The Advantages of Portable Diesel Generators

Portable Generators in General

If you do a lot of off site work that requires a variety of power tools, a portable power generator can be a sensible alternative to duplicating your entire existing set of corded power tools with cordless power tools. Plus, you still have the advantage of being able to use your power generator for other applications

A portable generator can be used for power tool related activities as well as for recreational purposes. You can take it camping, tailgating, or even to a remote holiday pad where you don’t have a connection to the national power grid. Whatever the application, when you decide to move, the generator moves with you.

Even in instances where portable diesel generators are never moved, installing them is hassle free and they typically cost less than a fixed standby generator. There’s no need to pour a concrete slab or do any alterations that may require a permits.

Portable Diesel Generators

Given the nature of the applications that portable diesel generators are typically used for, they tend to be preferable to gasoline units for the following reasons:

• Modern diesel engines have overcome the disadvantages of earlier models in terms of excessive noise and high maintenance costs.  They are now quieter and require less maintenance compared with gasoline engines of a similar size.
• They are more robust and reliable.
• The absence of a spark to ignite the fuel lowers maintenance costs and fire dangers.
• Fuel cost per Kilowatt produced by a diesel engine is 30% to 50% lower than that of gasoline engines.
• A water-cooled diesel engine operating at 1,800 rpm will operate up to anywhere between 12,000 and 30,000 hours before any major maintenance would be required. A similar water-cooled gasoline unit will typically operate up to between 6,000 and 10,000 hours before it needs attention.
• Gasoline engines run much hotter than diesel units and, as a result, they have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to diesel units.

Portable diesel generators can be used as prime power sources or as standby/back-up power sources. They are available in various specifications and sizes.  Diesel generator sets ranging from 5Kw to 30Kw are typically used in home, portable and recreational applications such as in vehicles and trailers.  For these applications, single-phase power generators are sufficient.