Diesel engines are very durable, reliable, and efficient. That is why they have remained a popular choice for everything from small air compressors to large engines for heavy machinery.
Due to their extremely long operating lifespan, used diesel engines are a good option for a quality product without paying full price. They afford the advantages of a new engine while minimizing cost.
If you are in the market for a new engine and are considering going with diesel, there are many reasons this is a smart move. The information below provides some basic information on diesel engines and their benefits. It also includes some insight into why a used one may be the perfect choice for your business and budget.
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Diesel Engine Basics
The diesel engine was invented in the 1890s by a German engineer named Rudolf Diesel. He was looking for a replacement for the inefficient steam engines of the time and found it. The engine he invented was 16 percent more efficient.
Diesel engines are considered internal combustion engines. That means they ignite fuel to create power inside their compartments. Internal combustion engines replaced external combustion and steam engines, which relied on large mechanisms and separate heat sources to produce energy.
Unlike gasoline engines that ignite fuel to start combustion, diesel engines use mechanical compression. Cylinders heat the air to a high temperature that ignites the fuel injected into it.
Used Diesel Engines
There are several advantages to buying used diesel engines that can be an asset to your work and business. Here are a few of the most important ones to consider.
Durability and Reliability
The number one reason used diesel engines are a good choice is because of their durability. They last far longer than their gasoline counterparts. And you can expect diesel engines to run better once they have been broken in.
This is due to the overall design of the engine and the heavy-duty components that make them up. Also, diesel engines do not have spark plugs or distributors, which means fewer parts to break down.
You can expect to get 10,000 operating hours or more for diesel engines. Performing regular maintenance is important to ensure longevity.
Diesel engines need far less service and repairs than other types of engines. This translates to reduced running costs for the machines, which can add up over the lifetime of the equipment.
If you are worried about buying secondhand in general, selecting a prominent retailer can assuage some of these concerns. They perform rigorous tests and inspections on their used equipment, so you know you are getting a quality product.
A reputable retailer will provide some type of warranty or guarantee. This gives you the same kind of assurance that you get with a new diesel engine.
Increased Power
Diesel engines’ use of compressed air produces fast combustion. Longer pistons strokes translate to greater leverage and force.
These two dynamics allow diesel engines to produce more power than their similarly-sized gasoline counterparts. For instance, some diesel generators can produce close to double the amount of power as some of their similarly-sized competitors.
This also means that you can purchase a smaller engine that will do the same tasks as a larger gasoline one. That is advantageous for transportation or other scenarios that benefit from more compact equipment.
One common complaint about diesel engines is that they tend to be heavier. Increased output relative to size tends to offset this minor drawback.
Efficiency
Besides sheer power output, you can expect diesel engines to operate more efficiently than other types. For instance, across the board, diesel engine trucks get much better gas mileage than gasoline ones. The same is true for other equipment with diesel engines.
The U.S. Department of Energy says that diesel engines are 30 to 35 percent more efficient than gasoline ones of the same size. This translates to cost savings both from fuel costs, but also longer runtimes for your equipment.
Diesel Engine Cost
Another good reason to choose a used diesel engine over a new one is the cost. When buying new, diesel engines tend to cost more than other types.
Due to their durability, used engines help cut costs while still providing you with a machine that will last and run reliably for years. In short, buying a used diesel engine bridges this price discrepancy.
Environmentally Friendly
A common misconception is that diesel engines are noisy, dirty machines. Decades ago, this may have been the case. But innovations in fuel injection systems and engine block designs have yielded diesel engines that are quiet and refined.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires all diesel engines to meet emissions standards. So, you can know that buying a used diesel engine is minimizing environmental impact.
Also, advances like duel-fuel engines afford other environmentally-friendly options. One is the ability to use alternative fuel sources like natural gas.
Natural gas is too volatile to ignite, so diesel is injected to trigger combustion, and then natural gas is burned as the main fuel. An added benefit of these engines is that, should natural gas become unavailable, you can run them on diesel alone.
Find the Right Used Diesel Engine
Now that you have an idea of the many benefits diesel engines provide, you can look for one to suit your business needs. Used diesel engines are a great option if you want to optimize performance and efficiency and get the most bang for your buck.
At Swift Equipment Solutions, we have a wide variety of used diesel engines, including generators, diesel air compressors, and industrial engine cores. There are a lot of remanufactured diesel engines on the market, but we ensure that you are getting the best quality and performance for the price.
Reach out to us today to see if we can help you find the right equipment for your business.
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