Industrial generators are essential to ensuring the continuity of business operations in the event of a blackout. The current climatic conditions are wreaking havoc across the globe. Add to this the surge in power demands, and blackouts are becoming a rather common occurrence.  If you are looking to power up your operations with an industrial generator, then this post is for you. 

The Top 8 Industrial Generators of 2024

Here is a carefully curated list of the best industrial generators you can get your hands on in 2024. This list has a combination of used as well as new industrial generators, so there is something for every budget. 

Caterpillar C32 Diesel Generator

Caterpillar C32 Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition New
Year of Manufacture 2023
Power Output 1000 KW
Price $249,900
This Cat C32 Diesel Generator comes equipped with a 1474 HP Cat model c32 engine. It is an open power unit with a total output capacity of 1000kw. It operates at a voltage of 277/480.   The generator is EPA Tier 2 compliant and comes with a standard 5-year CAT warranty. It is an open power unit, so it will need to be weather-protected if placed outdoors.  It comes equipped with a digital control panel and comes with a standard 5-year CAT warranty. However, the start-up is not included in the price.

Cummins DQFAD Diesel Generator

Cummins DQFAD Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition Used
Year of Manufacture 2007
Usage 10921 hours
Power Output 1000 KW
Price $299,900
If you are looking for a quieter and more portable industrial generator, then you might want to consider the Cummins DQFAD Diesel Generator. It can deliver 1000 KW of continuous power and is rated at 1150 kW, which means it can handle any power surges with ease.  It also has a 3000 Amp main-line circuit breaker and a Permanent Magnet Generator, which means better performance and reliability. This beast comes with a 1704-gallon fuel tank and tips the scales at 53,378 lbs with a full tank.  Finally, it is mounted on a 30′ container that has a tandem axle chassis, has passed a load test, and is ready to use.

Cummins DFGB VTA28-G5 Diesel Generator

Cummins DFGB VTA28-G5 Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition Used
Year of Manufacture 1997
Usage 2077 hours
Power Output 600 KW
Price $69,900
If you are looking for a used enclosed industrial generator in the 600 KW range with minimal usage, then this Cummins DFGB VTA28-G5 is one to consider. This generator has a 900 HP engine that operates at a voltage of 277/480 and has a 1200 Amp main-line circuit breaker.  It comes with a 1250-gallon sub-base fuel tank that has secondary containment. However, the unit does not have batteries and is still pending a load test. 

Caterpillar 3412 Diesel Generator

Caterpillar 3412 Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition Used
Year of Manufacture 1999
Usage 1240 hours
Power Output 500 KW
Price $59,500
This Caterpillar 3412 is a steal for what it offers. It is powered by a CAT 3412 engine rated at 749 HP at 1800 RPM. It has a 1200 Amp main-line circuit, but it comes with six lead non-reconnectable, which means it cannot be changed to other voltages. To compensate, it has an EMCP II+ digital control panel and coolant heater to eliminate any cold start issues. This is an open power unit with an engine-driven radiator, so it will need to be placed in a sheltered environment. 

Ingersoll Rand Rental Grade G500 Diesel Generator

Used Ingersoll Rand Rental Grade G500 Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition Used
Year of Manufacture 2001
Usage 3600 hours
Power Output 400 KW
Price $89,500
The Ingersoll Rand Rental Grade G500 Diesel Generator is a versatile and reliable industrial generator that is powered by a Volvo TAD1830GE engine rated at 672 HP at 1800 RPM. It can operate at either 3/60/277/480V or 3/60/120/208V through a voltage selector switch and has a main-line circuit breaker. It has a 900-gallon belly fuel tank and comes with a sound-attenuated enclosure that sits on a triple-axle trailer.  

MQ Power KD350V Diesel Generator

MQ Power KD350V Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition Used
Year of Manufacture 2003
Usage 192 hours
Power Output 450 KW
Price $39,500
If you are looking for a sparingly used 350kw generator, then the MQ Power KD350V is the one for you. It has only 192 hours of usage and is powered by a reliable Volvo Penta engine that puts out 527 HP.  It also has a 1200 Amp adjustable main-line circuit breaker and an MQ digital control panel. It also has an inbuilt battery charger and a coolant heater. This industrial generator has an 800-gallon UL-listed sub-base fuel tank that has secondary containment for safety and environmental protection.  Commercial Generator

Caterpillar C9 Diesel Generator

Caterpillar C9 Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition New
Year of Manufacture 2023
Usage 0
Power Output 300KW
Price $99,900
The Caterpillar C9 is a gem of a machine if you are looking for reliability and efficiency. Its CAT C9 engine meets the latest EPA Tier 3 emissions and is rated at 436 HP at 1800 RPM. It can operate at 3/60/277/480V and has a 600 Amp main-line circuit breaker.  It comes enclosed in a sound-attenuated unit and comes with a standard 2-year CAT warranty.

Kohler 300REOZJ Diesel Generator

Kohler 300REOZJ Diesel Generator <source>

Key Points

Condition New
Year of Manufacture 2019
Usage 0
Power Output 300KW
Price $64,500
If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the Caterpillar C9, then this Kohler 300REOZJ is your best bet. The lower cost does come with a trade-off in the form of a lack of enclosure. That said, it stacks up against the CAT in all other aspects.  Its John Deere engine also meets EPA Tier 3 emissions. It can operate at 3/60/120/208V and comes equipped with an 800 amp main line circuit breaker. Although this industrial generator has never been installed, its warranty expired on 6/5/2022. 

Summing It Up

Industrial Generators are a significant investment, but they are worth their weight in gold. Keeping in mind the uncertainty and the alarming rise of natural weather-based catastrophes, they are now more of a necessity.  The ones listed in this blog post are some of the best on the market, and there is something that will suit any budget. When it comes to industrial generators, it’s better to have one and now use it rather than not having one when you really need it.  Explore more options in Commercial Generator Glossary

Common Questions About Industrial Generators

How long can an industrial generator run without overheating?

Industrial generators are specifically designed to run for days on end and will do so without any issues if they are maintained properly. That said, the actual running time will depend on the capacity of the generator’s fuel tank and the amount of load being put on it. 

How do I determine the size of the industrial generator I need for my business?

So, you start by listing down all the essential machinery you want to keep running during a blackout and adding up their wattages. A good practice is to add 25% to this figure to account for any power surges or if you need to run additional machines. The added benefit of doing so is that your generator will not be running 100% all the time, which will put less load on it and improve its fuel economy. 

I already own a generator; can I buy a second one and connect it to double the output?

The short answer is yes; industrial generators can be connected in parallel to combine their power outputs. If the two units are exactly the same, then it is a straightforward process. However, attempting to connect two dis-similar generators in parallel is a complex endeavor as they need to be synchronized and it is an exercise best left to the professionals. 

What do the terms reconnectable and non-reconnectable mean in the context of industrial generators?

The terms reconnectable and non-reconnectable refer to the ability to alter the connections of an industrial generator to vary its output voltage. Reconnectable Generators typically have either 10 or 12 leads that can be reconfigured to alter the output voltage and to produce a single or three-phase output.  A non-reconnectable industrial generator has a fixed output voltage and phase. 

What does an EPA rating mean for Industrial Generators?

The EPA rating on a generator signifies what emission standard it meets as set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The higher the tier, the more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly a generator is. That said, the EPA rating will also differ based on the size of the generator, its year of manufacture, and what type of generator it is. 

What are the safety precautions to keep in mind when operating an industrial generator?

Industrial Generators are complex machines that need to be used with the utmost caution to prevent any damage to them or the people around them. Here are a few:
  • Stick to the maintenance schedule for the generator.
  • Never operate an industrial generator in an enclosed space. 
  • Never store fuel in the vicinity of the generator.
  • Never touch a generator when it’s running without protective clothing on, and always ensure that the generator is grounded.