5 Top Tips on Buying a Used Diesel Generator

Generators are useful pieces of machinery. They supply electrical power during a power cut to prevent the disruption of your daily business activities. Buying a used diesel generator can offer you numerous benefits, with the used units making for a cost-effective way to meet your company’s power requirements. However, unlike a brand new generator, you may not know exactly what you are getting when you buy a used generator. This is why it is necessary to do a little work to ensure you are getting value for money. Here are some tips for buying used diesel generators.

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Age and usage

Some of the most important issues you should ask about when looking to buy a used diesel generator are the age and history of the unit. While age refers to how old the generator is, history covers how it was used and what it was used for by the previous owner. Be sure to check how many hours the machine has on it as well as inquire whether it was used as a primary or standby unit. Generally, a generator that is a few months old has a few hours on it and is likely to serve you well.

Manufacturer reputation

One of the main reasons for buying a generator is to ensure that your business activities will go on uninterrupted even in case of a power outage. When shopping for used generators for sale, you should consider going for known and reputable brands. This will not only go a long way in ensuring that spare parts are readily available but also that the generator lasts a long time.

Manufacturer reputation

Physical wear and tear

Just as with other mechanical gadgets, generators endure wear and tear amid activity. This is why it is important to conducts a visual inspection to ascertain that all mechanical parts appear to be in good condition. In addition to checking for corrosion and cracks on various parts, you should get the bearings and bushings replaced regardless of their condition or function. You should also take time to check the welds, electrical parts, and wire insulations. Lastly, it will be necessary to run a load test to determine the efficiency and electrical power output of the machine. Your decision to buy should partly be based on the load test results.

Maintenance of Used Diesel Generator

While you may not be in a position to authenticate this kind of data, you should request the merchant to provide information on keeping up with repairs on the diesel engine. Check whether regular repairs covered exchange switches, power units, and generator closes. You can also check whether the merchant has the capacity to offer the support you may require. This includes having in-house experts, dyno-testing gear, and circuit testers.

Know who you are buying from

Anyone can put a generator up for sale in online and offline advertising media. However, diesel generators are complicated pieces of equipment that require proper maintenance and professional testing to perform optimally. If you are to increase your chances of making the most of your investment, you should work with professional and knowledgeable dealers. You can also consider used generators for sale by owner.

Apart from following these tips, you should do your research, avoid being in a rush, and ask the dealer any questions you may have.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Used Diesel Generator

Is it a good idea to buy a used diesel generator?

There is no doubt that diesel generators are highly reliable, efficient and sturdy sources of alternative power and come in really handy in times of emergency. If you are thinking of buying one and are not ready to spend a huge sum immediately, buying a used generator is also a great option. The one thing that you must keep in mind is that you must thoroughly inspect it before making a purchase. If you are not extremely sure of your knowledge or inspection ability, take an expert’s help. They will be able to inspect and choose the generator which is in the best condition.

What thing one must keep in mind while buying a used diesel generator?

Buying a used generator is a good investment, especially if budget is a constraint and you are not going to use it very regularly. However, there are certain things that you must keep in mind before you finalize a used generator. Firstly, check the hours, age and history of the generator. Secondly, opt for a brand that has a good reputation in the kind of usage you are going to buy the generator for. Furthermore, you must check how well it has been maintained. This is an important point to consider. If the generator hasn’t been maintained properly, it will not perform well.

Is it important to choose the right dealer while purchasing a used generator?

The used diesel generator market is a big industry where several players eye to get customers. While it is profitable for those looking to buy a used generator as you get ample options, there are some fraudsters as well who can land you in a bad deal. This is why it is important to choose a credible and reputable dealer who will provide you with good options. Check their experience, expertise, customer reviews and feedback. You can either check all of this online or ask people around for more information.