Aug. 18, 2025
Measurement & Analysis Instruments
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. To begin, it all starts with choosing the right generator for your specific power requirements. For more information on that, see our other article on determining the size of generator. Once you have determined the size you will need, then it’s time to start looking at a number of other factors.
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Some of the key factors to consider when buying a used generator of any type (diesel, natural gas, electric, propane, gas, etc.):
When shopping for a reliable used generator to buy, one of the first things you can try to check is the hours, age and history of the generator set. First, find out how many hours it has on it, generator engines are usually just like a car and have an odometer reading. It may also be helpful to know what it was used for, and whether it was for the ongoing generation of electric power (prime/continuous), or if it was it a standby machine. A generator that has been used as a standby or backup power source will typically be better maintained and have much less wear than one used as a prime power source. However, be aware that there are many times when the age and usage information is simply not available. Dealers typically acquire generators from things like foreclosures, auctions, and so forth, and they often have no idea where it came from or what it was used for in the past. In those cases, the reputation and technical expertise of the seller is often much more important anyway, since they will (hopefully) be the ones who inspect, tune, rebuild, test, and fix anything that might be wrong before reselling it.
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. Industry veterans like Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Onan, Kohler, John Deere, and a handful of others all have a long history of producing high quality equipment that will last for years and years when properly maintained.
This is another area where you might not be able to get much historical information, but you can and should check the seller’s current level of knowledge on maintaining and repairing diesel engines, power units, transfer switches, and generator ends. You can gauge the seller’s current knowledge and expertise in regards to that type of maintenance by simply asking about the procedures they use; if they install and de-install, have dyno-testing equipment on site, have a certified staff of technicians in-house, electricians on staff, and so forth. This is important, since a well-maintained and/or rebuilt generator set will have a much longer life than one that is simply changing hands from a broker to end-user, or end-user to end-user.
Your next action should be a visual inspection. A generator, like any mechanical device, suffers wear and tear during operation. Check all mechanical components for wear or fatigue. See if any of the mechanical parts have any cracks or corrosion built up. If any part is found to be questionable, it should be replaced, ideally with components recommended by the manufacturer. Every now and then you might run across a generator set that has a different manufacturer’s engine and/or end than it originally came with. While that is a sign that something was replaced and it was obviously worked on at some point, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal breaker as long as the individual components were installed by a certified technician, tested extensively, and it stills come with some type of guarantee from the dealer.
If this hasn’t already been done by the dealer, the bearings and bushings should all be replaced, regardless of their function or condition. This is to ensure that these parts do not cause any damage due to their failure while running the generator set. The bearings and bushings are subject to stress during the generator operation and it is very difficult to test these parts for any stress they have been subjected to during the operation of the generator. Therefore, from a safety point of view, the replacement of bearings and bushings is the best course of action. The same goes for bolts and fasteners.
Check the welds for integrity. Also inspect electrical components and windings for integrity. Test wire insulations for breakdown. Any part not up to the mark should be replaced.
This is a standard test most respectable dealers should have already run, but you should still ask to make sure. A load test helps to determine the overall efficiency in electric power generation. How well the generator responds to varying loads is usually a good indicator of its efficiency under the specified load limits. The kind of electric power output the generator gives will also provide some indication of the general state and well-being of the generator set. The test should check for proper output and frequency. The test may need to be repeated up to three times for added precaution to ensure there are no unexpected power breakdowns.
While anyone on the street can put a generator up for sale in the classifieds, on eBay, and so forth, that’s clearly not an ideal situation for a buyer. Industrial diesel generators are complex, finely tuned pieces of machinery that clearly needs to be properly maintained and tested by certified technicians in order for them to operate at optimum efficiency and be there when you need them most. They aren’t called emergency standby generators for nothing! And, since most generators come with a substantial price tag, all the more reason to make sure you have professionals and an organization you can trust. Specialized brokers are sometimes an option when you can’t find what you need, but be aware that you will be paying a substantial commission on any deal they broker between you and the seller, and that most of them do not have a full machine shop, technicians on staff, or the appropriate testing equipment. Therefore, to eliminate any risks, of course we recommend always going with a professional organization backed by years of industry experience, just like we offer here at Generator Source – over 20 years in the business and still going strong!There are obviously numerous factors and considerations to take into account when buying a used generator, but hopefully this article has helped to at least shed some light on many of the critical components.
Powercut!
That is the last thing you want to hear in the middle of production, and yet it can happen. If you operate a company, you know how crippling it can be to profits to have a sudden break in production.
To allay these concerns you need to create a plan to help you function in the event of unforeseen circumstances and power outages. The best step you can take to specifically address emergency power is to invest in a commercial generator that will keep your lights on and the company running when the grid goes down.
The time that is spent without electricity can be a great loss for any company. However, it can be especially disastrous for companies where reliable power is mission critical; restaurants can lose hundred of thousands of dollars in perishable inventory, cold storage facilities can be liable for damages to their clients’ losses, manufacturers, drillers, mining & aggregate companies can lose days or weeks of productivity. To avoid this, you should consider a permanent backup generator for your business.
To help you make the best decision, here are some helpful questions to ask your commercial generator company.
The first thing you want to determine is how many watts is efficient to keep your business running. If you operate a small business then you’re likely only needing to keep office lights, servers, computers and printers up and running– a relatively low power load. In contrast, a large manufacturing plant has to power all of the above in addition to larger production machinery which will demand much higher KW.
One way to know the amount of wattage you’ll need is to assess your electricity bill. Look at it your power usage over the past year to determine your daily needs, and this will help narrow the field of generators that will be appropriate to your business. Typically, monthly power bills will outline your business’s peak usage — a good indicator of your requirements. To ensure you have enough reserve power, it’s advisable to ad 25% above your peak usage when calculating your overall backup KW needs.
Regardless, while the above advice will point you in the right direction, you will still want to have a professional generator dealer evaluate and advise you before purchase.
The amount of wattage you use is an effective way to determine the type of generator you will need. However, you should also be aware that the electricity that the generator will produce is dependent on the engine. With that, you will need to think about the fuel that the generator will use as well. There are several types of fuels available, however both your power usage, the frequency with which you will need to use your generator, and whether or not the fuel will be stored on site need to all be taken into consideration. For example, if you’re looking, if you’re power requirements are in excess of 100KW and you will be storing fuel on site, then diesel is likely ideal.
Let’s take a closer look:
Natural Gas
If your business has a natural gas line, then this fuel type may be best suited for you. It saves you the cost of storing fuel on your property and is always available for usage. It remains functional even when it’s cold, and while these engines consume more quantity of fuel, operation is very cheap and convenient.
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Diesel
This fuel type is the most popular among commercial generator fuels. It is very convenient and it runs efficiently. This fuel is also one of the most affordable types to both operate and maintain. It works well when the weather gets cold and can be stored on-site for up to two years.
Dual Fuel
Did you know there are engines that can run on both diesel and natural gas? Well, these engines are especially well suited for businesses operating generators for prime power, while their versatility ensures that regardless of what fuel you have immediately available, your operations stay up and running.
Gasoline and Propane
For small businesses with low power needs, these can be viable options. However, at scale, both of these fuel types can be quite expensive and for different reasons. Propane can be stored indefinitely, but carries a high price tag; gasoline may be cheaper, but only has a one-year shelf life.
The next factor to consider is the period of time that you will need the generator to power your business. You will not know how long a power outage might last so to anticipate the time period will be a bit difficult.
Despite that, you still want to purchase a generator that will run indefinitely since it will be the main source of power. The running time goes hand-in-hand with the fuel type so it is always important that you get the most efficient fuel for your business.
Whether it is a small business or a manufacturing company, you want to ensure that the fuel is able to support your generator for a lengthy period. Once the fuel runs out, your generator will stop running so consider the fuel source at all times.
An important question to ask about your commercial generator is its mobility. Depending on the type of business you run you may or may not need a stationary generator.
A stationary generator connects to your electricity line and monitors your electricity. Should there be a power outage, the generator will automatically switch on to supply your business with electricity. This is especially useful if your business sells or manufactures frozen or perishable goods.
In this case, you would never want to be without a way to get power fast. A stationary generator will also ensure that your security lights stay on should a power cut happen at night.
Portable generators are very useful as well and tend to be more affordable. If you wish to perform renovations on your business and will need to disconnect the power supply this is a great option.
These are also great if your business is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Good models to try are the CAT XQ500 or XQ.
These generators are a good choice if you have an office and want to ensure that your computers will still run and your security systems will still be powered if there is a power outage.
Both portable and stationary generators help to boost safety and security when the power goes out. For example, if you have an office that is dark and usually needs lights during the day, a portable generator can help to prevent accidents.
Your generator should be able to fit within your budget. However, do consider that sometimes even when the cost is cheaper you are not necessarily getting a good deal. This is because you have to consider the cost of maintenance that will come sooner or later.
Commercial generators usually require frequent maintenance, servicing, and testing to ensure that they are running efficiently and effectively. This sometimes can become very costly for you, so factor this into your budget.
One additional factor to consider is the fuel cost which usually fluctuates so it is difficult to determine what the price will be. However, when choosing a generator try to project future fuel costs and let it be a guiding force in your choice of generator.
All businesses require equipment that will allow it to function in the event of an emergency. As long as you operate a business, you must consider all options to save you time and money. Invest in a commercial generator that is most suitable for your business and be sure to consider all the factors discussed here.
If you run a large business you want to ensure that your generator can operate efficiently with the right fuel and is connected to your utility line. If you run a small business you can get away with using a small portable generator.
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