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Used Generators
While they do not usually come with a warranty, it is often extremely advantageous to buy rebuilt diesel engines and used electric power generators for a number of reasons. A key one is of course that used generators with low hours on the engines are often available at very attractive prices, and are substantially below the high retail prices of new units.  It's even possible to save up to 50% or more by getting a low-hour used generator instead of a new one.       

Another key benefit to purchasing a used genset is the fact that they are readily available and can be bought and installed very quickly.  There is no waiting because of limited availability and factory lead times, you simply buy it and have it shipped right then and there.  Many sellers will even include shipping in the cost of the unit.   

Also, because most name brand manufacturers build industrial strength equipment, the risk is negligible.  Power generators are built to last and work whenever necessary, as that is their true function in most cases, to always be there when you need them most (as in an outage).  And, depending on the age of the unit, it may even still come with a warranty, or at least a guarantee of some type from the dealer.  Whenever possible, finding a generator that was previously only used for emergency backup or standby power is the way to go.  Backup generators are only run when the prime power goes down so many of these are hardly used at all and have a long maintenance free life ahead of them still. 

The only real disadvantage of purchasing a used generator is just that, it was owned and used by someone else.  Therefore, you are most likely having to go on the word of the seller as to the previous usage, history, and current condition the generator and engine are in.  This is why it's important you always consider purchasing from a reputable company who has the technical expertise and infrastructure to properly test, repair and/or rebuild these large industrial machines.  Most established sellers will test all their used generators for various loads, but many small brokers and individuals simply do not have the appropriate resources at their disposal.  Testing and servicing are both obviously critical.  Most tests often come with a verification certificate that details each units functioning.  Low-hour used diesel generators ranging in size from 35 kW to 2 MW are often readily available. Low-hour indicates that the generator has been in operation for a reasonably low number of hours. Prices obviously vary greatly based on the kW, HP, hours, manufacturer, KVA, etc, and range anywhere from, $16,000 to $800,000 or more


In today's world, where fuel prices are increasing as a consequence of spiraling demand and diminishing supply, you need to choose a cost effective fuel to meet your needs. Thanks to the invention of Rudolph Diesel, the diesel engine has proved to be extremely efficient and cost effective.  Diesel fuel is priced moderately higher than gasoline but diesel has a higher energy density, i.e. more energy can be extracted from diesel as compared with the same volume of gasoline. Therefore, diesel engines in automobiles provide higher mileage, making it an obvious choice for heavy-duty transportation and equipment. Diesel is heavier and oilier compared with gasoline, and has a boiling point higher than that of water.  And diesel engines are attracting greater attention due to higher efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Advantages of a Diesel EngineThe diesel engine is much more efficient and preferable as compared with gasoline engine due to the following reasons:

• Modern diesel engines have overcome disadvantages of earlier models of higher noise and maintenance costs.  They are now quiet and require less maintenance as compared with gas engines of similar size.
• They are more rugged and reliable.
• There is no sparking as the fuel auto-ignites. The absence of spark plugs or spark wires lowers maintenance costs. 
• Fuel cost per KiloWatt produced is thirty to fifty percent lower than that of gas engines.
• An 1800 rpm water cooled diesel unit operates for 12,000 to 30,000 hours before any major maintenance is necessary. An 1800 rpm water cooled gas unit usually operates for 6000-10,000 hours before it needs servicing.
• Gas units burn hotter than diesel units, and hence they have a significantly shorter life compared with diesel units.
  
  
  Tips on Buying a Used Generator
  There are a many great benefits to purchasing a pre-owned or low-hour used generator. Companies that are both large and small routinely purchase generators that are pre-owned units because it is often the most cost-effective way to buy high-quality industrial assets and/or heavy equipment. However, there are also a number of factors and considerations that must be taken into account before making the actual purchase, which is of course the main purpose of this article.
  
  To begin, it all starts with choosing the right generator for your specific power requirements. For more information on that, see our other article on determining the size of generator. Once you have determined the size you will need, then it's time to start looking at a number of other factors.
  
  Some of the key factors to consider when buying a used generator of any type (diesel, natural gas, electric, propane, gas, etc):
  
  Age, Hours, and Usage
  Manufacturer history and reputation
  How well it has been maintained
  Physical wear and tear on the unit
  How it performs in a Load Test
  Who you are purchasing it from (broker vs distributor)
  Age, Hours, and Usage:
  When shopping for a reliable used generator to buy, one of the first things you can try to check is the hours, age and history of the generator set. First, find out how many hours it has on it, generator engines are usually just like a car and have an odometer reading. It may also be helpful to know what it was used for, and whether it was for the ongoing generation of electric power (prime/continous), or if it was it a standby machine. A generator that has been used as a standby or backup power source will typically be better maintained and have much less wear than one used as a prime power source. However, be aware that there are many times when the age and usage information is simply not available. Dealers typically acquire generators from things like foreclosures, auctions, and so forth, and they often have no idea where it came from or what it was used for in the past. In those cases, the reputation and technical expertise of the seller is often much more important anyway, since they will (hopefully) be the ones who inspect, tune, rebuild, test, and fix anything that might be wrong before reselling it.
  
  Manufacturer History and Reputation:
  While the make and model are not always that critical, the generator manufacturer's history and reputation should definitely play a role when your company is choosing to rely on used machinery. Since you are purchasing a product that you will most likely come to rely on for electric power at some point (whether you are buying a prime or emergency standby generator), now is not really the time to be cutting corners or taking big chances on unknown brands. It's always a good idea to go with a trusted manufacturer who has a reputation for producing equipment that can stand the stress and test of time, and so you can find parts and service that's readily available if necessary. Industry veterans like Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Onan, Kohler, John Deere, and a handful of others all have a long history of producing high quality equipment that will last for years and years when properly maintained.
  
  How Well has it been Maintained?
  This is another area where you might not be able to get much historical information, but you can and should check the seller's current level of knowledge on maintaining and repairing diesel engines, power units, transfer switches, and generator ends. You can gauge the seller's current knowledge and expertise in regards to that type of maintenance by simply asking about the procedures they use; if they install and de-install, have dyno-testing equipment on site, have a certified staff of technicians in-house, electricians on staff, and so forth. This is important, since a well-maintained and/or rebuilt generator set will have a much longer life than one that is simply changing hands from a broker to end-user, or end-user to end-user.
  
  Physical Wear and Tear:
  
  Visual Inspection
  Your next action should be a visual inspection. A generator, like any mechanical device, suffers wear and tear during operation. Check all mechanical components for wear or fatigue. See if any of the mechanical parts have any cracks or corrosion built up. If any part is found to be questionable, it should be replaced, ideally with components recommended by the manufacturer. Every now and then you might run across a generator set that has a different manufacturer's engine and/or end than it originally came with. While that is a sign that something was replaced and it was obviously worked on at some point, it doesn't necessarily have to be a deal breaker as long as the individual components were installed by a certified technician, tested extensively, and it stills come with some type of guarantee from the dealer.
  
  Replace bearings and bushings
  If this hasn't already been done by the dealer, the bearings and bushings should all be replaced, regardless of their function or condition. This is to ensure that these parts do not cause any damage due to their failure while running the generator set. The bearings and bushings are subject to stress during the generator operation and it is very difficult to test these parts for any stress they have been subjected to during the operation of the generator. Therefore, from a safety point of view, the replacement of bearings and bushings is the best course of action. The same goes for bolts and fasteners.
  
  Integrity check wiring and welds
  Check the welds for integrity. Also inspect electrical components and windings for integrity. Test wire insulations for breakdown. Any part not up to the mark should be replaced.
  
  Load Test
  This is a standard test most respectable dealers should have already run, but you should still ask to make sure. A load test helps to determine the overall efficiency in electric power generation. How well the generator responds to varying loads is usually a good indicator of its efficiency under the specified load limits. The kind of electric power output the generator gives will also provide some indication of the general state and well being of the generator set. The test should check for proper output and frequency. The test may need to be repeated up to three times for added precaution to ensure there are no unexpected power breakdowns.
  
  Who you are purchasing it from (broker vs. dealer/distributor)
  While anyone on the street can put a generator up for sale in the classifieds, on eBay, and so forth, that's clearly not an ideal situation for a buyer. Industrial diesel generators are complex, finely tuned pieces of machinery that clearly needs to be properly maintained and tested by certified technicians in order for them to operate at optimum efficiency and be there when you need them most. They aren't called emergency standby generators for nothing! And, since most generators come with a substantial price tag, all the more reason to make sure you have professionals and an organization you can trust. Specialized brokers are sometimes an option when you can't find what you need, but be aware that you will be paying a substantial commission on any deal they broker between you and the seller, and that most of them do not have a full machine shop, technicians on staff, or the appropriate testing equipment. Therefore, to eliminate any risks, of course we recommend always going with a professional organization backed by years of industry experience, just like we offer here at Diesel Service & Supply - over 20 years in the business and still going strong!
  There are obviously numerous factors and considerations to take into account when buying a used generator, but hopefully this article has helped to at least shed some light on many of the critical components.