Commercial generators are backup power systems that can be considered a critical tool for any farm because they enable the following:
- Reliable automation: Automated and semi-automated farming technology depends on a steady power supply to operate efficiently and sustainably. A backup power system will keep these solutions running during an outage.
- Continuous operation: Many activities on commercial farms require electricity. For instance, poultry houses need lighting and livestock need heated drinking water in the cold seasons. Buildings that house animals also need adequate ventilation and regulated temperatures, so it’s critical that they have fans able to function in all conditions. To ensure that these and other systems continue running seamlessly, consider investing in a backup power system.
- Steady profitability: A substitute power system such as a backup generator will ensure steady profitability because operations can continue round-the-clock when there’s a power failure.
- Emergency readiness: Investing in a generator will prepare your farm for power disruptions during natural disasters like snowstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. By continuing critical operations, backup power equipment can save you money, especially if the primary power source remains down for an extended period.
Backup Generators for Farm Use
Generators can power the following major farm activities:
Dairy Farming
Because dairy farming utilizes computer technology to track which cows to milk, milk timetables and cow location, steady electricity is a critical element on a farm. Dairy farmers also use electric milking machines and require cold storage to preserve milk and other cow products. This heavy reliance on electricity makes acquiring a commercial backup generator to supplement power during outages an extremely wise investment.
Raising Livestock
Livestock farms use electricity to control temperature in quarters where animals live close to each other and to power computer systems that monitor feeding schedules. By having a substitute power source, you can keep these tasks running at all times, saving you money and maintaining your animals’ comfort if the main power source fails.
Crop Harvesting
Automated harvesting machines require power to run properly and on schedule. Time is a critical factor on commercial farms that invest heavily in the well-being of crops and have obligations to deliver produce. For these reasons, a power backup system will give you peace of mind because it mitigates the risk of interruptions and ensures you harvest and deliver produce on time.
Other farm activities that rely on backup power include:
- Greenhouse operations
- Poultry farming
- Water pumping equipment
- Irrigation systems
- Warehouse cultivation
- Climate control
What Is the Best Generator for Farming?
The best generator for your farm will depend on the type of fuel you can easily access in large quantities. While other essential factors will influence the equipment you purchase as well, fuel is a major point of consideration.
The two most common sources of fuel for commercial generators are diesel and natural gas. Diesel machines offer more power per gallon of fuel than other power systems. This impressive fuel efficiency makes a diesel backup generator ideal for dairy farms and similar operations, as these types of farms rely heavily on electricity for milking, lighting and temperature control.
On the other hand, natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel source than diesel, and it’s particularly convenient if you have a pipeline close to your farm.
Once you’ve determined the right fuel for your needs, examine these other key factors:
- Power output: Think about the equipment the generator will power.
- Cost: Calculate the initial cost plus maintenance expenses and compare them to your profit goals.
- Customer support: Purchasing a product from a dealer that offers customer support services like installation and testing can make your life easier.
- Sound level: Natural gas power systems are quieter than diesel models, so you may opt for the former if noise is a concern. However, if you think a diesel generator better fits your needs, there are silencer solutions and other sound attenuation options available for these units.
- Fuel supply: Diesel generators require a steady fuel supply to ensure that the unit can continue running to provide backup power. Ensure that you have an ample amount of diesel supply stored on-site or establish a reliable diesel delivery service that can deliver fuel even during natural disasters. Natural disasters can often affect the natural gas utility, which means that depending on the natural disaster – natural gas supplies may be shut off. If you’re using a natural gas generator to provide backup power, keep in mind that this may render the generator inoperable. In this instance, there may be a propane conversion kit for your natural gas generator that enables the generator to run off of propane. Many newer gas generators often have this feature pre-installed and can switch to propane with the right tubes, gas lines, hoses, and the simple flip of a switch.
- Portability: If your farm often requires you to perform tasks in multiple locations without easy grid access, you might consider a portable generator.
What We Offer
At Woodstock Power Company, we have new and used generator units for sale, all inspected, serviced and ready for installation. Although based in Philadelphia, PA, we also stock our turnkey units in warehouses around the country to shorten lead times. Since we know that no two farms are exactly alike, we take the time and care to understand your business and find the perfect machine model to meet your specific electrical consumption needs. We’ll also help you with site planning and installation.
We carry used power systems from leading manufacturers like Kohler, John Deere, Cummins and Caterpillar, which can save you up to 70% on the price of a new generator. You can get a used unit within three days rather than having to wait several weeks for a new one to arrive.
Besides installation and site planning services, we offer decommissioning, renting and financing solutions.
Invest in Peace of Mind
As anyone in the agriculture industry will tell you, there are many factors out of your control that can affect the profitability and safety of your business. Fortunately, you can control your farm’s power supply by investing in a backup generator.
Call 610-658-3242 or contact us online to discuss the power consumption requirements of all of your equipment, including fans, lights, pumps and fences. If you’re unsure about your power capacity needs, we’ll help you determine them. A technician will also ask about your plans for future growth. These details allow us to find the right machine for your needs.