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.
Filed under PowerTools by on Mar 26th, 2012. Comment. 
Some Power Tool Safety Precautions
As professionals and DIY enthusiast, power tools have become part of our lives. They are obviously favoured due to the time saving factor both in terms of speed and physical effort required. However, these tools need to be treated with respect and handled with care in order to avoid unnecessary injury. Accidents mostly occur as a result of negligence or distraction and often due to overconfidence. Power tool safety is very easy to neglect and In order to safeguard ourselves against any mishaps, we need to consider the following safety aspects:
1. Personal Safety Protection
- Safety Glasses – Basic ones are relatively cheap to buy. They are very effective in protecting the eyes against dust, grass cuttings, wood shavings and splinters, fibreglass shards, metal filings, etc.
- Earmuffs/Plugs – Some power tools generate excessive levels of noise, especially in enclosed environments.
- Mask – Dust can cause more harm than what we might like to believe.
- Gloves – Although they can become a bit of an annoyance when handling small objects, gloves can prevent a lot of damage to the hands depending on the nature of the material worked on.
2. Dress
- Avoid wearing loosely fitting clothing and jewellery as these can be caught in rotating tools.
- Long hair should be tied back
- Ideally clothing should cover the whole body
- Wear solid shoes
3. Tool Knowledge
- Make sure that you study the manufacturer’s instructions in detail before commencing.
- For more advanced tools, some training may be advisable.
- It is important to be sufficiently knowledgeable in order to select the appropriate tool for the job.
- Do not carry corded power tools by their cords.
- When powering off a tool, wait for the moving parts to come to rest before laying the tool down.
4. Tool Inspection
- Check for cuts in cords and replace where necessary.
- Check for faulty parts like safety guards.
- Check for loose or dull blades.
- Check for defects or cracks in the tool housing.
- C heck for problems with safety shut-off switches
5. Tool Maintenance
- Always keep tools clean.
- Only lubricate tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Work Environment
- Avoid working in a wet environment.
- Keep cords out of traffic areas.
- Ensure sufficient lighting in dark areas.
- Disconnect unused tools at the power source.
- Always clean the work area thoroughly after use.
- Store power tools away and out of reach of minors when not in use.
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Filed under PowerTools by on Jan 21st, 2012. Comment.
