Having a generator on standby in case you lose power is a smart business practice. Any kind of outage can bring on the same feelings when you forget to save a Word document and get greeted with a blank page when you reopen it.
But do you choose to go with a brand new state of the art generator or a reliable used one that has gone through the paces? This piece of equipment could have the whole company in its hands if something were to go wrong. Some used generators for sale can be a proven commodity as it’s tried and tested.
So what should you keep an eye out for when you’re searching for a used generator? Is it any different from buying a new generator? It actually is, here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
1. Find Out if the Used Generators for Sale Comes With a Warranty
It’s unlikely that your used generator will come with a warranty. But if it does, then it will give you an indication of how old the piece of machinery is.
You will need to check that the warranty doesn’t void if you’re not the original owner. There should be a reference to this if there is any documentation.
If a warranty is important to you and gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong, then a used generator might not be for you. But read the full description for the generator as you might get lucky and find one that comes with it.
2. See How It Compares to Buying a New Generator
One of the reasons people look at buying used generators is the price. Some are significantly cheaper than buying a new piece of machinery, but you do need to weigh up more than just the cost of the product.
You’ll need to keep in mind the fuel economy of the older machine, which might not stack up compared to the newer generators today. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to think about how much replacement parts may cost. You should even check to see if replacement parts would be available depending on how old the generator is.
A lot of these factors will depend on how often the generator has been used. The more it’s been utilized, the higher the chance the parts may need replacing once you turn it on.
3. Check How Often the Generator Got Used
If you’re not an expert when it comes to generators, then you’re not going to be able to tell how frequently or infrequently the machine was used. But if you know a technician, then they will be able to spot some signs of usage and if any parts may need replacing.
Sadly there is no logbook or telltale sign of usage. So on most occasions, you’re going to need to take the seller at their word.
4. Understand the Features of the Generator
Depending on the age of the used item you’re looking at, you might need to sacrifice some features that you can only get in newer models. Some of these may impact fuel economy and efficiency. So while the cost outlaw might be less, you may end up paying for it in other ways.
Another option is to purchase accessories for the used generator. Or it could get modified to include remote start, two-wire auto start, and even earth leakage protection. Just double-check the accessories are compatible with your model otherwise, it could cause technical issues.
5. Take a Look at the Fuel Type
Generators will use either diesel, petrol, or gas as fuel. You’ll need to consider this when buying one. They all have their pros and cons, but they also come at very different costs.
You’ll want to know the availability of the fuel in your location and any associated costs that come with using that particular type of resource. It’s also worth seeing if there are any local Government compliance or regulations that relate to a certain fuel type. But the biggest decision relates to how often you’ll use the generator, as it will determine if you should go with gas or diesel.
6. Investigate the Maintenance Records
A reputable seller should be able to supply some proof that the used generator they’re selling has been well maintained. You might be able to tell this just by the look of it. If there are no rust, grease, or deformities, then it’s likely that it has been well maintained.
It’s also good to know who has maintained the generator. Did they use a third-party to service and take care of it? Or did the seller choose to service the machine themself?
Regardless, there should be some sort of documentation to show that the generator has been regularly serviced. There should also be information about any new part installations and any other type of repairs that have taken place.
Is a Used Generator Right for Your Needs?
Just because there are used generators for sale, it doesn’t mean that you need to snap them up. You should purchase the right piece of machinery for your situation and your organization. Both new and used generators have their benefits, but neither are perfect for every scenario.
No matter what type of generator or piece of industrial equipment you need for your company, we’ll have it for sale. We work with your requirements to find the machinery that will fit your individual needs.
If you’re shopping around your next generator, take a look at our store first before you go anywhere else.
Leave A Comment