Diesel Generator Buying Guide
Nowadays, generator is widely used in various fields by individual or industry. Generator is divided into many types like open type, stationary type, portable type, trailer type, soundproof type, etc. No matter what types, you should be careful to choose a good one.
For Stationary Generators, the features are as below:
• These units cost more money and should be installed by a pro (so factor in labor costs). An experienced electrician can help with town or municipal permits, noise restrictions, and proper location.
• These start automatically when the power goes out, and often supply more power.
• They run a self-diagnosis and let you know when maintenance is needed.
For Portable Generators, the features are as below:
• These units tend to cost less.
• They run on gas or propane that you may need to store in large quantities. Stabilizer must be added to store gasoline safely.
• You can use them anywhere on or off your property, but they must be at least 15 feet away from your house, doors, or windows—and not in an enclosed space. If it's raining, you must use a tent or cover.
• Several of these models offer electric starting. The battery required, however, may not be included.
• They provide from 3,000 to 8,500 watts.
Note: Don’t let rain, snow, or wind keep you in the dark. Consider these options to make sure you get the best generator for your needs.
Difference bewteen stationary generator and portable generator
When the power goes off, the stationary generator goes on—without your intervention. This is great if you travel a lot or have a long commute.
Most portable models run only on gasoline, though some come equipped to run on a propane tank or natural-gas line—or can be converted with kits.
There are many great benefits to purchasing a pre-owned or low-hour used generator. Companies that are both large and small routinely purchase generators that are pre-owned units because it is often the most cost-effective way to buy high-quality industrial assets and/or heavy equipment. However, there are also a number of factors and considerations that must be taken into account before making the actual purchase, which is of course the main purpose of this article.
Before purchasing a generator, you must first determine the wattage necessary to power all of your appliances.
Tip: Remember that starting wattage requirements may be as high as three or four times the required continuous wattage. Portable generators offer a higher surge wattage to help accommodate start-up requirements.
How to find your desired generator wattage:
• Find the wattages of all the equipment you'd like to power with a generator using the chart below.
• For equipment with motors, double the wattage requirements - more power is necessary to start up these items. For these, you'll need a higher starting wattage but won't need the power to be that high
• Add up the wattage for everything to get your total wattage required.
Second, you also need to know about the manufacturer history and reputation
While the make and model are not always that critical, the generator manufacturer's history and reputation should definitely play a role when your company is choosing to rely on used machinery. Since you are purchasing a product that you will most likely come to rely on for electric power at some point (whether you are buying a prime or emergency standby generator), now is not really the time to be cutting corners or taking big chances on unknown brands. It's always a good idea to go with a trusted manufacturer who has a reputation for producing equipment that can stand the stress and test of time, and so you can find parts and service that's readily available if necessary.
Third, price is also a factor that you would not like to overlook at all while considering a generator for sale. This factor primarily depends on the power output given by the generator device. The World Wide Web is flourished up with a plethora of websites offering a wide range of quality diesel generators. All you need to compare the prices of the generator equipment over different sites and choose the one that suits your budget.
Another majorly considered factor when when looking for generators to buy is the generator position. Due to producing a plethora of harmful chemicals and fumes, diesel generators are not suitable for indoor use. Thus, if you have decided to purchase this kind of generator then make sure that you have an appropriate outdoor space to position the generator.
In addition, you also need to consider whether the genset includes a transfer switch.
