Used Generators For Sale

Electrical generators are found on all types of construction sites around the world. Most times, before power has been run to the jobsite, contractors require electricity in order to prepare the site for it, or to get other jobs done that may require electricity. Because so many people use generators on their jobsites, it is incredibly easy to find used generators for sale around the internet, on sites like eBay, Craigslist, and other auction sites. There are a few things that you want to understand about these machines before you start spending your money, however.

Types Of Generators

First, you are going to need to decide which type of generator you are going to require. There are two main types of electrical generators, portable and standby, with each offering different benefits depending on what it is that you will be using the machine for.

Portable – Portable generators are going to be the type that you will find around most construction sites. As the name implies, these machines can be easily moved from one jobsite to another, or moved around the jobsite to where you are currently working at. Portable generators are built with multiple power outlets in them to allow for more than one person to operate their tools on them, without having to worry about drawing down power from other people who are also attached to the generator.

Standby – Standby generators are harder to come by in used condition, mainly because of the way they are setup. This style of generator is usually self contained, and installed on a concrete slab which keeps it from being as mobile as portable generators. The main purpose behind standby generators is to power a house or jobsite in the event that the incoming electrical lines should go down. They are also used where sensitive data is being stored, that a power outage could possibly corrupt or destroy.

Size Of The Generator

In order to choose the proper size of generator, you are going to need to think about what types of tools will be operating on it. If there is only going to be a few people running small hand tools off of the machine, you can usually get away with purchasing a model that is rated for 5KW (kilowatts), while if you are going to be operating heavier equipment, or more than a few people will be attached to the generator, you can go as high as 30KW to ensure a steady stream of electricity is being produced.

You should keep in mind while you are looking for a generator, that lower wattage machines are going to cost you a lot less than a generator that is rated at 30KW. For most jobsites a generator in the 5KW or 10KW range will be more than sufficient. If you are going to be running flood lamps, and multiple tools, you should start considering some of the larger options that are available.

Diesel vs Gasoline

You are also going to have to weigh the differences between using a diesel powered generator, and a gasoline powered generator. Each type provides their own unique benefits, and reasons to run them one style over the other, depending on exactly what you need the machine for and how you will be operating it.

Diesel – As a general rule, diesel powered electrical generators are better on fuel usage than gasoline generators are. Some models of diesel generators operate on up to 50% less fuel than their same-sized gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines also require less maintenance than a gasoline engine, allowing up to 3000 hours of usage between scheduled maintenance requirements. Diesel is not near as combustible as gasoline, which means that if you are going to be operating the equipment in an area with high amounts of static electricity, the diesel fuel is a lot less likely to explode.

Gasoline – Gasoline powered generators, on the other hand, are much cheaper to purchase up front. Gasoline is also readily available at every gas station, whereas diesel fuel may not be available when you need it. On average, diesel fuel is also more expensive than gasoline because of the majority of uses being commercialized. Gasoline engines do require regular maintenance, such as replacing the spark plugs, because of their design.

Generators Aren’t Just For Construction

These types of machines aren’t just used for construction sites. In hurricane and tornado alleys of the United States, many home owners have purchased generators to keep their homes running when the power goes down for numerous days. While portable generators work great for these types of situations, serious homeowners end up purchasing standby generators that operate as soon as the power has been knocked out in the area.