Whether you are buying one for your home or business, many people are buying used standby generators. It is a great way to buy a high-quality generator at a reasonable price. However, before any exchange of money for products is carried out, it is important to know what kind of generator will suit your needs the best. There are many different kinds of power generators available: natural gas, diesel, propane, electric and so on.
According to the biggest names in the generator business, the most important factors to consider are:
The Age of the Generator
You wouldn’t buy a used car without knowing what the mileage and lifespan of the vehicle was like, the same rule applies to power generators. You should try and get an estimate of how long the generator has been in use. Most generators have a built-in odometer that can give you some insight into its history. If it was used continuously to provide power, you can tell that it probably has more wear on it than one that was used to provide supplemental standby power.
As a rule, standby generators that are used simply for back-up power are maintained much better than those that have been in continuous use.
Check the Model and Manufacturer
Buying a power generator is very similar to buying a car. Making sure you do research on the manufacturer and model will help you make an informed decision. You wouldn’t buy a used car in a brand you didn’t know or trust. The major brands in power generation are:
- Generac
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Cummins
Buy a unit that is of high-quality material and has a history of running for a long time.
Conduct a Personal Inspection
Make sure you gather as much information as you can about a machine’s maintenance through records and asking the previous owner to provide a history of use and repair. Don’t buy a used generator online as you won’t be able to be completely sure of any visible wear and tear. When conducting the inspection, look for worn out components, check the wiring and welding to see if everything is still in working condition.
Initial Load Test
Use a calibrated load bank to test the capability of the engine. Watching the complete unit function and operate under duress is the best way to unveil any damages or malfunctioning components of the engine. A load test is pretty similar to taking a used car for a test ride and driving it hard for around an hour.
Find a Reputable Dealer
Unless you absolutely know what you’re getting into, you should never buy a standby generator from anyone other than a reputable dealer or broker. Used generators will need maintenance and testing carried out by certified electricians. You can’t count on that kind of maintenance from just anybody. Look for a dealer who has a history and solid reputation of service behind them.
You can save a lot of money by purchasing a used standby generator for your home or business. However, for the best results, you should always buy a brand new generator from a trusted retailer.
