Diesel Generator Frequently Asked Questions

Why buy a Diesel Generator?
Diesel generators are more reliable. The easiest way for me to explain it is this. Diesel fuel is basically a light-grade oil. Inside any internal combustion engine, there are many moving parts that create friction. Gasoline and propane are solvent-based fuels which promote friction and wear. Diesel, being a lubricant, reduces friction and wear. If you ever need to do work on a Diesel engine, they are simple. All you need to make a Diesel run is air-compression and fuel. Diesels don&#;t need sophisticated (and failure-prone) ignition systems; no spark plugs, no points and no carburetor!

dingbo Product Page

How long will a Diesel Generator last?
With proper maintenance, a high-quality Diesel Generator will last indefinitely. It is important to change the oil regularly and keep the air filter clean. Clean fuel is extremely important.

What about the generator end. How long will it last?
Although it is often referred to as a generator or alternator, we only use brushless alternators. The beauty of a brushless alternator is that it only has one wear item &#; a sealed ball-bearing that is rated for 100,000 hours.

Do you offer tools or assistance sizing a generator for my needs?
Absolutely, Hardy offers generator sizing, power calculators and conversion tools for estimating in addition to providing general input on your generator sizing and product selections. However, nothing can replace an on-site visit by a local licensed electrical contractor to help understand your power needs, voltage requirements, installation, distances, wire size, voltage drop, elevation, and more.

What about RPM Diesel Generators. Why are they cheaper?
RPM Diesel Generators are sometimes referred to as portable or throw-away Diesel Generators. They get their power from speed rather than displacement. For that reason, they weigh less than half of an RPM Diesel Engine. The alternator on a RPM Diesel generator spins twice as fast so it can get by with less than half of the copper of an RPM alternator. Due to the higher engine speed, these RPM generators wear out much sooner.

Can I run my Diesel Generator on biodiesel or other alternative fuels?
Yes, a Diesel Generator will run on almost any type of oil. They will run on anything from used motor oil, vegetable oil, refined biodiesel, you name it. Now, should you run your Diesel Generator on any oil-based substance it will run on? If it&#;s an emergency and this is the only fuel, yes. However, make sure it is clean and has been processed properly to ensure it does not harm your engine, injectors, or filtration system. If it is not an emergency, select your diesel fuel alternatives carefully.

Why should I buy my Diesel Generator from Hardy Diesel?
We have been selling quality Diesel Generators wholesale direct since . We have learned a lot during this period of time. Some things can be learned in books. Competing successfully in the wholesale generator business is not one of those things. During the last 40+ years, we have seen a lot of mail-order and online Diesel Generator companies come and go, and when they fail, they leave a trail of unhappy customers in their wake. What differentiates Hardy Diesel from our competitors is that we provide well-engineered, high-quality systems at a reasonable price.

How do we manage to provide superior products at such affordable prices?
Hardy Diesel is privately owned, U.S. based company and we continue to do business as we did when we started in . We have no fancy showroom and pay no rent. Another advantage: no one at Hardy has ever figured out how to wear more than one pair of pants at a time! Low overhead is the key.

Does Hardy Diesel sell generator sets made with engines or generators from China or India?
No, although we have nothing against these countries or the people who live and work there, we do not use their products in our systems. Trust us, we have tried all of them and there are many problems associated with diesel engines and generator sets from those nations. Sure, the price is attractive and they&#;ve found ways to skirt around U.S. environmental laws, but in the final analysis, it&#;s just not worth the risk to your business, family, livestock, or home. Do yourself a favor and don&#;t support the companies who pedal this gear; they care so little about the safety and satisfaction of their customers and they give our industry a bad name!

Why do some companies advertise slow diesel generators with RPM alternators on them?
RPM alternators are very cheap to buy. With belt-drive, you can slow an engine down below RPM and speed up a generator to RPM and still get 60Hz. We don&#;t resort to short-cuts like this. Belt-drive, in itself, is okay if properly tensioned, however, we would never couple a slow diesel to a RPM alternator because they are capacitor-regulated and often fail. Two-pole or RPM alternators are sometimes referred to as &#;throw-aways&#; because when they fail, they are simply not worth rebuilding. Capacitor-regulated alternators also have a very low motor-starting ability. We recommend you avoid these types of Diesel Generator Sets and the companies who sell them.

Can you explain kilowatts (kW) as it relate to diesel generators?
Diesel generator kW (k= W= Watt) is typically produced at lower RPMs. Example 8kW = Watts. It takes 1.5 horsepower to make one kW. Turning at a slow RPM a Diesel Generator kW requires large displacement. Most gas and even some Diesel Generators run at RPM. These are considered high speed throw away generators. The initial cost on these are low, however, they ware out quickly and are not worth fixing. We only sell Diesel Generators that run at RPM. Diesel generator kW produced from RPM engines and generators last almost indefinitely. That is why they are sometimes referred to as investment grade.

I live outside the U.S. Will your diesel generators work in my country?
Yes, click here for world voltage frequency chart by country we can configure your unit for any voltage and frequency needed anywhere in the world. In most cases, however, 50 Hz will reduce output by 15% due to decreased engine speed.

Introduction

There are several considerations when buying a diesel generator which should be well-thought out before settling on a final investment.

As a critical power provider for 40 years, here at WBPS we are well versed in sourcing the right power equipment for your next diesel generator installation project. We&#;ve put together a list of some considerations that will help to inform your decision.

Power Output

Your power requirements and your chosen generator&#;s power output is one of the most important considerations with regards to critical power. For industrial setups and larger outfits in particular, the power output is an important factor to consider as it is also a key marker of a generator&#;s efficiency.

For industrial settings, generators that are designed for high endurance and performance, as well as being able to utilise fuel reserves effectively, are crucial so that organisations and businesses like yours can get the most from their power.

A generator&#;s efficiency is not always down to the age or model &#; its power rating, performance and ability are all important measures to look at which could save you a great deal in the long run.

Purpose

The overall purpose of the generator you wish to invest in and the electrical equipment it will power should also help inform your decision.

If the equipment you&#;re powering is small and suited to a smaller business or a residential environment, then referring to the generator&#;s power rating will indicate its suitability. Often abbreviated as kVA, or for larger and more industrial-sized generator sets MVA, the power rating will tell you how much power is being used by the system overall. When it comes to the rating on a generator, the higher the kVA rating, the more power it will produce.

It is important not to underestimate the power that is required. Not enough power can cause damage to the machine, whilst overpowering equipment can in turn prove costly and create unnecessary spending too.

Want more information on Volvo 130kw Diesel Generator? Feel free to contact us.

Size

The actual space to house your generator is also another factor that can quite often be overlooked. If the power unit is to fit a certain space, it is important to have dimensions drawn up and space configured before making that final decision. With generators coming in all shapes and sizes, bulkier generators may require a certain amount of space for installation and will need to be positioned correctly for ventilation purposes.

If a smaller generator is required, a portable generator which can be repositioned within the business with ease or relocated to another premises without too much hassle may be more suitable.

Standby vs Prime

Whether your generator will be used as a standby generator, for emergency power when the grid fails, or as prime power where the generator is used as the primary source of power, both options offer pros and cons.

In a standby setting, the main application of the generator is to act as an emergency power source when external power fails. Providing excellent protection should your power supply suddenly cut out, or as essential cover until the main source of power is restored, standby mode is an ideal option for many applications or for large scale businesses or industries where critical power is needed at all times.

In a prime setting, the generator is used as the main or primary source of power, with this type of generator used to power equipment over longer periods. Used regularly, the generator will require a good supply of fuel to ensure it can keep running for an extended time. With this, it is also imperative to check the fuel supply frequently and to ensure maintenance and service check-ups are up to date.

Efficiency

As with all diesel generators, it is ideal to look for a generator that can offer the maximum in terms of power output whilst also consuming the least amount of fuel. A generator that is as efficient as possible is a worthwhile investment, with fuel costs often quite steep.

A generator that has a good service history and is up to date with maintenance checks, is a good starting point. Not all new generators offer high fuel efficiency, some older models with full-service checks may also be worth checking out. The higher the efficiency of the model you invest in, the more likely it will be that your power unit will last longer.

Noise

Generators can emit a lot of noise pollution. With today&#;s generators offering varying degrees of soundproofing, including containerised generators, which work by absorbing excess noise and vibrations, soundproofing your generator may be required to help keep excess noise under control.

Soundproofing your equipment also provides excellent protection from the elements. From harsh winds and rain, to protecting the environment around you, having your generator housed within a containerised set, will also ensure your investment remains protected and secure too.

Maintenance

All generators require a good deal of looking after with regular servicing and maintenance required to keep it performing and running at its very best.

Whichever generator you decide upon, it is imperative to get your investment regularly serviced and checked. Diesel generators require several maintenance checks scheduled throughout the year to ensure fuel levels are monitored and topped up for use in emergency situations.

As with any decent kit, and to prevent disruption to your business, keeping your diesel generator maintained and properly serviced will go a long way to ensure your appliance works at its best, keeping breakdowns and repairs to a minimum.

WBPS | Here to Help!

At WBPS, we can help you with all your diesel generator requirements. With so many factors to consider when choosing the right generator, you can trust in us to help you with all your generator requirements. Our experience in working with critical power is unrivalled, providing an all-in-one infrastructure that utilises 40 years of experience and knowledge.

To find out more about the best type of generator for your home, business or organisation, including all the services available to support your generator installation project, such as repairs and upgrades, speak to one of our expert engineers today.  We&#;d be more than happy to help!

The company is the world’s best Perkins Diesel Generator Set supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.