Industrial diesel generators are essential power sources for industries that require a reliable power supply. From construction sites to hospitals, data centers to manufacturing plants, industrial diesel generators play a crucial role in keeping industries up and running.
However, buying an industrial diesel generator isn’t a simple task. There are a variety of factors and potential pitfalls to be aware of when seeking out your next purchase. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about industrial diesel generators, from purchasing to maintenance. Whether you’re in the market for a new generator or just looking to expand your knowledge, read on to discover all you need to know about searching for and purchasing industrial diesel generators.
The Pros and Cons of Diesel Generators
Before searching for diesel generators to purchase, it’s important to know their basic pros and cons compared to other types of generators. One of the main advantages is the ability to use diesel generators in nearly any location. As long as the generator has enough fuel, it can produce nonstop electricity for your site.
Because they don’t rely on an energy grid, diesel generators are ideal for emergency or backup situations such as a blackout. They also typically require less maintenance and have longer lifespans. Diesel fuel is also less flammable than natural gas, reducing the risk of an explosion or fire.
On the other hand, diesel generators can cost more than natural gas generators. However, because they have fewer maintenance costs, the up-front cost of purchasing industrial diesel generators is usually offset by the money saved on constant repairs.
Diesel generators also produce a lot of noise. In many industrial situations, this won’t matter, especially on remote jobsites or power plants. But for construction sites near residential areas, this might be a significant factor to consider.
Finally, the other main drawback of diesel generators is the higher emissions output. Diesel fuel produces more pollutants in comparison to natural gas and other types of fuel, so factor this into the equation when considering diesel generators over other types. For a more extensive guide on EPA generator ratings and industrial generator emission compliance, read our full breakdown.
Power Requirements
Before purchasing an industrial diesel generator, you’ll need to know your business’ unique power needs. Know the technical details like peak power demands, load fluctuations, future expansion plans and any other power requirements that you need for your project or jobsite. It’ll also be important to know your minimum desired run time.
This information will help narrow down your search for the generators that best fit your needs. For a quick unit conversion or estimate, use our power calculator to get a basic knowledge of the specifications you’re looking for.
You should also be familiar with common power ratings for equipment. These classifications are industry standards that categorize equipment into four rating categories:
- Continuous Operating Power (COP)
- Prime Rated Power (PRP)
- Limited-Time Prime (LTP)
- Emergency Standby Rating (ESP)
Becoming familiar with these categories will help you further understand the types of generators that meet your needs. For a further breakdown, read our guide on generator power ratings.
What to Know About Diesel Fuel Management
In order to use your industrial diesel generator, you’ll need to have a plan for your fuel management if you don’t already have one in place. Based on your power requirements, be aware of how much fuel supply you’ll need to keep your generator up and running. Plan for the amount of fuel you’ll need to have in supply and how often it will need to be replenished.
Diesel fuel also requires a good storage system. You need a storage area located near the generator area and designed to withstand all weather conditions to ensure that the diesel remains in good condition at all times. Diesel fuel will degrade over time, and this process starts from the moment it’s made. This is especially important to remember when fuel is being stored for emergency use. Fuel should be treated periodically with biocides and stabilizers to prolong its life.
Other best practices for diesel storage include:
- Storing in a cool environment at 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Examining and maintaining fuel for fire prevention according to the NFPA 110
- Regular checks and filter changes to prevent fuel clogging
Top Considerations When Buying an Industrial Diesel Generator
Make and model will be a significant decision when shopping for an industrial diesel generator. Each generator manufacturer has its own reputation and unique qualities, so take the brand into consideration when purchasing your generator. Some top names include Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler, MTU, and John Deere. Keep in mind that even if buying from a major manufacturer may cost more upfront, a higher quality machine will usually mean fewer issues and maintenance costs down the road.
Buying new or used is another major buying decision. When considering buying brand new, keep in mind that diesel generators often take an extremely long amount of operation time before they need repairs or replacements (about 10,000 hours). So you aren’t necessarily sacrificing quality when buying used, but it’s still important to research the age and usage of a used generator before buying. Ask the seller about the generator’s year of manufacture, or look for a built-in hour meter that will clue you into the machine’s usage history.
Maintenance and repair history of an industrial generator is another important factor to research before purchasing. Ask for maintenance records that can indicate the generator’s ability to meet your needs, especially for a generator that was used extensively. It may even be worth it to hire a specialist to inspect the machine and determine its remaining service life. Check the unit for how well it was maintained, and how much wear and tear it has accumulated over time.
Choosing the right dealer can have a significant impact on the quality of your purchase as well. Because there are so many different factors to consider when purchasing an industrial diesel, finding a reputable vendor can streamline the process, especially when they’ve proven to be a reliable source of quality machines.
Find Your Next Industrial Diesel Generator
At Depco, we’ve made our name synonymous with quality power system purchasing, rebuilding and selling. If you need help navigating the buying process for an industrial diesel generator, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experts who can help walk you through it. For more information on buying used generators, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Used Generators.
