When you need dependable backup power for your facility, few names carry the weight and reputation of Detroit Diesel. The Used Detroit Diesel 500DS4 Diesel Generator represents decades of engineering excellence packed into a proven power solution that's built to last. With 1,069 hours on the meter, this particular unit offers an exceptional opportunity to secure reliable standby power at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

At Central States Diesel Generators, we're proud to have this 500DS4 model and other similar units currently in stock and ready for fast shipping. Whether you're looking to protect critical operations, ensure business continuity, or meet emergency power requirements, this generator delivers the performance you can count on.

The Detroit Diesel Legacy: Built to Last

Detroit Diesel has been synonymous with rugged, dependable power for over 80 years. Originally founded in 1938, the company earned its reputation by powering everything from city buses and military vehicles to marine vessels and industrial equipment. When Detroit Diesel puts their name on an engine, you know it's designed to run hard and keep running.

The company's philosophy has always been simple: build engines that work when everything else quits. This approach has made Detroit Diesel a trusted name in industries where downtime simply isn't an option. From hospitals and data centers to manufacturing facilities and emergency services, Detroit Diesel generators provide the backbone of critical power infrastructure across the country.

What sets Detroit Diesel apart is their commitment to heavy-duty design principles. These aren't lightweight engines built for occasional use – they're industrial workhorses engineered to handle continuous operation under demanding conditions. The 500DS4 model exemplifies this philosophy with its robust construction and time-tested reliability.

Technical Specifications That Deliver

The Detroit Diesel 500DS4 brings serious power to the table with specifications that make it ideal for medium to large-scale applications. This unit delivers 500 kW of standby power at 277/480 volts, three-phase configuration, making it perfect for facilities with substantial electrical loads.

At the heart of this generator sits a 15.9-liter V8 turbocharged diesel engine that produces 765 horsepower at 1800 RPM. This engine configuration provides the perfect balance of power density and reliability. The V8 design ensures smooth operation with excellent load acceptance characteristics, while the turbocharging delivers efficient power output across the entire operating range.

Key technical specifications include:

  • Power Output: 500 kW standby, 440 kW prime
  • Voltage: 277/480V, 3-phase, 60 Hz
  • Engine: 15.9L V8 turbocharged diesel
  • Horsepower: 765 HP at 1800 RPM
  • Fuel System: Integrated 1000-gallon base tank with secondary containment
  • Control System: Digital control panel with automatic start/stop
  • Enclosure: Weather-resistant with sound attenuation

The fuel system deserves special mention. The integrated 1000-gallon sub-base fuel tank with secondary containment means you're getting a complete power solution, not just a generator. This fuel capacity provides extended runtime capability, critical for applications where refueling during outages might be challenging or dangerous.

Engineering Excellence in Every Component

Detroit Diesel didn't cut corners when designing the 500DS4. The engine block features cast-iron construction for maximum durability, while the forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods are built to handle the stresses of continuous operation. The compression ratio of 14.5:1 provides excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing power output.

The cooling system is equally impressive, featuring a centrifugal water pump and radiator system designed to manage heat rejection efficiently. With the ability to handle 60 kW of heat from the engine and 47 kW from the alternator under full load, this cooling system ensures consistent operation even in challenging ambient conditions.

The alternator system uses brushless permanent-magnet technology with solid-state voltage regulation, maintaining voltage stability within ±0.25%. This level of precision protects sensitive electronic equipment while ensuring consistent power delivery to all connected loads.

Sound Attenuation and Installation Advantages

One of the standout features of this 500DS4 unit is its weather-enclosed design with integrated sound attenuation. Industrial generators can be notoriously loud, but Detroit Diesel engineered this model to operate at neighborhood-friendly noise levels without sacrificing performance.

The sound-attenuated enclosure doesn't just reduce noise – it also provides weather protection for all critical components. This means you can install the generator outdoors without worrying about rain, snow, or other environmental factors affecting operation. The enclosure design also facilitates easier maintenance access while maintaining security for valuable components.

Installation flexibility is another key advantage. The unit's dimensions of approximately 111 inches wide by 288 inches long by 146 inches high make it suitable for a wide range of installation scenarios. Whether you're planning a pad-mounted outdoor installation or need to fit the generator into an existing generator room, the 500DS4's footprint works with most facility layouts.

Control Systems and Automation Features

Modern backup power systems need to operate automatically when utility power fails, and the 500DS4 delivers with sophisticated control capabilities. The digital control panel provides comprehensive monitoring and control functions, including automatic start/stop operation, system diagnostics, and remote monitoring capabilities.

The control system continuously monitors utility power quality and automatically starts the generator when voltage or frequency falls outside acceptable parameters. Once utility power is restored and stabilized, the system provides a cool-down period before shutting down the generator. This level of automation ensures your facility maintains power without requiring human intervention during outages.

Diagnostic capabilities include engine parameter monitoring, maintenance scheduling alerts, and fault code logging. This information helps facility managers stay ahead of maintenance needs and ensures maximum reliability when backup power is needed most.

Current Availability and Fast Shipping

Here's the best part – we have this specific Detroit Diesel 500DS4 unit with 1,069 hours currently in stock and ready to ship. Unlike ordering new equipment with months-long lead times, this used unit can be on its way to your facility within days of completing the purchase.

We also maintain inventory of similar Detroit Diesel models and other manufacturer units in comparable power ranges. Whether you need exactly 500 kW or something close to that capacity, we likely have options available for immediate shipping.

Our used generators undergo comprehensive inspection and testing before being offered for sale. This includes load testing to verify power output, fluid analysis, and detailed component inspection. When you purchase from Central States Diesel Generators, you're getting a unit that's ready to provide reliable backup power from day one.

Why Choose Used Equipment

Purchasing used generators like this Detroit Diesel 500DS4 makes excellent financial sense for many applications. With only 1,069 hours of operation, this unit has barely been broken in compared to its design life expectancy. Detroit Diesel engines are routinely rebuilt and continue operating for decades, making a low-hour used unit an outstanding value proposition.

The cost savings compared to new equipment can be substantial – often 40-60% less than new while providing nearly identical performance and reliability. For backup power applications where the generator may only run during testing and actual outages, a quality used unit delivers the same peace of mind at a fraction of the investment.

Ready to Power Your Operations

The Detroit Diesel 500DS4 represents proven technology, robust construction, and dependable performance in a package that's ready to ship today. Whether you're protecting critical operations, meeting regulatory requirements, or simply wanting peace of mind during power outages, this generator delivers the reliability you need.

Don't let extended lead times leave you vulnerable to power outages. Contact Central States Diesel Generators today to learn more about this specific 500DS4 unit and other similar generators we have in stock. Our team can help you determine if this model fits your power requirements and arrange fast shipping to get your backup power system online quickly.

Call us now to discuss your power needs and check our current inventory of Detroit Diesel and other quality used generators. When reliability matters and time is critical, Central States Diesel Generators delivers the power solutions you need, when you need them.