Mistakes To Avoid When Purchasing a Used Generator

Buying a used generator can be a cost-effective option that lets you make the most strategic use of your budget. However, it is not without pitfalls, and there are some crucial mistakes that our generator sales and installation team encourage.s our clients to avoid.

1. Not Testing the Generator

No one wants to purchase a generator that will turn into a hulking piece of smoking metal after a few hours of use. Every used generator should undergo a full load bank test. It should also undergo a thorough maintenance check to confirm that all components are in good condition and capable of performing the necessary roles. At Gen-Tech, we thoroughly test every generator we offer. From the cooling radiator to the control panel, we test and inspect every component for proper operation. Further, we provide a detailed record of the tests and service we perform so that our clients know precisely what they are buying.

2. Making Price the Top Priority

When you buy on price, you get what you pay for. If the deal seems too good to be true, trust your intuition and walk away from the table. The market is filled with used generators in poor condition that companies are eager to dispose of through third-party sellers. Most of them do not take the time or invest the effort required to verify that the generator is in good condition. This allows them to sell the generator “as is” at a bargain price.

3. Not Reviewing the Generator’s Records

Never purchase a used generator without thoroughly reviewing its operational history. Make sure you know the generator’s age, hours, and service history. This will give you a clear picture of how the generator has been used, how well it has performed over time, and whether or not the operator took proper care of the unit. Moreover, avoid the natural inclination towards excluding older machines with more hours on them in favor of newer machines with fewer hours. In many cases, older generators with more hours are well-maintained and better than newer units with fewer hours. In fact, if it is a newer machine with low hours, there is a good chance that it is being sold for a reason you don’t want to get stuck with.

4. The Generator Is the Wrong Size

Maybe it is too small; maybe it is too large. Never purchase a generator that falls far outside your required operational range. If the unit is too large, you will spend more than you need to purchase, maintain, and operate the unit. If it is too small, it won’t generate sufficient power, resulting in significant wear and tear as well as a shortened lifespan.

Contact Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists at (800) 625-8324 to speak with our generator sales and installation team. It is our pleasure to help you find the used generator that is best suited for your specific needs.

Posted Under: generator sales and installation