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Generac Towable Diesel Power

Generac generators are the most reliable, affordable standby backup power models. With Generac, your generator's engine was one of the first to be designed specifically to stand up to the rigors of high-end backup power usage. 

Towable diesel units from Generac are most frequently used by contractors, industrial companies specializing in manufacturing and agriculture, the movie and entertainment industries, waste and waste water treatment plants, military, and telecommunication companies. For industries where power failure is not an option, like telecommunication industries, these Generac generators are ideal for the critical emergency standby applications. Need your power to be mobile? Generac has you covered with their towable units, and can handle prime power applications when units need to run 6 or 7 days a week for anywhere from 8 to 12 to even 24 hours per day. We're proud to partner with a company whose long-term vision promotes products, processes, and partnerships that provide customers the opportunity to shrink their ecological footprint. 

Featured Generac Towable Standby Generators

Generac Mobile MLG15M Diesel Generator

Generac MLG15M Diesel GeneratorThis Mitsubishi-engine powered diesel generator offers 22.3HP, fuel capacity of 56 gallons, and can run for 43 hours at 100% load.  The MLG15M model features 14,000 starting Watts and 13,000 continuous Watts, 120/240 voltage, partial GFCI panel protection, brushless alternator, fuel gauge, hour meter, and a wheel kit. Ideal for emergency, professional, commercial, marine, and industrial markets. CARB, EPA, and Tier 4 Interim approved. 

 

Generac Mobile MLG20IF Diesel Generator Generac MLG20IF4 Diesel Generator

This diesel powered portable/towable generator has a fuel capacity of 50 gallons and can run for 23.8 hours at 100% load while only consuming 2.1 gallons/hr. The MLG20IF model features 20,000 starting Watts, 19,000 continuous Watts, 120/240 voltage, partial GFCI panel protection, brushless alternator, hour meter, wheel kit. Suited to best serve the emergency, professional, commercial, marine, and industrial markets. CARB, CSA (Canada), EPA, Tier 4 Interim approved. 

 

Generac Mobile MMG75D Diesel Generator Generac MMG75D Diesel Generator

Boasting 60,000 starting and continuous Watts, the MMG75D model from Generac can hold 165 gallons of gas and run for 31 hours at 100% load. Operating at only 68dB, your towable generator is manufactured to best serve the emergency, professional, semi-professional, commercial, and industrial markets with enormous power. Offering 3-phase power, 50 Amp plug, brushless alternator, fuel gauge, partial GFCI protection, and an hour meter. CSA and EPA Tier 4 Interim approved.  

 

Shop all Generac heavy-duty home standby generators

Standby Diesel Generator Maintenance

According to one of our trusted manufacturers, your diesel powered engine's life expectancy is 22,000 hours, compared to 1,000 hour with a natural gas engine, 1,500 hours with a propane engine, and 2,000 hours with a gasoline engine. That's a big difference! 24 hour fuel costs stack up too: $93.20 for natural gas, $90.72 for propane, $57.12 for gasoline, but only $25.21 for a diesel engine!* These differences can mean better savings and more of your money left in your wallet, but it also depends on the level and quality of maintenance you perform on your standby diesel generator. Following a regular maintenance schedule should be one of your top priority to keep your generator performing its best! 

Weekly Maintenance

  • Run your generator with no load
  • While your generator is running, make sure it has no alarm or warning signals
  • Double check fuel levels
  • Make sure your generator is turned to "auto" mode 
  • Your circuit breaker should be closed
  • Check for any fluid leaks

Monthly Maintenance

  • Check the level of your engine coolant
  • Check the level of your engine oil 
  • Check your battery charger

Bi-Annual Maintenance should be scheduled with your certified technician

  • Inspection of the enclosure
  • Check battery electrolyte level and specific gravity
  • Inspection of drive belts
  • Inspection of coolant heater 
  • Inspection of battery cables and connections
  • Inspection of coolant lines and connections
  • Inspection of any oil leaks, lubrication system hoses, connectors
  • Inspection of the exhaust system, muffler, exhaust pipe 
  • Check for any fuel leaks; inspectin of fuel system hoses, connectors
  • Clean air cleaner units
  • Inspection of air induction connections and piping
  • Inspection of DC electrical system, control panel, accessories
  • Inspection of AC wiring, accessories

Annual Maintenance should be scheduled with a certified technician 

  • Change: oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs
  • Clean crankcase breather
  • Check coolant concentration
  • Flush cooling system as needed
  • Perform annual load bank testing
  • Fuel testing and reconditioning
  • Remove any water from fuel tank 

*Numbers provided by Aurora Diesel Generators based on fuel cost X consumption rate for 10kW x 24 hours

Hurricane Preparedness: What to do During a Hurricane

Alright, you've already prepared your hurricane checklist, but now the hurricane has arrived. You're able to stay in your home, but what do you do? 

During any natural disaster, anticipate no power. This means conservation is your number one priority. WIth heavy rains and wind, power lines are incredibly vulnerable. Sometimes you might be without power for hours, and in the worst of disasters, for weeks. Power outages are during strong storms are all inconvenient, but did you know they make up 47% of power loss across the country? The average cost for a homeowner of one power outage is about $1,058. 

To conserve power, we have a few tips: 

  1. Keep your refrigerator closed. You fridge can stay cold for up to four hours without power, and your freezer will last up to 48 hours. 
  2. Keep ice in a nearby cooler. You can put dry ice or a block of ice inside the refrigerator or freezer to extend the cold. 
  3. Simplicity is key. Plan some easy-to-make meals ahead of time. You'll probably have to cook by candelight, so nothing extravagant. Make sure you have all the cooking utensils you need. 

Natural disasters can be emotionally stressful times. When you'd rather take a walk, you might be cooped up in the house for hours in close quarters. Making sure you have activities will help everyone in your home stay occupied and calm in this otherwise chaotic time. A few easy entertainment activities include: 

  • Word games
  • Card games
  • Read a new book or magazine
  • Crafting
  • Finally start that new work out plan
  • Plan a living room campout 

Communication is especially important in the midst of a hurricane. You want to know where your family is, and more importantly, that they're safe. Remember that first lesson of conservation? The same thing applies to phone usage: unplug, power down, and emergencies only.

Did you know? The average phone life is 12 hours, and the average person checks their phone 85 times a day. So what's keeping them tied to their phone? The top 6 phone activities include sending/receiving messages, searching for information on the web, using navigation or maps, updating social networks, streaming music, and playing online games. 

  • Before the power goes out, make sure you unplug all of the major electronics and appliances in your house. If you don't, you're at risk of repairing those devices affected by electrical surges.
  • Only use your phone when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, make sure your WiFi is turned off, and the phone stays in airplane mode. This will help your phone maximize battery life.
  • Make calls only for emergenices to avoid tying up the phone lines for emergency responders.

Portable generators can make your life easier during any natural disaster. The average generator can last about 9-11 hours at a 50% load with a 7 1/2 gallon fuel tank. The right portable generator can be used to power your most useful devices, like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, security system, or microwave. While running your portable generator, you can power multiple appliances based on their unit size and wattage. It's important that you don't overrun your generator with too many appliances. Before purchasing a portable power solution, use a wattage calculator to determine just how much power you need. 

Portable Power Safety Tips: 

  • Run your generator outside in a well-ventilated area 
  • When your generator is on, keep it away from open windows and garages
  • Keep a carbon monoxide detector in your home. This will alert you to any emissions that possibly sneak into your home 
  • Keep extra gas on hand, and purchase gas before a natural disaster

Disaster Preparedness Guide: Hurricane Checklist

Whatever the disaster, being prepared starts with you. Through the month of September, we’ll be posting preparedness guides so you and your family can be safe no matter the storm. First up is our hurricane preparation checklist. 

When a hurricane strike is imminent, will you and your family stay at home, or can you travel somewhere safer? You should have an emergency plan for both scenarios.

If you plan to stay put through a hurricane, you should:

  • Plan for everyone. You should have a recovery plan in case something should go wrong. Make sure everyone in your party understands the communication and logistics plan — like a secure meeting point or safe rooms in your home, and how you would get in contact with one another if someone was to get caught out in the storm. 
  • Have a checklist on hand and complete the tasks you can ahead of time. Though you don’t know exactly when disaster might strike, this is the point of being prepared. Try to think of everything you might need: supplies like lighting, first aid, food and drink, and a power source. Having these items on hand will help you and your family move to your safe place more efficiently when times get tough. 
  • Keep your community in mind. During times of disaster, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest emergency news. Create a contact list with phone numbers and addresses of those in your neighborhood, and keep a battery operated radio on hand as telephone lines might be out of commission. Make sure your contact list includes individuals with medical training. 
  • Listen to orders. If an evacuation has been ordered for your area, don’t wait until it’s too late to leave. Have your safety bag and kit ready to go, so if you’re told you need to leave, you’re prepared. Make sure your family has time to travel — allow 24 to 36 hours, and be sure you’re off the highway when a storm strikes. 


Even if you’d prefer to stay at home, you should plan to go if:

  • You live in a mobile or manufactured home
  • Your home does not meet the current hurricane building standards (was built pre-hurricane standards)
  • A storm surge or flooding might reach your home
  • Evacuation orders have been issued
 

If you find yourself in any of the above circumstances, follow these steps:

  • Arrange where you’ll stay in advance. Perhaps you’ll go to a relative’s home, a friend, or a designated Red Cross location. Make sure you communicate clearly with family and loved ones about where you will be going. 
  • Prepare your “leaving” to do list. This includes things like shutting off the electricity in your home, locking doors and windows, and bracing entry points. Make sure important paperwork, like health insurance information, is in an easy-access spot. Also make sure that you have all your medications refilled prior to any natural disasters. 
  • Don’t wait until the last second, or to see if you can “weather the storm.” Give yourself a good 24 to 36 hours of travel time before the storm is to hit your area. Roadways will not be empty during an evacuation period, and you don’t want to be stuck on the highway when the storm does hit.

 

At Absolute Generators, we can help you parpare for the inevitable power outages caused by hurricaines with backup power solution.  To learn about our top generators for hurricane prepardness, click here.

Dealing with Wet Stacking

When diesel generators are operated at no or light load for extended periods of time, a dark, thick liquid will begin to drip from the exhaust system. This dripping substance negatively affects the operation of your generator, and is commonly known as "wet-stacking." 

The mechanical workings of a diesel engine can be complicated, so understanding why wet stacking occurs (and how to prevent it) can be somewhat difficult. So first, let's start with the basic function of your diesel engine. 

Basics of a Single Cylinder 4-Stroke Diesel Engine 

  1. The intake stroke. The piston moves downwards, and in response, the intake valve opens. Now the turbocharger can deliver compressed air into the cylinder. 
  2. Compression stroke. When the piston can't move any farther, it reverses its direction and begins moving back upwards. This causes the intake valve to close, and the piston compresses the air left in the cylinder. At this point, the temperature and pressure of the air raises significantly. 
  3. The fuel injection. When the piston reaches the top of its compression stroke, the fuel injector dispenses a mist of fuel into the cylinder. The hot air in the cylinder vaporizes and ignites the fuel. The now burning fuel adds even more heat to the cylinder, and the pressure and temperature continues to rise. 
  4. Power stroke. Hot compressed gas pushes the piston down. Through your engine's tie rod, the piston's force is transferred to the crankshaft and causes it to turn.
  5. Exhaust stroke. In the final step, the exhaust valve will open. The piston pushes hot gas out of the cylinder, through the exhaust valve, and into the exhaust system. Some of the exhaust gas is intercepted by the turbocharger in order to drive the compression of the intake air so the cycle can start over. 

So what happens in wet stacking?

When your generator is run at light or no load, the inside of the engine is significantly cooler than when operated at higher loads. Since the cylinder cannot reach its peak temperature, there is not enough hot compressed air to vaporize and ignite the fuel. Fuel will still light and burn, but it will leave small, hard particles of unburned carbon – the vaporized fuel and soot that couldn't be burned completely. 

Inside your exhaust system, these vapors will combine with the soot, forming the thick dark liquid that can be mistaken for engine oil. Look for this liquid in two places: the turbocharger and exhaust outlets. 

In addition to this leaking liquid, the soot may also form hard carbon deposits on the fuel injector nozzle inside the cylinder. As part of step 3 above, this nozzle must be able to spray a fine mist into the cylinder. When the nozzle is covered in these carbon deposits, it cannot as effectively atomize the fuel and instead will deliver larger droplets into the clyinder that can't be readily vaporized. This means that more fuel goes unburned and more fuel passes into the exhaust system. Wet stacking occurs progressively in this pattern and will eventually lead to permanent engine damage. 

wet stacking diesel generator

**reposted from http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/04/maintaining-healthy-power-systems-ensuring-generator-longevity.html
 

Negative Consequences of Wet Stacking 

  • Expense: Excessive wet stacking shortens the life of your engine, resulting in premature (and costly) replacement.
  • Pollution: Many urban areas limit smoke emission levels which are produced by wet stacking.
  • Power: The carbon deposits that occur because of wet stacking affect the engine's maximum power rating. An engine affected by wet stacking will operate at a lower power than it was designed to achieve.
  • Maintenance: An engine affected by wet stacking will require much more maintenance than one that is appropriately exercised. 

The Solution to Wet-Stacking

Rather than exercising your diesel generator with a light or no load at all, experts recommend that operators run their generators for a few hours at at least 75% load in order to avoid wet stacking. Operating your generator at this load allows the engine to reach the appropriate temperature needed to effectively burn the fuel entering your system. 

Generators for Theme Parks

Whether you're the manager of a theme park, or simply renting a theme park ride for a weekend block party, making sure you have enough power from a backup generator is critical to the success of your amusement adventure. 

Theme parks traditionally receive their power from the grid, but in the case of a major power outage, you want to be sure you can get backup power somewhere else. What could be worse than hundreds of park-goers suddenly stranded on top of their (once) favorite rides? Well, it could be worse if someone takes a video and your theme park power outage goes viral. Your amusement park could receive an unreliable reputation, future attendance numbers could drop, and your overall revenue would experience a significant decline. 

To be sure you never lose power, you need a backup generator. That's where we can help our theme park friends. Absolute Generators provides mobile power solutions so theme park managers and ride operators can feel confident and safe about their daily operations. When you're ready to secure your theme park's power, let us know. We offer a wide range of 3-phase generators that are perfect for theme parks. 

How To Buy Your Theme Park Generator

  • How much power do you need to ensure operations? 3-phase generators are ideal for applications that require intensive, constant power. Power for your generator is generated by currents. When you operate a single-phase generators, you're only working with one "wave" of power. Your power will fall to zero three times every cycle. A 3-phase generator never drops to zero because this type of circuit provides three alternating currents, all of equal frequency, but 120 degrees out of phase with each other for constant power waves. 
  • What fuel type is best? We have an entire blog on what fuel type is right for your operations, but you can choose from diesel, gas, propane, bi-fuel, and tri-fuel. Each type of fuel provides its own benefits and downsides, but diesel is typically known as the most reliable and longest lasting fuel for your operations. 
  • How much are you willing to spend? You may typically expect to pay in the teens or twenty thousand dollar range for 3-phase power to run the motors on your attraction equipment. An example of this type of machine is our DCA25 Multiquip silent diesel generator, which we feature below. We're also featuring three inexpensive 3-phase power generators, including the GPE-125EH-3, EC22000VE, and RGV13100T. 

Best Generators for Theme Parks

Multiquip DCA25 Silent Diesel GeneratorMultiquip DCA25 Silent Diesel Generator

This DCA25SSIU4F WhisperWatt Super Silent portable diesel offers a prime rating of 20kW and a standby rating of 22kW. Superb operation and longevity of ownership are enhanced by the industrial grade 4-cycle, direct injection, turbocharged 40HP diesel engine. Multiquip's patented open delta generator winding and automatic voltage regulator provides precise voltage control and regulation also allowing superior motor starting capability because of almost unlimited excitation. Clients receive the greatest return on their investment with trustworthy power to meet the rigorous demands of the most difficult customer environments. 

 

Gillette GPE125EH Portable 3-Phase Generator

 

Gillette GPE-125EH-3 Portable 3-Phase Generator

The Gillette Heavy Duty GPE-125EH-3 is a contractor grade, 3-Phase Honda powered generator with 11,000 watts of continuous power. Featuring a 7 gallon fuel tank, this unit provides enough gas to run for 5.4 hours at 75% before needing to re-fuel. The GPE-125EH-3 is CARB compliant. 

  

Winco EC22000VE Vehicle Mounted Generator 

 

Winco EC22000VE Vehicle Mounted Generator

Winco Generators are preferred by commercial professionals for their durability and exceptionally clean power that is suitable for the most sensitive loads. The EC22000VE is designed with a commercial grade Briggs & Stratton engine capable of providing reliable power day after day. EPA compliant. This model is available in both single and 3-phase options. The cast iron cylinder sleeves increase the engine's life and reduces oil consumption. 

 

Subaru RGV13100T Portable 3-Phase Generator 

Subaru RGV13100T Portable 3-Phase Generator

This Subaru RGV13100T portable generator is designed for tough, rugged-duty applications and is engineered to solve the common hurdle for many looking for portable 3-phase power. This model features an 18HP EH63 industrial strength Subaru OHV v-twin engine that can run up to 8 hours, a user friendly control panel, electric start, dual capacitor voltage regulator system for high surge capacity, 3-phase 208V and single phase 120V twist lock plug, and a two wheel portability kit. 

Gasoline vs. Diesel Generators

If you're looking to keep the power on when the utility grid fails, you might find yourself clicking between a gasoline or diesel powered generator. Other fuel options are available, like natural gas or even solar powered, but for the average homeowner, gasoline or diesel will do the trick when you need back up power. So let's talk a little about the differences between gasoline and diesel. 

Gasoline Generators

Engines operating on gasoline will mix the fuel and air together in your carburetor before compression. Though gasoline is typically a more easily attainable fuel source, it is less fuel-efficient than diesel. On the plus side, gasoline does increase the portability of your generator, which means you can take it from your home to the construction site, and out to your camping spot for a weekend getaway. A gasoline generator requires little maintenance and is typically more affordable than a diesel generator. At the same time, gasoline is flammable and offers a much shorter shelf life than other fuel types. 

Gasoline generators are ideal for small jobs, and since these systems operate much more quietly than diesel-powered systems, you can use them in close-quarter environment without much distraction, like at your local farmer's market. 

Powermate PM0141200Powermate PM0141200

This lightweight Powermate generator is economically designed for emergency and recreational use. With an OHV gas engine, control panel including (2) 120V/20 Amp outlets, (1) 12V DC outlet, digital hour meter, and circuit breakers, this generator weighs 60 pounds and consistently powers 1200 watts. 

 

 

 

Briggs & Stratton 30207Briggs & Stratton 30207

The 30207 model from Briggs & Stratton offers a Vanguard V-Twin engine ready for your tough jobs. This generator provides 12" pneumatic wheels and twin fold-down handles for easy transfer, Super Lo-Tone to reduce sparks and keep noise at a minimum. The 30207 is ideal for powering several large appliances in addition to several household items.
 

Model #                     Output                     Starter                      Fuel Capacity       Run Time          
PM0141200  1200/1500      Recoil/Pull 1.5 gallons 10 hrs @ 50%
30207 10000/12500 Electric/Recoil 7 gallons 7.5 hrs @ 50% 

 


Diesel Generators

Diesel generators provide operators with the least flammable fuel option, and in times of emergency or disaster, a more easily attainable fuel than that of gasoline. A diesel generator operates by igniting fuel through compression. The diesel fuel and air are introduced to the engine separately. Only the air is compressed, which means your engine will run more efficiently while using less fuel. 

Years ago, diesel generators were known for being noisy, but with recent technological innovations, many diesel generators are now quiet enough to run in your own neighborhood without disturbance. Without a carburetor or spark plugs, your diesel generator will require less maintenance than its gasoline powered counterpart. For those needing extra power for heavy-duty tasks, invest in a diesel workhorse. Their engines are designed to work under a load for longer periods of time, and actually perform better when worked harder versus light-load operation. 

Winco W6010DE

 

Winco W6010DE 

This Winco model offers a durable, long-life Yanmar L100V 10HP commercial grade diesel powered engine with cast-iron sleeves and utilizes a counter-balancing system for smooth, high-speed operation, hour meter, fuel efficient deseign, 100% copper windings, brushless alternator, and generous receptacle package with GFCI protection. 

 

 

Voltmaster XTP50EL480

Voltmaster XTP50EL480 

The XTP50EL480 is a commercial grade single and 3-phase diesel generator offering a strong steel frame with lift hooks and handles for protection and protability. This model is powered by a Kohler 9.8HP engine and provides a 3-year warranty by Kohler. 

 

 

 

Model #                    Output              Starter                        Fuel Capacity           Run Time                     
W6010DE 5500/6000 Electric/Recoil 7 gallons 12.2 hrs @ 100%
XTP50EL480 5000 Electric/Recoil 10 gallons 10 hrs @ 50% 

 

Whatever fuel option you choose, you always want to be sure your generator can handle the wattage load you need it for. Make sure you calculate your expected wattage load before purchasing by using Absolute Generator's wattage calculator or wattage chart

Introducing Cummins Power Generation

Cummins Onan LogoAbsolute Generators is happy to announce our new partnership with Cummins Power Generation. Founded in 1919, Cummins is a reliable and dependable global leader in critical energy generation that works to keep you up and running with efficient, fully-integrated systems built for reliability no matter the circumstance. 

Reliable Power for an Unreliable World 

What makes Cummins generators a perfect match for us? Cummins generators produces products designed with state-of-the-art technologies and provide standby power, distributed power generation, and auxiliary power for a wide range of needs. These generators are some of the quietest air-cooled on the market, and offer more standard features alongside a more comprehensive warranty. While most competitors provide a warranty that covers some parts, a Cummins warranty covers all parts. 

Cummins generators provide power systems and related accessories, components, and services including a pre-integrated Power Command system, diesel and natural gas powered gensets, transfer switches, and switchgear used in commercial facilities for emergency backup and prime power. 

 

 

Absolute Generators is proud to be a partner in dealing Cummins Power Generation products which span generator sets from 2.5 to 2,700kW, alternators from .6 KVA to 30,000 KVA, transfer switches from 40 amps to 3,000 amps, parelleling switchgear, and generator set controls. Keep an eye out for our new inventory of reliable, dependable, Cummins Power generators, coming soon.

 

Learn More about Cummins Generators

 

Be Hurricane Prepared With a Generator

Did you know we're right in the middle of hurricane season? In the United States, tropical storms or cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These storms are often accompanied by heavy thunderstorms and a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface, and cause lasting, damaging effects to hundreds of coastal towns every year. Between June and November, areas near the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are hit the hardest. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season lasts from May 15 through November 30. 

Hurricanes are dangerous storms that must be taken seriously. With winds exceeding 155 MPH, hurricanes produce flooding in addition to flying debris that have catastrophic effects for coastlines and even areas several hundred miles inalnd. Winds and strong rains can trigger landslides or mudslides, excessive flooding, and power outages. 

What should you do during a hurricane? 

  • Be alert for information from authorities. Listen to the radio or television. 
  • Secure your home. Close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects, or bring them inside. 
  • Don't be fooled by the eye of hurricane, which can last anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours. 
  • If instructed, turn off all utilities. If not, turn your fridge to the coldest setting and keep the door shut. 
  • Avoid using the telephone, save for emergencies. 
  • Make sure your prepare enough water for sanitary purposes. Fill your bathtub or other large containers with water. 
  • If directed to do so, evacuate the area. If you cannot evacuate, secure yourself in a safe room. Stay away from windows and glass doors. 
  • If you're not directed to evacuate and your home loses electricity, utilize the power of a back up generator. 

What can a generator do for me? 

Think of all the things you use everyday that require electricity. In a hurricane, all power can be knocked out. Streetlights, businesses, and even emergency services may lose their power. That's why Absolute Generators is here to help you stay prepared in and for emergency situations. Our selection of industrial, emergency, and commercial generators will help keep you, your family, and home safe in the event of a hurricane. 

What should I consider when purchasing a generator for hurricane preparedness? 

Fuel Type
In a crisis, gasoline may be hard to locate with dangerous traveling conditions. Gas stations will likely also be without power, and their supplies may be depleted. Gasoline also doesn't store well, turns stale, gums up your carburetor, and is difficult as well as dangerous to store in large quantities. For these reasons, you may consider investing in a dual-fuel or multi-fuel generator. Multi-fuel generators provide solutions to fuel availability issues that invariably arise in times of crisis when you need a temporary emergency back up power source, typically configured with an LP (propane) tank fueled generator.  Tri-fuel generators can operate on the common vapor fuels (as well as offering the ability to use gasoline as necessary). Natural Gas and Liquid Propane are typically available in large quantities even in times of crisis and natural disasters. Generally, switching between fuels is very easy. To operate on vapor fuels, you simply turn off the gasoline fuel line, connect the proper t-valve fitting for the selected fuel, and then connect the main fuel supply. Your tri-fuel generator is now capable of providing hours of uninterrupted generator power with adequate propane or natural gas fuel supply. 

Wattage Output
Never overload your generator. When purchasing a new unit, it's important to understand just how much back up power you'll require.  Every generator has two ratings: surge output and continuous output. You should add the total wattage of all utilities you may use at one time, and make sure it does not exceed the continuous output rating. You can do this easily by utilizing our wattage calculator

Generators for Hurricane Preparedness

Champion 42436 Portable Generator

Champion 42436 Portable Generator

When the unexpected happens, this dependable, light weight generator will do the job. The Champion 42436 gasoline generator is powered by an 80cc Champion single cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine that produces 1200 running watts and 1500 starting watts. Featuring a 1.2 gallon fuel tank, this model includes 3/4 inch durable tubular steel frame, and an operating noise level of 65dB at 23 feet. The OHV engine is equipped with a low oil shut-off sensor and is designd for long life and easy maintenance. CARB approved for all 50 states. 

 

 

Sportsman GEN2000LP Portable Propane Generator


Sportsman GEN2000LP Portable Propane Generator

The affordable Sportsman GEN2000LP Portable Generator features a 2.4 HP 4-stroke OHV engine that delivers maximum performance and power. Weighing only 55 lbs and measuring a very compact 15 inches x 18 inches x 15 inches, the GEN2000LP provides 2000 surge watts and 1350 continuous watts of power with a small foot-print from clean burning exhaust emission of the propane fuel. Never worry about your fuel going bad or fouling the carburetor with denegrated gasoline with your LP operated generator. This model boasts an engine run time of 12 hours at 50% load. Porpane is very easy to find, safe for storage, and burns clean without the smell of combusting gasoline or diesel. 

 

Winco HPS6000HE Bi-Fuel Generator 
Winco HPS6000HE Bi-Fuel Generator

With the ability to operate on gasoline or cleaner burning naturla gas fuels, the Winco Bi-Fuel Generator offers the ultimate flexibility while maintaining an environmentally friendly design. Operating on natural gas increases run time, provides quick, reliable starts, and doesn't gum up your carburetor. This generator is powered by a premium quality, long-life, durable Honda GX340 11HP engine with low oil protection, and features inherent voltage regulation and protection for optimum reliability and safety. 

 

Sportsman GENTRi9K Tri-Fuel GeneratorSportsman GENTRi9K Tri-Fuel Generator

The GENTRi9K Tri-Fuel Generator lives up to Sportsman's highest standards by offering all the conveniences and functionality a customer is looking for, at an appropiate cost, and in a robustly powerful and conveniently portable generator package. Versatility is the biggest advantage with this tri-fuel generator that can burn three of the most commonly used consumer grade generator fuels. You'll always have your choice to switch between gasoline, storage friendly propane, and public utility-fed natural guess. With 9000 surge and 7200 continuous watts, this generator is ideal for providing emergency home backup power. With a 7.4 gallon fuel tank, your Sportsman generator can run for 10 continuous hours at 50% load. CARB compliant for California. 

Tier 4 Generator Compliance

Over the last 18 years, the US Environmental Protections Agency has worked to implement a tiered system of emissions standards to address pollution issues in non-road diesel engines. Every year, the standards have become more stringent on manufacturers to utilize technological advancements in order to lower the total emission levels, and in 2015, these standards reached their highest limitations with the introduction of ‘Tier 4 Final’ compliance. Generators complying with 4F standards require exhaust emissions to decrease by more than 90%.

The EPA has been implementing these standards every year since 1994, so it’s important to back up a minute and understand what’s happened since then. These changes can be most easily understood by separating them into two categories: Tier 1-3 Standards and Tier 4 Standards. 


Tier 1-3

In 1996, the EPA, California Air Resource Board, and a number of engine manufacturers signed a Statement of Principles regarding non-road diesel engines. Between 1994 and 2008, standards for Tiers 1-3 were phased-in to reduce pollution from the emissions of off-road diesel engines.

The following elements were increasingly regulated in these tiers based on horsepower:

  • Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
  • Particulate matter (PM)
  • Smoke standards
  • Hydrocarbons (HC)
  • Averaging, banking, and trading of emissions; maximum ‘family emission limits’ (FEL) for emission averaging

Tier 1 phased in between 1996 and 2000, Tier 2 between 2001 and 2006, and Tier 3, which only applied to engines with 37-560kW,  between 2006 and 2008.

Sulfur content was not regulated by the agency for Tiers 1-3.


Tier 4

Tier 4 Compliance is what will most affect manufacturers and owners now and into the future. Since 2008, the EPA has more stringently regulated:

  • NOx (engines above 56kW)
  • PM (above 19kW)
  • HC

The EPA also requires the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel, which reduces the amount of sulfur emissions emitted by these generators by 99 percent to a level of less than 15 parts per million in concentration. 

Unchanged from Tier 1 and 2 are CO2 limits, the same averaging, banking, and trading of emission credit, as well as FEL limits for emission averaging. From Tier 2 and 3, smoke opacity standards are the same, except engines with a PM emission level of < .07g/kWh are exempt. Tier 4 compliance did not require closed crankcase ventilation, though if open, crankcase emissions are measured and added to the exhaust emissions total.


So what happens in 2015?

You may notice that some equipment is Tier 4i Compliant while others are Tier 4F Compliant. Tier “4i”, or interim, regards the emission standards set forth in 2011 for high-horsepower diesel generator engines. As discussed below, Tier 4i introduced even lower NOx emissions, in addition to expanding operational use to include non-emergency use with Tier 4i certification.

Tier “4F”, or final, are those standards effective for all large stationary generator sets as of 2015. With another reduction in PM levels, F4 is the highest level of clean air regulations.

 

Allowable Emissions

Exhaust constituent          Tier 4i (752-1207kW)         Tier 4i (1207kW)         Tier 4 Final        
NOx 3.5 .67 .67
HC .40 .40 .19
CO 3.5 3.5 3.5
PM .10 .10 .03

 

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Use

“Stationary emergency applications,” as defined by the EPA, are those when the generator set runs only during periods of outage of the normal utility power supply. The EPA doesn’t limit the number of hours a generator may operate during emergency use, though keep in mind that Tier 2 emission standards are in place during emergency usage.

For non-emergency use, the EPA limits operation to 100 hours per year, which includes maintenance, testing, and exercise usage. Prime power, rate curtailment, and storm avoidance are all considered non-emergency use.

 

What if my generator is already Tier 4i certified?

The 2015 4F classification applies only to new generator sets installed after the standard’s effective date. 4i certifications have been in effect since 2011, so all units installed since 2011 are acceptable for continued usage without being re-certified.

 

Certified, compliant, or verified?

You may see all of these terms when looking for 4i or 4F compliance, so it’s important to understand what they mean.

Certified: Your complete system was tested by the EPA on the manufacturer’s site. No additional testing is required once installed.

Compliant: This means your system was tested internally by its manufacturer and complies with 4i or 4F standards, but must be tested again by the EPA once installed to verify compliance. This is also referred to as “verified.” Site verification is not a substitute for EPA certification.

 

The Outcome?

With the completion of Tier 4, annual emission reductions are estimated at 738,000 tons of NOx and 129,000 tons of PM. By 2030, an annual 12,000 premature deaths would be prevented.

Absolute Generators is proud to carry a selection of EPA Tier 4 Certified generators for our customers. Many of the machines we offer are EPA Tier 3 certified, CARB Compliant, and accordant with a number of other agencies. When you're searching for a new generator, you can find out what agencies have approved your generator by using the search tool bar on the left side of the page, scrolling all the way down to 'Agency Compliance', and selecting the agencies from the dropdown menu. 

 

 

Multiquip DCA45 Silent Diesel Generator

Multiquip DCA45 Silent Diesel Generator

 

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