The First Step in Purchasing a Suitable Second Hand Generator

When you plan to purchase a used commercial generator for business operations, industrial applications, or facilities, you need to handle a large amount of information. This requires extensive research, meticulous planning, and coordination. Buying a second-hand generator is not just about selecting one from a series of generators and then turning it off. Purchasing a second-hand generator involves research on the generator brand, fuel type, accessories/modifications, operating power requirements and requirements, as well as service and maintenance.

We have proposed an overall guideline to guide you in the right direction and help you take the first step towards purchasing a generator that suits you.

Calculate electricity demand and requirements

The first step in purchasing a commercial generator is to assess your electricity demand and requirements. This process is called determining the size of the generator. When determining the scale of commercial generators, you need to consider all critical equipment that needs to be powered by commercial generators. Besides emergency lights and other important utility services that ensure a safe working environment for employees or provide safer exit routes, what other equipment or machines (if any) need to continue operating? Consult an electrician master to determine your total power demand and requirements.

In addition, if you want to conduct your own research before consulting with an electrician master, you can find resources here to determine the size of the generator for calculating power demand:

Determine the size of the generator

Power calculator

Power calculation and formula

Choose a fuel type

The fuel type determines the type of fuel that the generator will use. This is one of the most important factors before choosing a commercial generator. Diesel generators and natural gas generators are two key commercial generators used in the trading market, each with their own strengths.

Diesel generators are the most commonly used emergency backup power solution, but their drawbacks are limited procurement costs and fuel tank capacity. The maximum duration of a diesel generator is limited by the fuel capacity for a period of time. You need to plan emergency measures in advance if you choose to use commercial diesel generators. If there is a power outage, will you assign staff to ensure that diesel fuel is continuously replenished? You also need to ensure a stable diesel supply to replenish the fuel tank. This may pose challenges in emergency situations, such as hurricanes or severe weather conditions such as blizzards or severe winter storms.

Compared with natural gas generators, diesel generators have lower maintenance requirements. Diesel generators are usually portable devices because the on-board fuel tank can be installed together with the generator on a double axle trailer bracket or mobile chassis to help transport the generator from one location to another relatively easily. This versatility gives diesel generators an overall advantage over natural gas generators, especially when used in industrial applications such as construction or mining far from the main power grid.

Natural gas generators typically have lower purchasing costs, but they also have their own advantages and disadvantages. Due to the use of highly flammable fuel sources, natural gas generators have high maintenance requirements. Regular and routine inspections and repairs must be carried out to ensure that there are no hazardous gas leaks. In addition, if you are in an area prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, or tornadoes, utility companies usually close natural gas pipelines to prevent explosions.

The advantage of natural gas generators is, in simple terms, that there are no restrictions or restrictions on fuel supply in the fuel tank, as they are directly connected to natural gas pipelines in your area. If there is a ready-made natural gas pipeline near the installation location of the generator, the connection should be relatively simple and direct, providing a stable fuel supply without worrying about the fuel tank running out.

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.