Companies can benefit greatly by purchasing and/or selling pre-owned generators. As needs change, utilizing used generator units is a way to buy high-quality equipment in a cost-effective way. With that being said, a number of factors and considerations should be taken into account before putting a generator on the market or purchasing one. Check out our used generator FAQ below for some tips in buying or selling a used generator.
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Used Generator (or Provide If Selling One)?
Think about the age, the hours, and the usage involved, how well the unit has been maintained, the generator’s brand reputation, and how the unit performs in a Load Test.
Whether you are looking to sell or buy a used generator, finding out how many hours the generator has on it is very important. Generators work similarly to equipment that has hour meter readings. Be aware of what the unit was used for (ie: if it was for the ongoing generation of electric power or if it was a standby machine). Less wear and tear happens with a standby machine.
What Are Other Important Factors to Be Aware Of?
If that information is not available, one can then only rely on the reputation and expertise of the seller. A responsible seller, like Mission Critical Facilities International, will thoroughly inspect, tune, service, test, and repair anything that might be wrong before reselling it. The brand of the generator is also good to take into account as it reflects on the machine’s ability to handle stress and withstand the test of time so that you can find parts and service that’s readily available if necessary. Big names like Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Kohler, Detroit Diesel, MTU, and Onan all come with a high quality, long withstanding reputations.
How Do I Determine How Effective the Equipment Is?
Performing a standard load test will determine how efficient the equipment is. The test measures how well the generator still responds to varying loads. A load test checks for proper output and frequency.
To summarize, whether you are a seller or a potential buyer, it is your responsibility to educate yourself on prospective equipment. By making smart decisions, keeping up with maintenance, following our used generator FAQ, and being in the know about usage, reputation, and overall performance, you will undoubtedly sell or acquire a great piece of equipment.