5 Tips for Buying Used Generators You Can Count On

There are several big benefits to buying a used generator. When you buy used generators, you can save a lot of money and still get plenty of power. However, you want to make sure that you’re buying an efficient and legitimate machine instead of a dud.

But how can you make sure that the used generator you’re looking at is going to supply you with the power you need when you need it most? Luckily for you, we’re here to help. So keep on reading and we’ll take you through our top tips for buying used generators.

1. Table of Contents

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   Age, Hours, and Usage

When you’re looking to buy a used generator that’s also reliable, you need to check out the history, age, and hours of the set. First, figure out how many hours the generator has on it. Generator engines are like that of a car and they come with an odometer reading.

It might be useful if you know what it was used for and whether it was used as a standby appliance or for the ongoing generation of electric power (prime/continuous).

A generator that was used as backup or standby power is going to likely have been maintained better. It will also have less wear than a generator that was used as a main power source.

With that said, you should be aware that there are times when the usage and age information isn’t available. Dealers usually get generators from auctions, foreclosures, and other similar situations. Because of this, they may have no idea where the generator came from or what it was used for in the past.

In these instances, the technical expertise and reputation of the seller will have to do. These sellers will likely be the ones to test, tune, inspect, rebuild, and fix any problems that might be wrong before they resell the machine.

2. Manufacturer History and Reputation

When it comes to generators, the make and model aren’t all that important. The history of the manufacturer and their reputation should definitely take a higher priority. Because you’re buying a device that you’ll likely come to rely on for electric power, you don’t want to cut corners in order to save a few bucks.

Don’t take a chance on an unknown brand or anything that looks like it might be a scam simply because it’s a little cheaper than a product from a well-known brand. It’s in your best interest to go with a trusted brand that has been around for a long time. This will also make it easier for you to find people who can service your machine and find parts for you.

You can find a good selection of used generators online from reputable dealers.

3. Maintenance

Another area where you might not be able to get a lot of information is how the generator was maintained. However, you should do your best to see what the seller’s knowledge of maintenance is. Make sure that the seller is experienced in the practice of repairing and maintaining generator ends, transfer switches, power units, and diesel engines.

You can do this simply by asking the seller what processes they employ. Find out if they have dyno-testing equipment on-site, install and de-install, have electricians on staff, and have a certified staff of technicians in-house.

This is important because a generator that is maintained well and/or rebuilt will have a much longer life than one that’s simply changing hands from a seller to a customer.

4. Physical Wear and Tear

You should perform a visual inspection of the generator. Like any mechanical device, a generator is going to go through some wear and tear as it is used.

You should check all of the mechanical parts for fatigue or wear. Look to see if any of the components have corrosion built up or any cracks.

If any part stands out to you as questionable, you should replace it with pieces that are recommended by the manufacturer. Every so often you may come across a generator that has a different engine than the one that the manufacturer installed in it.

While this is a sign that it underwent some work at one point, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid the device. As long as the parts were installed by a certified professional, tested thoroughly, and is guaranteed by the dealer, it should be fine to use.

5. Load Test

The load test is a common test that reputable dealers will run. But you should ask to make sure that it is performed.

A load test will help you see how efficient the generator is at making electrical power. A good indicator of efficiency has to do with how well the generator responds to varying loads.

The kind of electric power output that the generator gives off will also give you a sense of the general state of the generator set.

The Importance of Knowing What to Look For When Buying Used Generators

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now understand the top tips to follow when buying used generators. As we can see, going with a used generator can save you money while still providing plenty of power and efficiency.

However, with a used machine, it’s even more important that you thoroughly research the generator and make sure that it will serve you well.

Make sure to check out the rest of our site for other useful articles like this one!