Diesel Generators: New, Used, Rebuilt, or Remanufactured?
When it come to purchasing a backup generator for your business or facility, there are many considerations that must be made. What will the standby generator need to power in the event of a power outage? The type of equipment and/or systems the generator will need to keep running will determine the overall size of the backup generator. Location will also play a role in considerations – will the unit be installed indoors or outdoors? One of the most important considerations you could make when it comes to a standby generator (also known synonymously as a backup generator) is the generator fuel type: diesel or natural gas?
Diesel generators are one of the most commonly used generator types out in the market due to their versatility, durability, and flexibility when it comes to use cases, as they can fit into providing backup power for various different industries. Unlike natural gas generators that are most commonly connected to a natural gas pipeline or converted to run off propane fuel, diesel generators often have a diesel base tank attached to the generator set with the capability of working off an external diesel fuel containment tank. This is often a huge draw for commercial and industrial applications that are often conducted off a main power grid.
Now suppose you’re going the diesel generator route for backing up your business or facility, well… What are your options? We’ll briefly go over the main options available when it comes to purchasing a backup diesel generator.
New Diesel Generators
New diesel generators are exactly what their names state. These generators are brand new and made to order by the manufacturer with brand new engines. This means that you are getting a brand new product that is hopefully dependable, as it is brand new. A huge benefit of a new diesel generator is often that the generator set will meet the latest EPA Certifications, as well as come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which can help bring peace of mind.
A downside to new diesel generators is the cost. Brand new diesel generators are expensive and often have a long lead time. Since new diesel generators are typically built to order, it means that you have to go through the process of placing the order and remitting payment before production and assembly begins. Top it off with logistics and transportation, it could be a lengthy amount of time until you receive your backup generator, which could be detrimental depending on the urgency for backup power.
Used Diesel Generators
Used diesel generators are also exactly what their names state. These generators have been purchased, installed, and used prior to your purchasing of the generator. While used generators are often known to be reliable, this also depends on how often the generator was used, what the generator was used for, and also depends on how well the generator was serviced and maintained. Quality used generators are often sought out, because they are often reliable, cost-effective solutions. Many used generator dealers conduct pre-purchase inspections and also conduct a thorough inspection, including service & maintenance when the unit arrives at their warehouse to ensure that the generator is in working order and operating at maximum efficiency. This is to ensure that the generator is in good, running condition and safe for another end user to purchase.
While used diesel generators are often a fraction of the cost of new diesel generators, there is often no warranty included. It is highly advised that if you choose to purchase a used diesel generator that you work with a reputable generator dealer to ensure the generator in question is of reliable quality, especially when it comes to the engine.
REBUILT DIESEL GENERATORS
As their name states, rebuilt diesel generators are diesel generators that have had their engines rebuilt. The engine is taken apart and inspected thoroughly and any parts that may need to be changed or serviced are conducted to the original manufacturer’s specifications, then the engine is put back together for use.
Rebuilt diesel generators will often be more expensive due to the service, parts, and labor involved with the process. Some rebuilt diesel generators may come with a warranty and are usually put through rigorous tests after rebuilding to ensure that the diesel generator is operating as it should. The success and longevity of the rebuilt diesel generator will highly depend on who rebuilt the diesel engine, their workmanship, and experience with working with such an intricate piece of machinery.
Remanufactured Diesel Generators
Remanufactured diesel generators are diesel generator sets that have had their engines completely redone to make it as close as new as possible. To put it as simple as possible, this process literally involves stripping out all internal parts and components of the engine, replaced with parts and components that conform to OEM standards and specifications, including all applicable tolerances, then put back together.
This process is one of the most involved and expensive processes when it comes to diesel generator engines for diesel generator sets. This process is considered to be the most comprehensive and effective process, since the engine is supposed to be considered almost new after completion. As stated, this process is very involved, which means that it is extremely time consuming with long lead times. A benefit is that remanufactured diesel generators often come with warranties that you may not get with a used or rebuilt diesel generator.
While there are many items to consider when looking into a backup diesel generator for your business or facility, this decision is often dictated by cost. Cost may be a driving factor in the decision making process, but it’s also important to keep many other considerations in mind when shopping the market. In many cases, used generators will often fit the bill when it comes to safeguarding your business from power outages, keeping costs down, and providing reliable backup power.
If you’re looking for more insight or recommendations when it comes to choosing a diesel generator that’s right for you, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company.
Give us a call at 610-658-3242 or email us at sales@woodstockpower.com
Additionally, you can fill out our Contact Form and one of our specialists will get back to you shortly.
The Woodstock Power Company Experience
We have industry experts that focus on commercial backup power generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs. We supply generators to commercial real estate properties, industrial real estate properties, data centers, hospitals, commercial business facilities, and more!
Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to helping you find the best selection in our inventory based on:
- Peak & Average Power Requirements
- Fuel Preference (Natural Gas or Diesel)
- Portability & Stationary Power
- Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
- Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions
Our experts are also able to help coach you on prime, continuous, and standby power generators, as well as finding the best surplus, new, or used generator that best fits your required application.
We carry only the most top rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.
Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications, and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!
Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs.
We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.