What You Should Pay Attention to When Buying a Used Generator
How can you be certain that buying a used generator will give you value for money? Read on and discover some of the things that you should pay attention to so that you can buy a used generator that won't drain your resources in frequent repairs.
Scrutinise Its Records
Many generators have a display that tracks how many service hours that generator has clocked in its lifetime so far. Opt for a generator that hasn't been used a lot because its components will still be in a good condition. You shouldn't be lulled into selecting a used generator purely on the basis of having few hours clocked. You need to examine the service history of that generator so that you can be sure that its previous owner properly maintained it. Generators that aren't maintained or serviced at the recommended intervals can break down at any time.
Check Its Upgrades
Generator technology is constantly evolving in order to make generators meet the changing needs of their users. It is therefore important for you to make sure that the used generator that you wish to buy had its control panel upgraded so that it is compatible with the new devices or systems that are currently available on the market. For instance, the control panel should be compatible with new diagnostic equipment that monitors the critical systems of the generator so that owners can be alerted in case a defect develops in the generator. Analog control panels should be a red flag if you are shopping for a used generator.
Conduct a Load Test
What good is a generator if it cannot handle the load that it was designed to handle? Conduct a phased load test so that you confirm that the used generator on sale is still capable of performing at maximum load levels. Any defects that the generator may have will be revealed as you progressively increase the load until you subject the generator to its maximum load capacity. You can then buy that generator if it passes the load test. Conduct another test in case any defects are fixed after that preliminary load test.
Avoid evaluating used generators on your own in case you lack experience in performing that important task. Ask a professional to accompany you so that his or her expertise will help you to spot defects that may elude a casual observer. The used generator that you select after following the suggestions above is likely to meet your present and future needs without any major issues.