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.