Portable Generators Dismantled Machines

About Portable Generators

Portable generators provide power when your electricity goes out or if you’re in a remote area without access to reliable electricity. Generators consist of an internal combustion engine, a starter, an alternator, a fuel tank, and power outlets. They often have 4-cylinder engines, although there are models with 2- or 3-cylinder engines, and can produce anywhere from 700 watts up to 12,000 watts or more. These engines will run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or propane, depending on the model. Fuel tank capacities range from around 2 to 10 gallons or more.

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Depending on fuel capacity and whether you run it at half or full load, a portable generator can typically run from 5 to 16 hours before needing a refill. Lower-wattage models are best suited for camping where you may need to run lights or a coffee machine, for example, whereas higher-wattage models can run refrigerators and other large appliances. During power outages, these generators are well suited for charging smartphones and other devices, or even to keep a sump pump running to prevent basement flooding during heavy rains.

Portable generators are popular for do-it-yourself projects around the house and for contractors that need to run power tools throughout the workday. You can use them on farms or acreages to get power to work lights and other equipment when away from home base. Some of these machines are generator/air compressor combination units, which means they also have a built-in air tank in addition to the standard engine.

Technically Portable

Although many types of generators are technically portable, this category refers to generators that you can either carry outright or pull along on wheels. They range in weight from around 30 pounds up to 350 pounds, although lower weight and lower wattage models may actually fall into the compact recreational generator category. Towable generators are technically portable, as they can moved from worksite to worksite, but they are often larger, more expensive, and higher powered, which makes them more suitable for heavy-duty construction work and other similar applications.

Safety Precautions

Portable generators can be dangerous if used improperly. For example, many generators have a 10-second startup time where they run well above peak running power, so if you were to plug something in during that time it could overload your device or shock you in the process. The outlets will most commonly be either 120 volts or 240 volts, so make sure your device or tool, and its cord, can handle that much voltage or if that voltage isn’t enough to power it. Portable generators run on fuel, so it’s also important to make sure you only use them outdoors or with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and other issues.

The Right Fit

Wattages, fuel capacities, and the number of outlets are important considerations when shopping for portable generators, but particularly with used models, you’ll want to pay attention to operator hours as well. Price may also be a factor, as portable generators can range from anywhere from $300 to $5,000 and up.

PowerSystemsToday.com lists hundreds of new and used portable generators for sale from the most popular brands, including Atlas Copco, Generac, Honda, Hustler, Miller, Multiquip, Wacker Neuson, and Yamakoyo, so you can find the right one for your needs.