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Do I buy new or second hand?
When you’re shopping for a generator, it is very important to consider both new and used options available. Having a wide knowledge of the products available on the market can be invaluable to you, so it’s important to find out what type of generator you need to fulfill your needs and fit your budget.
One decision that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked is the choice between new and used, after deciding whether a natural gas or diesel generator would be preferable. Buyers should be aware of the various different generators for sale on the market. Used diesel generators are usually sold by reputable dealers. These products are likely to satisfy your energy needs reliably, for a substantially lower price than you’d pay for a completely new generator or engine, but how do you know which one to choose?
What Are The Benefits Of Purchasing A New Generator?
The primary benefit of purchasing a brand new generator is that it will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Such warranties usually last a couple of years and ensure that the owner will not be financially responsible for any unforeseen problems; the extent of the coverage varies between manufacturers and often hinges upon the intended use of the generator itself. As with any purchase, this kind of insurance policy helps to provide great comfort to the buyer of the generator. However, it is very possible to find second hand generators that are for sale and still have the original warranty and, furthermore, many companies that deal in used generators will provide guarantees on their own refurbished products, to entice you to buy it.
If you’re in need of a new generator and you’re considering purchasing a used generator, be sure to ask the seller if any type of warranty or guarantee is included. If one is included, this should increase your confidence in buying a used generator significantly.
Most second or third-hand generators will not be insured to the extent that a new generator would be. Therefore, it’s recommended that you learn the usage history of any used generator before purchasing it. The fewer hours on the engine, the less likely you’ll be to have problems with your purchase; we suggest inquiring about the generator’s previous employment. If it was used primarily for standby power or only as an emergency backup, it probably has far less wear and tear than if it was continuously powering heavy machinery or a large electrical system.
"When looking on Google for the benefits of new or used generators I came across Bellwood. Spot on service used them for years ever since. Always on hand to help!"
- James Kirkup
A Few Other Benefits
Benefits of purchasing a new generator include:
Cost Effective – A lot of the cheaper generators will be fit to meet your needs and requirements. Cost effective generators are perfect for anyone looking for a generator to help backup their power.
Very Safe – Both new and used generators go through all of the necessary tests and will have been deemed safe to use by Bellwood Rewinds. Sleep safe in the knowledge that the generator you purchase will be very safe to use.
Solve Problems – Generators can help solve power outage problems as and when they happen. Turning your generator on will give you light and power once again, allowing you to work on the problem of your power outage with a clear head.
There are many benefits to choosing a generator when you require a backup power source for your home or business. Used generators are generally cheaper, but make sure you ask about the usage history before you make any buying decision.
Age, Hours, and Usage
When you’re shopping for a reliable used generator to buy, one of the first things you can try to check is the hours, age and history of the generator set. One of the first things to find out is how many hours it has on it, generator engines are just like cars, the less hours on the clock, the better.
It may also be helpful to know what it was used for (if this information is available), and whether it was for the ongoing power or just standby usage. A generator that has been used as a standby or backup power source will typically be better maintained and have much less wear than one used as a prime power source. Age is also an important factor, but just because a boiler is older, doesn’t mean it isn’t in good operation.
Physical Wear and Tear
Physical inspections can be hard to carry out without the trained eye of an experienced engineer, but there are a few easy aspects you can check. These include:
- Checks for any marks or immediate damage
- Inspect the bearings and brushes
- Ensure the integrity of the wiring
- Ask for a load test to be carried out
How Well Has It Been Maintained?
Another area where you might not be able to get much information on its history, but you can check the seller’s current level of knowledge on maintaining and repairing generator. By this you’ll be able to gauge the seller’s current knowledge and expertise in regards to the type of maintenance they carry out on used generators.
Where You’re Purchasing the Used Generator From
Whilst anyone can put a generator up for sale in the classifieds, on eBay, and so forth, that’s clearly not an ideal situation for a buyer. Generators are complex, finely tuned pieces of machinery that clearly needs to be properly maintained and tested by certified engineers, in order for them to operate at optimum efficiency and be there when you need them most. Since most generators come with a substantial price tag, even used ones, that’s why it’s important to ensure you purchase it from a reputable generator specialist. To eliminate any risks, of course we recommend always going with a professional organization backed by years of industry experience, just like we offer here at Bellwood Rewinds.
Buying A Used Generator – What to Consider
There are a number of great benefits to purchasing a pre-owned or low-hour used generator. Businesses both large and small are routinely purchasing generators that are second hand because it is often the most cost-effective way to buy high-quality industrial assets and/or heavy equipment. However, there are also a many factors and considerations that need be taken into account before purchasing a used generator, to ensure it’s the right one for your needs.
When choosing a generator, it all starts with choosing a generator for your specific power requirements. Once you have determined the size of generator you will need, then it’s time to start take into consideration a number of other factors.
Why Choose Us?
1
Reliable Generators
All second-hand systems are repaired and serviced before we make them available for hire. All new systems are checked and serviced too, ensuring they are fit for customer use. We are proud of our ultra-reliable generators.
2
Broad Range
We have a wide range of generators to choose from. We offer advice and guidance to make sure you get your hands on the backup power source you need.
3
Competitive Prices
Our generators are competitively priced. If you are looking for a cost effective solution for backing up your power, we can find something to suit your requirements.
4
Expert advice
For those of you that aren’t sure which generator to hire, we can help you. We have years of experience specialising in the sale and rental of generators and will happily talk you through your options.
Used Vs New - What's Right for You?
A wide range of new and used generators are available to potential buyers in the market today. The buying cycle typically starts out with identifying a need (i.e. to power heavy equipment, provide emergency backup, prime or standby power, etc.), then performing research and analysis to determine what your specifications and requirements are for a generator. After that, you’re than usually faced with the all-important decision of whether to go with a new or used generator. In order to reach an educated and informed decision and an answer to that, a number of important factors must be taken into account.
New Generators
Just as it is when purchasing a new car, the number one reason for buying a new generator is the fact that it comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty and peace of mind that most new generators simply last longer than used ones. The length and terms of each warranty varies greatly but is typically between one and two years, (sometimes longer) depending on the intended usage of the generator.
However, as it is with cars as well, those warranties do not come without a substantial increase in cost. And, depending on the size, make and manufacturer, there may be a long wait time or limited availability so extra time is often required to account for that, especially on the larger generators. For businesses who have the time to wait and really want the security a warranty offers for a year or two, new generators can be the best way to go. As it is with any heavy equipment, you simply need to weigh all the pros and cons of your particular situation and your needs for a generator to determine what the best option is for your business.
Used Generators
Whilst most used generators don’t usually come with a warranty, it is often extremely advantageous to buy used generators for a number of reasons. A key one is of course that used generators with low hours on the engines are often available at very attractive prices, and are substantially below the high retail prices of new generators. It’s even possible to save up to 50% or more by getting a low-hour used generator instead of a new one.
Another reason to purchase a used one is the fact that they are readily available and can be bought and installed very quickly. There is no waiting because of limited availability, you can simply buy it and take it away the same day. Most big-name brand manufacturers build industrial strength equipment, the risk is negligible. Generators are built to last and work whenever necessary, as that is their true function in most cases, to always be there when you need them most. If you simply need a generator as a backup power option, then a used generator might be a more cost effective option.
Summary
In summary, as you can see, it is obvious that a used generator can typically provide much more value for your money and should therefore always be a consideration. However, as it is with any large industrial/commercial purchase, there are a number of factors to consider and weigh before making your final choice. When it comes to needing a generator that works around the clock, then investing in a new generator or updating your current generator might be the best option.
Before making any purchase, you should take the time to call Bellwood Rewinds for expert, honest advice. We can help point you in the right direction of a product to meet your requirements.
