Are Portable Diesel Generators Economical?
If it is time for you to go generator shopping, then there are several very good reasons why you should be looking at portable diesel generators. 1. Portable diesel generators are designed to run for extended periods of time - not for intermittent use. 2. Maintenance - they have no ignition systems, carburettors or spark plugs. 3. They are more fuel efficient - they burn far less fuel per horsepower/hour, and their exhaust is less toxic. 4. They are durable.
Their gasoline rivals do have a place though, they are great units on the jobsite where they can sit idling quietly all day, and just power up when they are required. If however, you tried to get them to work all day under load they would eventually disintegrate. This type of generator is just not designed for continual hard work, whereas portable diesel generators can work hard all day, every day of the week. Not only this, they will be working much more efficiently under load. It is important as with any engine though, that the diesel generator is not just run to power a tool for a few minutes and then shut down. This will shorten the life of the generator considerably. Of course there are proponents of both types of generators, and not everyone can afford the higher cost that comes with owning portable diesel generators. Even though the initial cost is higher, diesel generators pay back handsomely with trouble free running that lasts for many years. Consider this - many portable diesel generators are not required to undergo any form or servicing apart from their routine maintenance for up to 20,000 hours, and many more will see 50,000 hours before they require major attention. Diesel is simply built to work and to last. The uses that people put their portable diesel generators to are endless. Because they are so versatile they can be taken anywhere there is serious enough work for them to do. They are legendary as back-up power sources, and alternative power supplies. Many isolated homesteads rely on diesel generators for either their sole source of electricity or to supplement their solar power system. Because the quality of power produced by portable diesel generators is so good and stable, you are able to run your computer, and other electronic equipment that is sensitive to frequency fluctuations. This is called great peace of mind when you are running a business or a shop. If you don't think you are able to quite afford looking at brand new portable diesel generators, then it may be worth considering buying a used one. You should however, get someone who is knowledgeable about the electrical workings of generators to check it out for your first. Some older units may have malfunctioning voltage-regulating which can cost quite a lot to fix. It is also important if you can to see a maintenance record, as this is the critical factor in determining how well the unit has been looked after. Diesel generators don't require much attention, but they do require oil changes as per the manufacturer's instructions. |
