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Factors to Consider While Buying Diesel Engine Generators

If you are thinking of buying a diesel generator, there are varieties of them in the market. Different factors will determine the generator you buy. You can choose to purchase new diesel generators. Depending on individual needs, some people also want to go for used generators. A diesel generator can be used to power heavy equipment, provide you with emergency backup, or standby power. The purpose of your generator will significantly determine whether you will need a new or a used one. There are merits and demerits of buying either of them. Here are a few factors to consider before you decide to buy a diesel generator.

New Diesel Generators

The best thing about buying a new diesel generator is that it comes with a warranty from the manufacturer. Most of the generator warranties range between one and two years, but it is dependent on the engine type, size, and intended use. Therefore, the buyer won’t bear any financial obligation if a mechanical problem occurs within the period of the warranty. A warranty is an insurance policy, and it increases the buyer’s confidence even with a big purchase.

However, just like other new equipment, brand-new diesel generators are a bit expensive compared to used ones. Also, extra delivery time may be needed to get a new generator to your location, especially if it’s a larger one. It is recommendable to direct huge investments on new generators because their reliability is guaranteed, and they are highly durable with fewer chances to fail.

Generator Ends

Generator ends are mainly used to determine the smoothness in voltages from a generator. The generator ends play a vital role in voltage regulation. They also have a significant role in computers and other delicate electronic machines.

If cost is an issue to you, consider buying used generator ends because they are readily available for any specification and are also cheaper. The generator ends, plus the diesel makes up a generator set.

Used Diesel Generators
There are several reasons why you may want to buy a used diesel generator. The top of the list for many people is that they come at a very subsidized price compared to the new ones. You can get a low-hours on the engines generator at a relatively low cost. In some instances, you can end up saving up to 50% of the retail price of a new one.

One other reason why you may consider buying a used diesel generator is their availability. Used generators are readily available. Also, they can be installed immediately after buying them. You will not need to wait because the manufacturer has very few of them. Some of the sellers will even ship the generator for you after you have purchased it.

Most manufacturers build industrial-strength diesel generators. As such, the risk of buying a used generator is usually negligible. If the generator you purchase is not that old, you can also get a guarantee of some sort from the dealer. The advice in most cases is that if you have to buy a used generator, consider buying one that was previously used for standby power. Such generators are only used when there is a blackout or any disruption; hence, they have proper maintenance.

However, there are also disadvantages associated with buying used diesel generators. Since it belonged to someone else, you may have to rely on the information given by the seller other than the manufacturer. You will, therefore, depend on the seller for crucial information such as its previous usage, history as well as its current condition. As a result, you should buy from a reputable company that has the expertise and the necessary infrastructure to test, repair, and rebuild. Testing is a very critical aspect that you cannot afford to ignore. Unfortunately, many small brokers do not have the necessary machines to do the testing.

Buying Surplus Diesel Generators
Surplus generators are those that have been in the inventory of a company or organization for a long time. They could also be those that exceed the original requirement of the buyer and are currently not in use. You can get surplus generators from either companies’, auction dealers and distributors. If a company receives more generators than is required, it may consider selling the extra.

One challenge of buying surplus diesel generators is that they may cost you almost the same price as a new one. However, if you can get one at a fair price, it is usually one of the best buys you can make.

Rebuilt Diesel Engines
A rebuilt diesel generator could be another option to consider. The main reason why people go to this type is that they are highly cost-effective. Also, this type of generators goes through an extremely rigorous process to produce a like-new product. Rebuilding is a process that entails:

  • Dissembling the engine cores and cleaning all parts in a chemical vat. The pieces are then tested, inspected, then rebuild.
  • Do a thorough check of the cylinder blocks. The cylinder bores and crank bores are checked and, if necessary, repaired. It also includes checking the water passages as well as measuring and polishing the crankshafts.
  • There is also the replacement or remanufacturing of connecting rods and blowers. The water and fuel are fitted with new bearings, seals, and shafts too. The pumps are tested before the generator can be released.
  • After the remanufacturing of the new parts, the engine is now ready for assembling. The new bearings, seals, gaskets, and other components are fitted together. The rebuilt engine undergoes advanced testing for various loads.

In all these processes, great care is taken to ensure the rebuilt engine is almost as good as new. Doing so makes the rebuilt engines the next better option for use as emergency generators or any other application after the new ones. However, you will still need to ensure that you are buying from a trusted dealer. He/she should have the necessary technical expertise and personnel to handle all the meticulous details.

In conclusion, when deciding on buying a diesel generator, you must consider all the factors carefully.

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