This really depends on the size and brand of generator required. If you give us more details on what you need to power, we’ll be able to send you a quote for the most suitable generator.

Usually, because they are built using higher quality components and therefore have a better standing in the market, are well known and trusted and have wider consumer appeal than those less well known. Sometimes the warranty is for a longer period.

A petrol generator will normally be smaller, will typically be used for prime power applications and not for standby or backup, a petrol generator will frequently be portable and can be moved from place to place easily. A diesel generator will be more economical on fuel, they can be used for prime power and backup power, and they can be portable (for the hire sector) but are frequently part of a fixed installation.

Noisy! Petrol frame generators can be quite noisy, Petrol inverters (Suitcase generators) are relatively quiet, diesel generators can be sound attenuated so that noise levels are reduced, however, an open frame skid diesel generator will be noisy. If you require a silent generator please let us know and we can recommend a suitable generator for you.

Working out the best generator to get: 1) Establish the max power you intend to support in kW’s 2) Will I need to backup every appliance or just the lights? 3) How long will I intend the generator to run for?  If you are not sure, send a list of what you want to power and a generator specialist, like YorPower who will size the generator for you. If you are still not certain and do not want to write a long list, call us and tell us whether you want the generator for home backup, business backup, temporary power, or something else and we will help you.  The more information you can provide the closer we can match your needs and ensure the right size of generator for you.

When preparing your company for an unexpected event, like a power outage, most businesses often underestimate how useful a fully installed automatic generator would be to assist in maintaining normal operations, let alone how effective a used generator could be to apply.  There are numerous reasons why many businesses do not purchase a standby generator. The majority relate to the cost of purchase. The common belief is that emergency standby generators can only be purchased from new and are expensive. People are unaware that high-quality used generators can be obtained at typically 50% of the price of new. Many used generators on the market have spent most of their lives in backup applications where they have only ever been run for maintenance purposes.Other reasons include:

• Lower capital outlay – typically half the cost of new
• Lead time – availability of used generators usually means you can buy and install much quicker than buying new, lead times are usually 60% faster than for a new generator.
• As a used generator has already been ‘run in’ it should work straight off the bat.
• Better construction – more often than not an older used generator will be constructed of heavier steel and will be more robust

The straight answer is yes. Diesel generators, specifically for the new, rental and hire sectors, are governed by regulations. If running a generator for Prime power for more than 50 hours per annum, you will have to notify to the governing authority that you are running a diesel engine that falls into the category of MCPD (Medium Combustion Machinery Directive).

Yes. It is fair to say the legislation that deals with diesel generator engine emissions, specifically related to the Diesel Genset Industry is complex, hard to interpret and is fundamentally ahead of engine availability/technology; that is until very recently. This is borne out by various changes sought by industry lobbying groups to delay part(s) of the restrictions on use.  If you’re unsure, please contact us and we can advise.

Fuel quality has changed greatly over the years thereby increasing power output and decreasing its adverse effects on after-treatment devices. Manufacturers continue to look at alternative fuels, innovative fuel systems, and new control strategies to improve the overall efficiency of an engine. Biodiesel has been around for some years, however, it has more recently become a viable option. It is a fuel comprised of methyl/ethyl ester-based oxygenates of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, and typically cooking oils. These fuels are commonly known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters or FAME. Biofuel / Biodiesel properties are not dissimilar to that of diesel fuel, as opposed to gasoline or gaseous fuels, and so are capable of being used in compression ignition engines such as the diesel engine. Due to certain challenges associated with the fuel (Fuel quality, oxidation stability, contamination, microbe growth, etc), engine manufacturers in the past have been skeptical over the use of 100 percent biodiesel (B100).

Blends of biodiesel with regular diesel are therefore widely used for prime and continuous applications, with B5 and B20 being highly popular in the market depending on the complexity of the engine and the application. The number alongside the letter ‘B’ indicates the percentage of biodiesel in the blend. B5 would have 5 percent biodiesel, B20 would have 20 percent etc. The very latest biodiesel which is commercially available emits lower N0X and S02 than EU Stage V rated engines.