top of page

How to Buy a Used Generator



There is much information to process and consider when trying to buy a used

commercial generator for your business. Buying a generator is, unfortunately, not as

simple as choosing a brand or model that you like the look or sound of. Rather, there is

careful research, much plannings, and hours of coordination involved in the decision.

You must familiarize yourself as much as possible with a few elements:

  • the models offered by various brands,

  • the fuel types these models require,

  • the possibility of modification and attachment,

  • the requirements of its powerful operation, and

  • the need for certain types of service and maintenance.

In this post, you will find simple, direct instruction on how to buy a used generator

that fits the bill for your business. Use it to guide your decision about which model and

set of requirements you will rely on to protect your business from unwanted costs and

loss of operation.


Know Your Power


Generators measure power in watts. The number of watts determines how many lights,

appliances, or machines you can run simultaneously. Start by making a list of the number of machines and their type that you need to run in the case of power failure or

outage.


You will likely have to prioritize certain systems for which a generator is necessary,

especially if you have a large facility or high-stakes machinery that must run

consistently—rain or shine. In all likelihood, you will need to buy several generators of

different types to suit the need of your facility in the case of an outage.


Study Generator Types


There are largely three kinds of generators:

  • standby,

  • portable, and

  • inverter.

Standby generators are a permanent fixture of your facility, and they will come on in

the case of an outage automatically. Portable and inverter generators are both mobile,

but portable are better for transportation.


Standby Generators


Standby generators will cost you more, but they also supply more power and will come

on automatically. Often they run self-diagnosis to tell you if maintenance is need, and

they can run on various fuel forms including natural gas (which can supply a nearly

unlimited supply of backup power).


Portable Generators


Portable generators cost less than standby, but they also typically run on gasoline and

stabilizer (for storage). Though you can use a portable generator anywhere on your

property, they create exhaust and potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide. As

such, these are really not suitable as a permanent solution to indoor machinery,

though they have many transportation applications.


Inverter Generators


Inverter generator are somewhat more expensive than portable generators for their

output. They are designed to match the demand of power intelligently, and they run

more quietly than many portable generators because of this, producing fewer

emissions and running more efficiently.


Through this review of generator types, you should see that, as a permanent backup

solution, standby generators are the best selection unless you expect to be aware of

outages and can service your machines with portable power with exhaust.


Consider Model Features


Now that you have narrowed down the type of generator best for your business, it's

time to consider some features that will make your generator ideal. Some generators

will feature intelligent and automatic start, some will feature electric start, and still

others will allow for alternative fuel types. A few common other features to look out for

include:

  • a fuel gauge,

  • low-oil shutoff,

  • multiple outputs, and

  • removable consoles.

Many of our generators come with even more features and can suit many business

types and commercial applications. We can help you select the right generator for your

needs through consultation.


For information about the kind of generator that we can provide you, contact one of

our experienced representatives. We can help you select from our offerings with free

advice for selecting a generator for your specific circumstance by calling (888) 297-5524

ext. 108.

Comments


bottom of page