Commercial and industrial generators are an essential part of your business and can be very costly. In today’s tight market, new equipment is hard to find. When new equipment is not readily available, it often comes with longer lead times and higher prices. As a result, more companies may be considering used equipment for the first time. A solid used generator can be as reliable as a brand-new model and also helps save on upfront costs.
Buying used equipment requires a bit more research to ensure you are getting the highest quality unit for your needs. A well-researched purchase can result in lower cost, greater long-term asset value, and immediate availability.
Here are four helpful tips to find the best used commercial generator for your business:
1) Know your needs
Before you begin looking for an industrial generator in good used condition, know the needs of your business. Technical details matter. Load demand, voltage, fuel type, and emissions standards are some of the most important details required. Physical size restraints, minimum desired run time (if considering a diesel fuel tank) and natural gas line and meter changes/additions for natural gas generators are also important considerations.
Assess your run time and power output needs. Industrial machines that power large facilities or construction sites will need more performance from generators and require more power, while other businesses may require portable, industrial power solutions for temporary use.
2) Do your research
Make and model matter when buying a commercial generator. This doesn’t change when purchasing an industrial generator. Research the reputation of the generator manufacturer and the model under consideration. Some of the highest-rated brands in the business are Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler, MTU, and John Deere. When you buy from a reputable manufacturer, upfront costs may be more, but a higher quality machine usually means fewer issues in the long run.
Age and usage contribute to the future reliability of a used generator. Ask the seller about the industrial generator’s year of manufacture, as well as how many years of active use it received. Most generators have a built-in hour meter that will give insight into their usage history. A generator used for standby power may have been used less frequently than one that supplied continuous power.
The maintenance and repair history can provide a good indication of a used commercial generator’s future performance. Well-maintained generators will have fewer operational failures and a higher value. Maintenance records are vital for assessing a generator’s market value and ability to perform, particularly for high-use equipment. Additionally, inspections by specialists can help determine the equipment’s remaining service life and potential need for future repairs.
3) Choose the right dealer
Making an informed decision about your used generator purchase also means knowing your vendor. Because so many variables exist when purchasing used equipment, starting with a reputable dealer streamlines the process. A top-tier seller conducts a rigorous testing and certification process before offering equipment for sale
Look for quality assurance measures at every vital checkpoint. The dealer should inspect every machine upon arrival, identify any defects, replace necessary parts, and perform load tests to ensure operability.
A dealer with global connections and a large buying capacity means more selection, as well as established shipping systems to handle your needs in a quick and reliable manner.
4) Negotiate terms
Once you feel confident that you have selected the right piece of equipment from a trusted dealer, ask for a written quote to avoid any miscommunication later. Make sure you understand the shipping procedures. Discuss payment options and agree upon a payment method that works for you and the seller.
Buying a quality used commercial generator saves on costs, but knowing you are getting the best used generator requires careful consideration of the available equipment and your operational needs. Most importantly, choosing the right supplier results in purchasing confidence and the ability to continue efficient business performance for many years to come.
Contact Depco today for your generator needs. We have been successfully serving the commercial and industrial generator market for over 30 years. Our logistical expertise helps our customers buy worldwide, supporting large-scale projects with ease. Our 30,000 square foot facility is conveniently located near the Port of Houston and is open for customer visits at any time. Reach out to our sales team to schedule a tour of our yard, check out available inventory, and witness our testing and certification process. We guarantee superior integrity and quality in our products.
