Buying A Used Diesel Generator? Here’s What To Look For

Did you know that the global diesel generator market size is expected to have an annual growth rate of 8% from 2020 to 2027? The main reason for this growth is that many are opting for a more reliable power supply. Globally, there is a demand for electricity because of the rapid industrialization and infrastructure development.

Diesel generators come at a hefty price, but you can purchase them used. However, you need to know what to look for to ensure you are getting a good deal.

Read on to learn about what to look for when buying a used diesel generator.

Hours and Usage

When shopping for a used diesel generator, one of the most important things to check is the hours and usage. When you check the history of the machine, you can tell the age of it.

Buying a diesel generator used is a good idea when you know what the machine got used for. For example, it could have been a standby machine or for progressing age of electric power. A standby machine is going to be a better option because it will have less wear and tear.

Merchants often get generators from closeouts or if they get abandoned. This usually means there is no information on where the machine came from and what it was used for. When this is the case, you need to be sure the vendor is professional and experienced.

If merchants don’t know where items come from, they need to be able to assess the machine. This means being able to properly test, tune, reconstruct, and fix any issues that may come up.

Manufacturer Reputation

Determining the quality of a used diesel generator involves understanding the history and reputation of a manufacturer. This is an important factor to consider because models and makes of generators are often not basic.

When you buy a used diesel generator, you want to ensure you can depend on the hardware created by the manufacturer. You won’t want to compromise when it comes to getting a generator because you are going to depend on it for power. Manufacturers that are veterans in the industry make products that last for a long time so you can still enjoy them used.

Maintenance

Finding a reliable diesel generator that works is impossible if it has not been maintained. You may not get great data involving this but you can do your own check and ask the merchant what information they have. Has the merchant been responsible enough for keeping up with maintenance and repairs?

The vendor should be able to provide you with information on exchange switches, diesel engines, power units, and generator closes. It is important to find a merchant that has testing tools and a staff of experts.

This information is vital because a machine that gets kept up will have a longer life span. One that is hopping from client to client and always needing repairs is not the used machine you should go with.

Wear and Tear

Knowing how to find a good used diesel generator involves doing a visual inspection of your own. Like any mechanical device, a generator will have normal wear and tear the longer it gets used.

During your inspection, check every mechanical segment. If a mechanical part looks sketchy, it may be in your best interest to get the parts replaced. The new parts should match the same manufacturer for optimal use.

If you find a generator that has an alternate maker’s engine, it means something was supplanted. This is not usually a cause for concern if the segments were put in by a specialist. You can ask for a certification from the merchant if you run into this.

If the machine has not been finished by only the merchant, the orientation and bushing may have been supplanted too. This is often a sign that there was little respect paid to the condition.

The course and bushings are harder to test. This means you may not know how much pressure the generator has been subjected to.

Before buying a diesel generator used, check the wire protections for a breakdown. You should also check the welds for respectability.

Load Test

When determining the quality of a used diesel generator, ensure the merchant runs a standard load test. Most merchants will already go through this process, but you should always request it to make sure.

This test will prove how productive the electric power in a generator is and how well it reacts to changes. Knowing this will give you an idea of the general states of the machine.

It is also recommended to complete the test more than once. It can get done up to three times as a safety precaution.

The Seller

The last thing to take into consideration when shopping for a used diesel generator is the seller. As a buyer, you should be cautious of who you are buying the machine from especially because of the complexity of diesel generators.

The person you get generators from must be certified technicians that can properly maintain the machine. Even a used generator will come at a big price so it is important to work with an organization you know you can trust.

Finding the Right Used Diesel Generator

Shopping for a used diesel generator doesn’t have to be complicated. When you focus on these qualities, you can find a used generator that will last you for years to come.

At Swift Equipment, we pride ourselves on used machines. In fact, we have every kind of generator you could think of. Check out our high-quality used generators for sale now.