Find out some of the things you should consider when buying a used generator and tips on spotting quality generators at garage sales and auctions.

Whether you are looking for a generator to power your home during an emergency or to use on the job site, buying a used generator is usually much cheaper than purchasing a new one.

While it may seem you're making an unbeatable deal buying pre-owned equipment, make sure you know what to look out for before making your purchase. Here are some factors to have in mind when shopping for a second-hand generator.

The Manufacturer

Like vehicles and other heavy machinery, generators can come from a variety of different manufacturers. There may be many good brands out there, but it is important to know which ones are worth purchasing and for what purpose they were made.

You should consider a well-established company with a history of providing quality products. Newer companies or brands may present a greater risk, as their products have not been tested in a wide enough market. Besides, it is easier to find technicians conversant with older brands.

The Genset's History

Previous Operation

Generators are used in all kinds of different applications. They can be run constantly for hours at a time or just turned on when you need power. An overlooked factor is where the generator has been running most recently before it goes up for sale.

Knowing how intense the usage is will help you estimate how long it can last. If used to power a construction site or heavy machinery, the lifespan may be shorter than if it was powering home appliances like lights and washing machines.

While some sellers are honest about their reasons for selling their generators, others try to hide this information so that buyers cannot accurately assess it.

The Model

In addition to the brand, you have to be aware of how long it has been since your generator was produced, not to buy something already obsolete or might give problems in a short period because of certain parts being discontinued by their manufacturer. In this case, buying from an authorized dealer will help you avoid these potential problems.

The Age

When buying a used generator, it is important to consider how long the product has been in use and if any issues would affect its performance or lifespan. If you can get this information from the seller, try your best to do so because it will make finding the right one much easier.

Generally speaking, the older the generator is, the more wear and tear it has gone through and, therefore, the less reliable and efficient it will be. Be careful with old generators as they may require too much work to maintain or run.

Your Budget

Of course, you need to figure out what you can afford and how much you want to spend before going ahead with a purchase. If the asking price for your chosen generator is higher than expected, then think about whether it's worth paying extra or if other options would be better suited to meet your needs instead.

While it is important to carefully consider your budget and compare the prices of several generators before purchasing, be sure that you spend your money only on a high-quality machine that will give you value for your money.

Your Needs

How do you plan to use the generator? What kinds of appliances will you be using with it? If you are operating sensitive electronics, such as computers, then you need to ensure that the generator has enough power for those items.

Another important factor is how much wattage your appliances use and what kind of fuel they require. If you plan to run several high-watt appliances at once, you need to be sure about the wattage of the generator you are buying.

Take some time to write out a list of all appliances and electrical items that will be plugged into your new generator, including how much power each item uses, then compare this with what wattage is available in the different types of generators.

Physical Condition

One of the most important things you need to consider when buying a used generator is its physical condition. You can't expect it to work as well as new if the machine has been sitting in storage for some time, especially if there are signs of rust or damage from mishandling.

Look over the body and frame carefully and test out all functions to make sure that everything works as expected. All components that need replacement should be replaced. Check out the wiring to ensure that it is not frayed or chafed.

One of the surest marks of a good quality generator is its efficiency. This is easy to establish with a load test. A load test will show you exactly how much power your generator will produce under varying loads. How well it does this will indicate how efficient or inefficient it is.

The Seller

As with all machinery, a generator purchase is a costly investment. You want to be sure that you are getting what you pay for, and this is why it's important to check out the seller. Are they reputable, or are they fly-by-night scammers trying to make a quick buck off of you?

Look into their business experience. If they have sold other pieces of equipment, are the customers happy with them? Have there been any complaints filed against them recently? If possible, try to deal directly with a licensed dealer rather than a private seller.

Routine Maintenance for Your Used Generator

Getting the most out of your generator will require routine maintenance from a professional company that uses patented parts for any replacement or repairs. For quality products for your diesel generator, Air Filter Blaster is the dealer you can trust. Whether you need to reduce your fuel consumption or extend your engine's life, we have the products for you. Contact us today to speak with our generator experts.

Buying a used generator can be a great way to save money if you have the time, space, and knowledge needed for properly restoring one. But before buying second-hand, ensure that all of these factors are right to avoid any future problems with your investment.