Generators for Construction Sites
When starting a new construction project, often times the project starts off the main power grid and there is no steady supply of power available. This poses a challenge for construction companies to power key items, such as jackhammers, drills, lighting systems, temporary on-site modular offices, and other industrial equipment. While there are many pieces of equipment that can be run independently via gas power or are battery operated, there are often limitations. This is where portable commercial generators truly shine.
Benefits of Portable Generators at Construction Sites
Commercial generators are often leveraged as a primary source of power when starting new construction projects – more specifically portable style commercial generators. These portable commercial generators are usually double-axle trailer mounted with a chassis and voltage selector switch which not only help in moving the generator around from location to location on-site, but allows for the generator to be easily transported to the next job location. The voltage selector switch also helps set the generator to specifically required power outputs that are necessary to complete tasks at hand. A portable commercial generator is a game-changer from having no power available at a new construction project into having a steady source of power to get the project off the ground and in motion.
In addition to acting as a primary source of power, there is an added benefit to having a portable commercial generator on-site. As projects progress and the work site may eventually be connected to the main power grid, power outages due to rolling blackouts, brownouts, natural or man-made disasters, and inclement weather can result in power loss to the entire area. A portable commercial generator can help mitigate downtime due to power loss by acting as a primary power source until power is restored to the main grid. Mitigating downtime can help reduce loss of productivity and help keep the project on track to meet specific deadlines.
Most importantly, a portable commercial generator can help power key equipment, such as saws, drills, pumps, diggers, compressors, and even help charge battery packs for battery powered equipment.
Where Do I Start?
When it comes to choosing a portable generator for your construction site, it is important to keep in mind that not all job sites carry the same power requirements. Power needs and requirements vary from one location to another, so it is important to invest in generators that will accommodate different needs on a project by project basis.
Before even searching for a generator, the first step would be to calculate power requirements of commonly used equipment. Assess what equipment the generator needs to power, be sure to take into account not only the required power need to run, but also add in a buffer. Some equipment requires more power to start, than to actually run. Adding a buffer can help account for the sporadic surges of energy that may be necessary to start specific pieces of equipment.
More in-depth information on how to properly size a generator can be found here: Generator Sizing
Select a Fuel Type
When choosing a portable generator for your construction site, fuel type is an important factor to take into consideration. Fuel type is the type of fuel that generators use to run. There are two main fuel types used for commercial generators out on the market – diesel and natural gas. While the generators function very similarly, they come with their own pros and cons.
Portable diesel generators are one of the most commonly used and preferred generator configurations used for emergency and portable backup solutions. The ease of portability and ease of transporting/acquiring diesel fuel supplies is a huge perk. Diesel generators are also extremely reliable and durable. A drawback to diesel generators is that the maximum runtime a diesel generator can operate is limited to its fuel tank. If using a diesel generator for work sites and construction site projects, be sure to include measures for re-fueling. Whether the process is regular, scheduled diesel fuel deliveries, physical pickup of fuel, or replenishing fuel supply via external diesel fuel tanks, always ensure there is a way to keep the generator up and running.
Portable natural gas generators, while not as common as diesel generators, are still leveraged within the generator industry. Natural gas generators are highly capable of performance and are not limited to fuel supply restrictions like their diesel counterparts. If there is a natural gas pipeline available within the vicinity that you can connect the generator to, you can benefit from longer, uninterrupted run times and the removal of fuel storage requirements. Natural gas is also cheaper than diesel fuel, as the prices remain more stable over time. Natural gas generators can also thrive in projects or construction sites in more urban environments, due to the fact that the fuel burns cleaner and adheres to many more emissions rules & regulations for city use & operation. Another added benefit for portable natural gas generators is that if the units are configured, can also run on liquid petroleum gas(LPG) aka propane. Propane supplies are usually fairly accessible in propane tanks at local convenience stores. This adds extra flexibility when planning for fuel supply acquisitions.
Whether you go with a portable diesel generator or a portable natural gas generator, it’s important to keep in mind that your generator must adhere to local EPA emissions & regulations. Commercial generators produce emissions and those emissions must adhere to all local mandates. It is imperative to keep this in mind during the generator selection stage.
More information on generator fuel types can be found here: Diesel v. Natural Gas Guide
Focus On Quality
When looking for a reliable backup commercial generator for your business operations, industrial applications, or facilities, it’s important to buy a quality generator that will not only meet the demands of a project or job site, but can also last over the years. Commercial generators are by no means a cheap expense. Though buying used commercial generators is a cost-effective option, they can still cost you a pretty penny.
So what’s the best approach to finding a quality generator? Our best advice is to find a reputable dealer.
A reputable dealer will be able to provide as much information as possible about the generator and will be able to expertly field any questions you may have about any generator needs. This is important, as many websites post listings from fake sellers in attempts to scam customers. Reputable dealers can verify key information about a generator you may be interested in purchasing, including hours, condition, photos, and where the generator came from (how it was used, for what application, etc).
When researching a generator and reputable dealers, take note of their inventory. If they have a good history of getting in new inventory and selling inventory, it means that the dealer has a good history of dealing in generators. Reputable dealers are also constantly updating their web content to share news and staying current to continue connecting with existing and potentially new customer bases. Reputable dealers will also be able to field your calls and usually provide consultation to answer all your questions and help find a generator that best fits your needs.
Most generator dealers have a process for transportation and installation of your generator to guarantee your satisfaction and that the transaction goes forward without a hitch!
Key Items to Review with a Dealer
Check on the age of a generator, total number of hours, primary use application of the generator prior to being sold to the dealer, service records & maintenance history, any/all records associated with the generator in terms of testing, replacement parts, brand manufacturer, and if there is any warranty still available.
Next Steps
After doing research and speaking with a generator dealer in regards to your new purchase, the next step would be the logistics and installation of your new purchase!
Be sure to speak with the generator dealer to see if they have a process in place for transportation, logistics, installation, and post-installation to save yourself some hassle. Most dealers not only buy and sell generators, but they also specialize in the logistics, installation, and maintenance services as well.
If you’re looking for a new or used generator for your construction site, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
Additionally, you can fill out our Contact Form and one of our representatives will get right back to you!
The Woodstock Power Company Experience
Woodstock Power Company specializes in buying and selling new, used, surplus, and rental generators. We work with companies all across the country, including top Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. We provide key details regarding each generator we have in stock within our inventory and our generators are all inspected, serviced, maintained, and load bank tested to ensure a smooth generator installation process.
If you are looking to work with us for your commercial generator needs, you can head on over to our inventory page to check out what we have in-stock or give us a call. We would be more than happy to speak with you and help meet your needs.
We have industry experts that focus on commercial generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs.
We are industry leaders in buying and selling used generators to fit the needs of many businesses, including commercial, industrial, medical, agricultural, and university. This includes facilities like hospitals, better living centers, nursing home, airports, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing, production, 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
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 and budget.
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.
Woodstock Power Company sells new, used, surplus, and rental generators. We work with companies all across the country, including top Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. We provide key details regarding each generator we have in stock within our inventory and our generators are all inspected, serviced, maintained, and load bank tested to ensure a smooth generator installation process.
If you are looking to work with us for your commercial generator needs, you can head on over to our inventory page to check out what we have in-stock and fill out our Contact Form. We would be more than happy to speak with you and help meet your needs.
Additionally, you can give us a call or send us an email:
610-658-3242