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A need for emergency power backup can arise at any time. Whether it is for a commercial or industrial setup or simply having an alternate source of power for your home, owning a generator is an important and sometimes necessary investment. This is especially true for businesses where a power outage can mean a loss of productivity or inventory. In such a scenario, having a generator handy can save you a lot of unwanted loss of money.
However, most businesses forego the purchase of a backup generator for plenty of reasons ranging from a lack of knowledge, cost, lead time of generators, or even their relevance. On most occasions, businesses feel that buying only a new generator is a viable option, but that is far from true. Used generators are just as fine and useful as a new one. In fact, there are several benefits of purchasing a used generator. In this article, we will tell you everything about why it is a good idea to invest in a used generator.
Benefits of Buying a Used Generator
There are plenty of reasons for buying a used generator over purchasing a new one. From affordability, reliability, lead time, less paperwork, ample purchasing options, and modification capabilities, you get a lot more than just a reliable source of power backup.
Cost-Effectiveness
Whatever your requirement is, looking for used generator options is always a great idea, especially when considering an industrial generator. Whether it is a diesel generator or a portable one, if you follow a selection guide for industrial generators and look at the right sources and reliable sellers, you will not only get plenty of options, but you will find them at affordable prices as well. When opting for a used generator, there is a huge decrease in the price without any drop in quality.
Businesses often tend to replace their used properties like a generator after a certain period of time. Such generators are in great condition and if you find one, you must go for it. Similarly, people might sell their generators if they are moving to another location, or if their requirements have changed. Whatever the reason, if you judge the quality and working condition of a generator, you will be able to find an excellent generator at a much lower price than a new one.
Lesser Lead Time
Buying a new generator means that you will have to first order it and then wait for it to be shipped. This could take days or weeks. Even if the generator is shipped on time, it will take a few more days for it to arrive at your location. However, if you buy a used generator, you can bring it home on the spot after making the purchase.
Generators are an alternate source of power, often used in case of an emergency. If you have realized a need for a generator, you must install it instantly, and waiting for a new one to arrive after days of your need arising is not a great idea. This is yet another advantage of buying a used generator, they are quick to install and be used almost immediately.
See related: Used Generators Buying Guide 2024 [By Generator Specialist]
Less Paperwork
Yet another benefit of buying a used generator, whether it is for commercial application or personal usage is reduced paperwork.
A lot of people are unaware of the fact that there is a lot of paperwork involved and forms to be filled out if you purchase a new generator. You might still have to do some sort of paperwork even when you buy a used generator, but it will be a lot less.
So, you can have your generator without going through the tedious and arduous task of filing forms and other paperwork. It also reduces the overall purchase time.
Reliability
Choosing a used generator surely comes with the uncertainty of its working condition and how long it will last. However, you can determine this by either taking help of a professional who knows how to access a generator or learning to do it yourself.
The second option might take you a little longer to get a hang of everything related to a generator, opting to let a professional assess is a much better option. You can find out a reliable used generator dealer as well to get a good purchase.
Customization and Flexibility
When you buy a used generator, you enjoy greater flexibility in making modifications and adjustments to the generator as per your needs. This is not possible when you buy a new one. For instance, you can swap out control boards for customization according to your operation.
That apart, if you locate a reliable used generator dealer, you will get a lot of variety in terms of brands and types of generators at one single outlet. This is a far more conducive option than visiting different outlets to compare and study the options that are available in the market.
Generators are extremely reliable sources of alternate power. However, they don’t always come cheap. This is where buying a used generator is a great option. They are reliable, cost-effective, and make your purchase process a lot simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Used Generator
Why is it more beneficial to buy a used generator?
Generators are a reliable and efficient source of alternate power. They come in handy in case of a power outage, bad weather, or another similar emergency.
However, it is not always possible to buy a new generator as they are more expensive and take a long time to get shipped after your purchase them. In this case, used generators are the best options.
They are affordable, reliable, can be used immediately, and provide several options. Generators are manufactured to last, so, buying a used generator is safe and a widely practiced option.
How can you maximize the purchase of a used generator?
Every generator works well when maintained properly. The same is the case with used generators. These are machines that come in handy during an emergency. So, they must be maintained well so that they perform when needed. Servicing them properly and keeping their parts in good condition is imperative to ensure that they don’t conk off when you really need them.
What are the things to keep in mind when buying a used generator?
A few of the things that you must remember when buying a used generator are how old it is and how many hours it has been used. A generator might be years old, but if the overall working hours are less, it might be a better option. Another thing that you must ask before purchasing a used generator is its past maintenance. If a generator has been repaired several times, it might be a red flag. A generator that hasn’t been maintained well should also be avoided. You must run the generator and use it to power a device so that you know it solves its purpose.