Box
- RP7500E unit + assembled frame
- Handlebar
- Oil
- Funnel
- Screwdriver
- Tires
- Multi-Connector Power Cord, 25 ft (item# 502-3692)
Dimensions and Weights
| ASSEMBLED | |
| Height | 24.7 in / 628 mm |
| Width | 27.4 in / 696 mm |
| Length | 32.9 in / 835 mm |
| Extended Length | 45.2 in / 1148 mm |
| Unit Weight (Dry) | 207 lbs / 94 kg |
| CARTON | |
| Height | 23.2 in / 590 mm |
| Width | 22.6 in / 575 mm |
| Length | 34.4 in / 875 mm |
| Shipping Weight | 219 lbs / 99 kg |
Technical Specs – Engine
| Produce Series | RP Generators |
| Engine Displacement | 420 cc, 4-Stroke, Forced Air Cooling |
| Engine Type | Over-Head Valve (OHV), single cylinder |
| Engine RPM | 3600 |
| Fuel Gauge | On Tank |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (nominal) | 7.9 gallon / 30 liters |
| Fuel Tank Material | Metal |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Gasoline >= 87 Octane** |
| Idle Control | None |
| Low-Oil Shutdown Method | Low Level |
| Lubrication Method | Splash (not pressurized) |
| Oil Capacity | 1.1 qt / 1 L |
| Oil, Recommended | SAE30 or 10W-30 |
| Run Time at 50% | 11 Hours |
| Run Time at 100% | 7.5 Hours |
| Starting Method | Electric or Pull |
** No more than 10% ethanol; fuel stabilizer should be used when storing gasoline
Technical Specs – Electrical
| Produce Series | RP Generators |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 7500 watts |
| AC Maximum Output Motor Starting Watts | 9375 watts |
| AC Voltage Output | 120V / 240V |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz |
| DC Output | – |
| Ignition System | Transistorized Magneto |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) (4) | – |
| Voltage Regulation | Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) |
| Low-Oil Shutdown Method | Low Level |
| Battery Type | Self-Charging Lithium Ion |
| Battery rated capacity (AH) | 1.6 |
| Phase | Single |
| Receptacle 1 and 2 | 5-20R, GFCI, 20A |
| Receptacle 3 | NEMA L5-30R, twist-lock, 30A, 120V |
| Receptacle 4 | NEMA L14-30R, twist-lock, 30A, 120V / 240V |
(4) All electric power generated from portable and standby generators can produce “harmonic distortion” which can damage sensitive electronic devices. The Total Harmonic Distortion or THD, number is calculated by adding up all harmonics in order, squaring them, the finally taking the square root of that total divided by the fundamental. THD is usually expressed in percentages. The lower this number (usually 5-6% or lower is best), indicates “cleaner” power to sensitive electronics.
Technical Specs – Extra Features
| Produce Series | RP Generators |
| Illuminated Control Panel | Yes, LED light |
| Handle Style | Padded, Double Hinged |
| Wheel Type | Never-flat |
| Indicator Lights | – |
| USB | – |
| Warranty | 2-year Limited, extended to 3-year when registered within 30 days |
Display Codes
- P50 – It is a reminder to change the oil and check the spark arrestor after 50 hours of use.
Troubleshooting Your RP7500 Portable Generator
- For a detailed troubleshooting information, please read my post, Complete Troubleshooting Guide for Caterpillar RP7500E Portable Generators
Maintenance and Care
Air Filter – comes with an easy access door for air filter cleaning
Replacement Parts
Due to RP7500E model being discontinued back in 2020, Caterpillar OEM parts are rather hard to find.
At this time, this eBay page is the best source of available RP7500E replacement parts
- Large Protective Cover (item # 502-3706)
- Service Kit for RP6500E/7500E (item # 502-3704) – oil, air filter and a spark plug
- Multi-Connector Power Cord, 25 ft (item# 502-3692)
- Spark plug – Part #
- Air Filter – Part #
- Engine Oil – SAE30, 10W-30
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who makes the engine used in Caterpillar RP75000E?
- According to Caterpillar, it produces its own engine but I think the engine may be produced by DuroMax
Reference Links
- Complete Troubleshooting Guide for Caterpillar RP7500E Portable Generators (AllThumbsDIY)
- Detailed Parts List for Caterpillar RP7500E Generator (AllThumbsDIY)
- Connecting a Portable Generator to the Home Main Electric Panel – Part 1
- Caterpillar CAT7500E Support Page (cat.com)
- Buying a Portable Generator Shed – Lifetime Horizontal Shed
- Building a Custom Portable Generator Shed
- Engine Tune up for Generac Wheelhouse 5500 / 5550 Portable Generator
- Fast and Easy Fix for Your Generac Wheelhouse 5500 / 5550 Portable Generator – Part 1
- Fast and Easy Fix for Your Generac Wheelhouse 5500 / 5550 Portable Generator – Part 2
- How to Properly Store Flammable Fuel
- What Fuel is Best for Small Engines
- Make Your Own Carburetor Gasket and Save Money
- Review – Neiko 10070A Torx Bit and External Torx Socket 35-piece Set
- Need a new generator? Consider DuroMax XP13000EH
