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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with a supplier that provides used diesel generators

You can often purchase used and refurbished equipment if you need to save money. This can also be a simple solution if you need a generator quickly. Because diesel generators are so versatile, used equipment is usually in great condition. To make sure you get great used equipment, you should have it checked over by a professional to resolve any mechanical issues.

I recommend: To know whether this equipment is right for your business, check out this article from Diesel Service & Supply. PoweredGenerators.com offers a lot of useful information about buying and using diesel generators.

Choose an efficient diesel generator from specialty diesel generator companies

If you want to get the most out of your diesel generator, it's best to choose one that can give you the power that you need, no more or less. Power sizing and physical sizing go hand in hand. To choose the most efficient generator for your business, consider the physical size of the generator as well as how much power it can put out.

I recommend: US Power & Environment provides information on the affordability and cost efficiencies of different types of diesel generators. All Generators Guide provides information on why diesel is the best choice for most commercial and industrial applications.

Decide whether you need prime or diesel standby generators

Depending on the needs of your company, you may either be in the market for a prime diesel generator or a standby generator. A prime generator will be able to run at full capacity for as long as you need it. A standby generator, however, is built to run during power outages or failures.

I recommend: The frequently asked questions from GeneratorJoe may provide you with a solid lead as to which diesel generator type you need for your business. MRA Engineering is another good resource for information on generator types and sizes.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To find the correct diesel generator and equipment for your needs, make sure to note how much space you have to house it, the wattage you need, and how much you have to spend on the initial investment.

Guide to Diesel Generator Distributors

Find new or used diesel generators through online distributors

By Ben Hahn, Freelance Writer

1. Buy used diesel generators for a better deal on equipment that still works fine.
2. Purchase generator parts along with the machine itself to prepare for maintenance necessities.
3. If you’re replacing an old generator, find a diesel generator distributor who will buy or exchange used machines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare prices on generators from multiple diesel generator companies

If you know the specifications for your generator, but haven't found an easy place to compare similar models, go online to get a price quote on different machines. Comparing prices will let you find the machine that fulfills your needs and fits your budget.

I recommend: BuyerZone.com will give you a free price quote on machines from multiple diesel generator companies sold by various distributors. Fill out a short survey and receive a follow up phone call from diesel generator distributors with machines in stock that fit your requirements.

Recycle your diesel standby generator when shopping for a new one

If you have to get rid of your old generator, you might as well make some cash. Whether you're looking for a brand new diesel generator and equipment or want to replace the old generator with another used model, look for a generator supplier who both buys and sells.

I recommend: Diesel Service and Supply buys as well as sells diesel generators, provided they are still in working condition. Fill out a short online form about your generator or call an agent to talk in person.

Buy the accessories you need for your new or used diesel generator

Sometimes it isn't enough to just buy the generator. Depending on your situation, you may need accessories to facilitate its installation, or extra parts to prepare for any mechanical problems. Look for generator suppliers who supply generator parts as well as the machines themselves and buy everything you need at once.

I recommend: GoPower.com sells a full selection of generator accessories in addition to diesel generators. Whether you need a remote fuel tank, an enclosure for safety reasons, or a trailer for transporting your generator, GoPower has it in stock. They also offer same day shipping on any generator.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find warranty information from various generator distributors before buying a model so you know how long you're covered if anything goes wrong.

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Buy used diesel generators and used generator sets to save money

Large, industrial equipment is often well maintained, so buying used diesel generators is a wise investment for a business with a small budget. Used generator sets cost $10,000 and up, depending on the size of the generator and how long it was previously owned.

I recommend: Diesel Service & Supply provides a wide range of diesel generator models, from small 41kW models up to large industrial models. Gas & Diesel Generators offers a variety of product reviews for the most popular brands of gas and diesel generators on the market.

Choose diesel generator companies that offer small generators

Diesel generators can be a vital tool in many industrial companies. But if you have the wrong size generator you will either be unable to generate enough power to the right sources, or you could be wasting a lot of money maintaining a power source that is just too large for your needs. Generators range in price from under $2,000 for a 12 kW generator, up to $50,000 for models around 750 kW.

I recommend: Caterpillar offers all different sizes of diesel generators for all types of applications, including generators for prime power purposes or standby power. Generator Joe has all the basic information you need to choose the right size generator for the job.

Find diesel generator and equipment for large industrial uses

Generator models above 750kW are very large, powerful machines. These generators are typically used in areas where large machinery needs to be powered, or where power outages could be detrimental to a business. For models above 750 kW of power, expect to pay anywhere from $150,000 to $1 million.

I recommend: Southwest Enterprises offers a selection of generators that work at 1,000 kW and above. Northern Tool + Equipment has many commercial diesel generators to choose from, including those that run past 100,000 kW.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Any type of commercial diesel generator will need large amounts of diesel to work, plus more stored on-site to keep it running if necessary. Make sure your business has the ability to properly store diesel fuel.

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Watt

Most diesel generator distributors provide a watt or kilowatt measurement in the specifications for their generators. A watt is a universal measurement designed to tell you how much power the machine generates. Kilowatt (kW) machines produce more power than ones measured in watts.

I recommend: For a definition of watt and how it relates to a kilowatt, visit TechTarget.

Silent generator

Many diesel generator distributors classify their machines by noise level. A silent generator is one term used to define the level of noise produced by the machine as it works. A silent generator will produce sound, but it is the quietest of all the machines.

I recommend: Contractors Depot offers specifications for its WhisperWatt diesel generator. The specs include the noise level, measured in dBA, for each machine.

Run time

The run time of a diesel generator indicates the amount of time the machine will run continuously before it runs out of diesel. The run time depends on the capacity at which you run the machine.

I recommend: DuroPower provides information on its models, including the run time for diesel generators at given energy outputs.

Caterpillar

Most distributors will either carry Caterpillar generators or compare their machines to those of this brand. Caterpillar is a leading manufacturer of generators. A Caterpillar machine goes by the name Cat.

I recommend: Visit the website for Caterpillar to view its models and to learn more about the company.

Sizing

When it comes to sizing, you need to consider the power output and the physical dimensions. A distributor can help you determine the best sizing for your needs.

I recommend: Diesel Service & Supply offers charts with sizing calculations on its website. You can click on the provided link to read an article detailing how to size a generator.

Enclosures

Many distributors carry accessories for diesel generators, including enclosures. A quiet cover, or enclosure, is a sound-proof cover you can use on a generator to reduce its noise level. You can also buy a weather-proof enclosure to protect the machine from the elements.

I recommend: Genset Central provides details on the features it can offer with a custom enclosure.