Industrial generators are expected to be the highest grossing-generators from 2019-2024. When so many people are buying generators, you know there will be quite a few used ones out there on the market. If you decide to buy a used industrial generator you want a product you’ll be satisfied with.
The simplest thing to do is measure the generator and make sure it’ll fit in your building. Below we’ll look at some more complex and critical steps to take when looking for your generator.
1. The Age, Hours, and UsageÂ
First things first, you should check how long the generator has been used, how often, and how old it is. The easiest part to check is the number of hours it has been used as most models have odometers.
To understand how often the generator has been used, you need to find out what it was being used for. Is it the prime source of power and being used continuously? Alternately, has the generator been used as the standby or backup power?
If you find one that has been used as a secondary power source, chances are it will be in better shape.
Be aware that suppliers may not know all the information about the generator. Generally, they’ll buy the generator through foreclosures or auctions. This means they won’t know the history of the generator or where it came from originally.
It’s at this point you’ll want to look into who exactly you’re purchasing the product from. Have they inspected, tested, fixed, and tuned the generator?
2. Who Is the Supplier?
Are you purchasing your generator through a broker or a distributor? Your best bet is to find a reputable dealer or broker as you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
Check their track record and see how many positive sales they’ve done. This will better ensure you get a good product instead of wasting a ton of money.
Typically, you’ll get maintenance repairs by the person you bought the generator from. Knowing this, you want to learn how certified their electricians and technicians are.
What kind of training have they received and what is their reputation? How many years have they been doing this?
If you’re not sure, you can always ask questions. Find out how much they know about maintaining and repairing engines. Other things to ask about are power units, wiring, transfer switches, etc.
Moreover, you can ask them what types of maintenance they do and the equipment they have on hand. Do they install, de-install, and do repairs? Do they have dynamometers and other testing equipment?
Getting the answers to these questions will tell you the condition of the generator. It can also give insight into how long it’ll last.
3. The Reputation and History of the Manufacturer
Not only do you want to check who you’re purchasing the product from, but who made it as well.
Check their reputation and see what reviews people have left their company. You want to ensure you have a trusted manufacturer so you get the most reliable generator you can.
Check the model of the generator. Some major brands in generator creation are Cummins, Caterpillar, Kohler, and FG Wilson. If you choose a well-known brand, finding replacement parts will be easier.
Try to avoid unknown brands as you may get a low-quality product. It may be cheaper upfront, but you may be spending more in the long run.
4. Do a Load Bank Test
Your dealer has probably already run this test, but it’s still better safe than sorry. You should witness the load bank test for yourself.
When you do a calibrated load bank test, it’ll tell you how efficient and accurate your generator will be. If there are any malfunctions or damage to the generator, this load bank test should pick it up.
The test puts your generator under duress to see how well it functions. It’ll check the output and frequency of your generator. You should do the load bank test a couple of times to ensure you won’t be dealing with unexpected power failures.
5. Wear and Tear
Make sure to do a visual inspection of the generator before you buy it. Check the mechanical components for any cracks or corrosion. If possible, have damaged parts replaced with components made by the same manufacturer.
The generator may have parts from other brands, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you know they were installed by a trained and certified technician, you should be fine. You should also find out if the components were tested and if there is some form of warranty.
Check the maintenance records and ask for all past repair jobs. This will tell you how often the generator has needed repairs in the past. You’ll learn what kind of costs you could be looking at in the future.
All bearings and bushings need to be replaced before you buy the generator. These are very difficult to test beforehand, so you don’t know how well they’ll operate and for how long. If you don’t get them replaced, they can cause damage to the generator.
The same applies to the bolts and fasteners in your generator as well. Make sure to have these replaced too.
Finally, inspect the integrity of the wiring, windings, electrical components, and welds. Make sure to test the wire insulation to ensure there are no breakdowns. Replace anything that is not up to standard or damaged.
It’s Time to Buy Your Used Industrial Generator
That concludes our review of what to look for when buying used industrial generators. This guide should help you make a smarter and more informed decision when you buy your generator.
Review our blog to learn the pros and cons of buying a used vs new generator.
