When you have a diesel engine malfunction, you can’t afford to waffle in your decision-making when it comes to how to best troubleshoot the problem. When production stops, it’s only a matter of time before your customers are impacted.

If you’re able to determine that the cause of the issue is one or more malfunctioning parts that can be replaced, you have a decision to make: purchase brand-new parts or consider buying used diesel parts or refurbished pistons, gaskets and cylinders.

Here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself and colleagues:

• What is our long-term plan for growth and capital improvements? If your strategic road map calls for your company to purchase replacement units for the impacted equipment, then why invest in new parts? Simply patch up the existing equipment or consider fast-tracking that major purchase decision.
  
  
• Does being environmentally friendly matter to your organization? If being green is part of your corporate culture, then you may give greater weight to purchasing used engine parts and not adding to the collective scrapheap.
  
  
• Does the bottom line trump all other considerations when deciding whether to buy used diesel parts? If you have cash flow or budget concerns, then purchasing used or rebuilt engine parts may be your only decision. However, if you have the latitude to spend more or less, consider that you may be able to upgrade the malfunctioning part – that is, buy a superior brand or model – for the same price it would cost to purchase a new part that was an exact replica of the one you’re replacing. If such an upgrade will streamline operations or simply give you the peace of mind that you’ll avoid another equipment malfunction, this is a consideration to take into account.

Purchasing used diesel parts is not simply a cost-cutting measure. For some enterprises, it’s a tactic that cascades down from their strategy or culture.

Looking for new or used engine parts? Use Depco’s advanced search feature to shop and compare parts now.

In a perfect world, you’ll never need to rely on a back up power generator.

But because an industrial generator serves such a critical need in supporting your business during a power outage, you need to conduct your due diligence the same way you would approach purchasing a piece of equipment that you depend on every day.

Whether you’re in the oil and gas, manufacturing or marine industries, here are three questions to ask when buying a back up power generator to ensure you find the best equipment for your dollar and your overall operations.

1. How Often Does Your Operation Lose Power?
   If outages are a fairly regular occurrence and not a random event, you should consider an investment that’s reflective of the fact that the unit may be functioning as more of a primary power instead of a back-up source. This could mean going bigger, choosing a superior brand, or selecting a new unit rather than a used or rebuilt generator.
   
   
2. What Will You Be Powering With Your Commercial Back Up Generator?
   Think carefully about which of your operations are critical to maintain during a power outage. Do you need to ensure the continuity of each and every machine and area, or can you scale down production in a pinch? Do you have other facilities that can pick up the slack in the event of power outages? This will impact the size of the back up power generator you need to purchase.
   
   
3. Do You Have an Expert?
   Most credible manufacturers will be able to provide a knowledgeable in-house expert or recommend a consultant who can serve as a much needed liaison between your operations and the generator manufacturer. This person’s role can include everything from helping your choose the most appropriate piece of equipment to assisting with installation. Another critical function this person serves is educating a company about proper safety and maintenance.

A back up power generator does more than keep the lights on and the assembly line running during an unplanned outage. It keeps your business running and your customers happy. And by taking the time to research all the available options and making a well-informed decision, you’ll gain the peace of mind that your operations will never fail – even during a power failure.

Low Hour Ford 100kW Generator Set

Package
Hours: 492 Hours Since New
Generator Set Type: Stand-By
Brand: Onan
Model: GGHH-5585708
Panel:  with Autostart and Safety Shutdowns
Breaker: 200
Enclosure: Weatherproof Enclosure
Batteries: Yes
Battery Charger: No
Block Heater: No
Muffler: Yes

Good Used Waukesha 100kW Generator Set

Package
Hours                 472 Hours Since New
Brand                 Waukesha
Model                 F817GU
Panel                  with Autostart and Safety Shutdowns
Breaker               150
Enclosure            Weatherproof Enclosure
Batteries             Yes
Battery Charger    Yes
Block Heater        Yes
Muffler                Yes

Onan 225 AMP Transfer Switch

Brand         Onan
Model         OTPCB-5585611
Serial         #K020437241
Amps         225
Volts          277/480
Phase        Three Phase
Cycles/HZ   60 Cycles/Hz
Enclosure    NEMA 1
Condition    Like New

You can’t judge rebuilt diesel engines by the year they were built or the number of hours they’ve logged alone.

If you’re seeking a new or replacement engine to power your operations, and you’re facing budget constraints, selecting rebuilt equipment may be the best option for you. This is especially true if you’re able to gain a solid understanding of how the engine was used and maintained up to this point.  

You can’t judge rebuilt diesel engines by the year they were built or the number of hours they’ve logged alone.

Here are a few areas to probe with a reseller to understand exactly what you’re buying.

The Value of Superior Maintenance

You simply cannot underestimate the impact that regular maintenance and repairs can have on the shelf life of an engine. Determining whether repairs were made and when parts were replaced – such as belts, pumps and hoses – will go a long way in projecting how much life is left in an engine. 

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a rebuilt diesel engine, be sure to consult the manufacturer for the care and upkeep guidelines you need to follow for your specific model going forward.

The Effect of Stopping and Starting on Rebuilt Diesel Engines

The ideal rebuilt engine is one that was used consistently over long durations with little idling.

Frequently stopping and starting is rough on an engine over the long term, and this choppy use not only depletes the engine’s fuel efficiency, but it can affect its overall productivity. Being able to ask the previous owner questions to get a good sense of utilization is critical to gaining an understanding of the usage history for the engine you’re considering buying.

Diesel engines are built to be tough. They have a higher tolerance and average lifespan than gasoline engines. But just because they’re supposed to have superior longevity doesn’t mean that they will.

You should take the age and overall runtime into consideration when shopping for rebuilt diesel engines, but this is just one piece of the puzzle. Ask a lot of questions about maintenance and utilization, and you’ll have a much clearer picture of how long rebuilt diesel engines can help power your company.

Buying used marine engines to support your commercial operations is a great way to cut costs – but only if they’re researched and vetted appropriately. If you’re bottom-line conscious enough to be considering used equipment vs. new equipment, then the last scenario you can afford is the one in which you buy a lemon.

By developing a sound buying strategy and asking the right questions, you can help ensure that purchasing used marine engines isn’t just a cost-effective move, but also one that successfully drives your operations forward.

Here are some questions to ask yourself – as well as potential vendors and resellers:

1. Who are you buying your equipment from?
   You may be able to get a better deal by pursuing word-of-mouth referrals and used equipment posted on industry message boards than you would get from a licensed dealer. But working through a dealer brings a higher level of credibility to the transaction. If you decide to pursue used marine engines through a third party, be sure to ask for and check references. And if you’re not experienced in conducting a thorough evaluation of critical engine parts, bring someone with you who is adept at this inspection process.
   
   
2. Is a warranty available?
   Another advantage of purchasing used and rebuilt equipment from a dealer if that they may offer a warranty. Be sure to carefully read the warranty to see what’s included and what’s outside the scope of the agreement.
   
   
3. Can you track the engine’s history?
   Be especially skeptical of any used engine that’s been sitting around in storage for an extended period of time. Inquire as to the storage method and take it for a “test drive.”
   
   
4. Do the used marine engines you’re considering meet current regulations?
   Make sure you have a clear understanding of when the engine was manufactured so that you can determine whether it meets EPA emissions and other compliance standards you may be held accountable for.
   
   
5. Is peak fuel efficiency still possible?
   Poor fuel efficiency can be a drag on your bottom line. And if your operations are pouring more than expected into the cost of diesel fuel because your newly purchased used marine engines aren’t operating at peak efficiency, it’s a tough problem to troubleshoot. While it may be difficult to get an accurate read of a used engine’s fuel efficiency during the buying process, there are some questions you can ask to help gain an understanding of how close the machine is to optimal efficiency. For starters, was the equipment operated consistently or turned off and on to accommodate more sporadic activity? The latter usage has been proven to rapidly deplete fuel efficiency.

Rebuilt and used marine engines are a cost-effective option for replacing or upgrading your operation’s most critical piece of equipment. As long as you take the time to carefully weigh your options and ask the right questions, there is no reason why a used diesel engine can’t help power your company forward.

Like New Cummins 400kW Generator Set

Very clean unit with multiple features. Additional 800a breaker used for load bank, interior lighting and circuit breaker inside unit, Raycor 75100FHX Fuel Filter, UL142 600 gallon tank. Unit also features an additional 800a breaker for load bank.

Caterpillar 3412 DITA Marine

Good Used Detroit Diesel 450kW Generator Set

Dimension includes exhaust mufflers that were shipped loosely. Fuel tank, in gallons, is estimated. Kohler/ Spectrum Width 6 ft Height 9 ft or 12 ft 10 in with muffler Length 12 ft 9 in long.

Low Hour Cummins 200kW Generator Set

Nice unit with large walk around enclosure. Pancake Style muffler, unit also has interior lighting set up with breaker box.400a adjustable breaker, currently set at 300a.

Whether your operation depends on commercial industrial generators or marine diesel generators, you’re constantly gauging whether or not your current equipment can meet your growing needs. At any time during your evaluation process, generator set manufacturers are quick to tell you why you need to upgrade your equipment today, not tomorrow.

Before you make the big decision to purchase a brand-new generator set, consider these three truths that generator set manufacturers aren’t always forthcoming in delivering to customers:

1. You May Only Need New Parts

Like any heavy-duty industrial equipment, generator sets are built to withstand age, occasional misuse, the elements and more. And while generator manufacturers are constantly promoting the need to upgrade to new generators if you’re experiencing high growth or have simply outgrown your old equipment, take pause before committing to that big-ticket purchase. Often times, commercial generators can be remedied by replacing critical parts, from switches to batteries and belts. Depending on your budget, the age of your unit and other factors, you may consider new parts purchased direct from a manufacturer or aftermarket parts. Of course, you could also consider a pre-used or rebuilt generator as opposed to rebuilding your unit piecemeal.

2. Age Doesn’t Matter as Much as You May Think

Diesel generator set manufacturers are always heavily marketing their new bells and whistles. But new equipment features need to have a business case constructed so that such a purchase can be objectively vetted against other investment opportunities. One lesson that manufacturers won’t offer unsolicited is that an older generator may just be fine. This is especially true if you’ve been on the mark with all of your routine maintenance and testing, and if your generator is purely for back-up use as opposed to being responsible for primary power generation.

3. Generator Set Manufacturers Are Not Too Different

Names, designs and marketing run the gamut among the top generator set manufacturers, from Caterpillar to Cummins. But once you dig past the marketing speak and the subtle design nuances, you’ll see that many diesel-powered generator sets from different manufacturers are more similar than they appear on the surface. If you’re drawn to a particular manufacturer due to fuel efficiency claims or engine reliability, be sure to look for quantifiable research and numbers to support these claims.

Making major equipment purchases is a huge decision that can cause a chain of impacts across the business. Before you sign the dotted line, make sure you’re considering all the options on the table, and not just the ones that generator set manufacturers are sharing with you.

The bad news about replacing heavy equipment parts in your diesel engine or power generator is that it costs time and money. And if you don’t have ready access to a part, you’re going to lose more of both. The good news is that it means your equipment is able to be repaired – and that you’re not having to shop around for a new, used or rebuilt generator or engine.

Here is a rundown of some of the more common parts that require replacement – and what may be the cause of their failure:

10. Resistors
When managing certain voltage levels, it’s not uncommon for resistors to overheat.

9. Engines and Related Heavy Equipment Parts

Some might argue that an engine isn’t a part – that it’s a machine in and of itself – but it’s critical to the functioning of whatever it’s powering. Engines that are fired up for short and inconsistent bursts as well as those that don’t undergo proper maintenance are most likely to fall short of their shelf life.

8. Radiators

The heart of your cooling system, a radiator can fail and cause overheating for any number of reasons, from bad fans to blocked coolant passageways to aging belts and other heavy equipment parts.

7. Fuel Tanks

Leaks in fuel tanks not only bring your heavy machinery to halt, but they pose very serious safety concerns if not identified and repaired early on.

6. The Controller
This key generator part helps monitor all the engine’s functions, various gages, and levels.

5. Transmissions

From lack of fluid to poor upkeep and computer errors, there are a multitude of reasons why transmissions can trip up your heavy machinery operation.

4. Bearings

Proper lubricant selection and mounting are critical to keeping these critical heavy equipment parts doing their job right.

3. Battery

Always check to see if any corrosion has built up around battery terminals before considering other causes for battery failure. Sometimes batteries die, and in this scenario, replacing the unit should be one of the easiest troubleshooting drills for your operation. 

2. Pumps

Leaks are a surefire sign that a pump has failed, but the reason for leaks can run the gamut from rotting seals and calcium displacements to corrosion and cavitation caused by a coolant.

1. Switches

Switches are key to electrical load management, but can fail for many reasons. Often, improper installation and inadequate maintenance are the primary reason for switches breaking down.

When you’re operating out at sea or in a remote location, it can takes days and even weeks for some heavy equipment parts to arrive. It’s always a good idea to keep some critical spare parts on hand, and to have an action plan for quickly getting the more expensive, hard-to-find parts to your operation at a moment’s notice.

Good Used Cummins 900kW Generator Set

Good Used Detroit Diesel 400kW Generator Set

Good Used Cummins 350kW Generator Set

Good Used Cummins 200kW Generator Set

Good Used Cummins 100kW Generator Set

A gas- and coal-powered economy is more and more becoming the old way of doing business. Not only have they been proven to damage the environment because of how we obtain the fuels and their harmful emissions, but other fuels have proven to be very effective power generation agents.

While this is the traditional way of fueling our economy and we will still be relying on these sources for some time to come, as well as nuclear power, everyone from government agencies to environmentally conscious businesses are leading the way toward greener fuels for future power generation.

Harnessing the Wind for Power Generation

China, Europe and the United States have all embraced the potential of powering the grid and industry through wind turbines.

While wind power generation suffers from unpredictable loads and isn’t as rampant as other traditional and green fuels, its environmental impact is slim to none. Both public and private wind warms are rapidly growing in rural areas and on offshore installations. While wind farms were most often utilized for power generation in agricultural operations, they’re now an alternative fuel source fit for a wide array of industries.

The Growth of Hydroelectricity

Harnessing water for power generation is a rapidly growing trend across the world. While not as green as wind power – damns and other hydroelectric facilities have the potential to harm flora and fauna – water power is still far less damaging than traditional fossil fuels. Rivers and other bodies of water offer a constant, consistent source of power to be harnessed – power that can even be stored for later use. Hydroelectricity is cheap and getting easier to harness every day. China has emerged as the most aggressive player in the global hydroelectricity movement.

The green power generation is fueled by more than just a concern for the impact of traditional fuels on the environment. Both water power and wind power have proven to limit exposure to the environment while offering effective, real-world applications for both the public and private sectors.

If you’re managing an oil or gas facility, dependable and high-performing diesel generator sets are critical to your operation’s drilling and pumping uptime. Whether it serves as a primary or back-up power source, the potential industry uses for generator sets run the gamut from mud pumping to draw-works. But no matter which specific and how many applications you’re charged with overseeing, your ability to keep all of these operational functions up and running with a clean, consistent source of power is absolutely key to maintaining the bottom line and customer retention.

If you’re looking to add or replace generator sets to your oil or gas facility, ask yourself the following questions, which are relevant to almost any popular or niche application of diesel generator sets:

1. What is the environment that your generator set will be asked to perform in?

If you manage offshore drilling rigs, then you know just how treacherous the conditions are not just for the personnel you’re tasked with supervising, but for the equipment you need to protect as well. Volatile weather conditions combined with the perils of managing a truly remote location dictate that you ensure the generator sets bearing the load are rugged and durable. Specifically, you want to make sure any generator set you’re considering has a stiff base to ensure proper alignment of the alternator and engine. Additionally, look for a frame composed of high-strength, low-alloy steel. Standard structural steel lacks the tolerance to prevent distortion during less than ideal conditions.

2. How much fuel will you need?

Whether you’re looking to achieve optimal uptime for well servicing or fracturing, pay careful attention to a diesel generator set’s BSFC rating – a universal scale that allows you to compare fuel efficiency head to head. If you’re looking to power a drill rig or other machinery that requires always-on power, doing the math shows that even minimal differences in peak fuel efficiency can translate to thousands of dollars in diesel fuel savings very quickly. While more sporadic generator set use – especially for those generators purchased specifically for back-up power generation – these savings may not be that dramatic. That said, choppy use leads to quicker degradation of a generator set’s fuel efficiency.

3. What is your ability to properly maintain your generator sets?

Drilling and pumping operations are often located in hard-to-reach spots, which makes maintenance difficult. Extreme weather, tight quarters and off-the-grid locations often mean that what’s normally routine upkeep becomes hazardous, high-risk work. If you don’t have the resources to make this happen, this means you’ll likely have to contract out to a third party – another potentially high expense. Critical to the longevity of generator sets are regular oil changes. Best standards for oil and gas applications dictate that this happens every 250 hours or 10 days, but your specific utilization can impact these recommendations. Also be sure a qualified professional regularly inspects your engine and generator sets.

When purchased, installed and maintained with the right due diligence, diesel generator sets can reliably power your oil and gas operations whenever and wherever you need it. However, by failing to do the research or committing the necessary upkeep, you not only lose out on the incremental savings of optimal usage, but you jeopardize your sustainability of your entire operation.

If you’re dredging rivers, supporting a mining operation or managing a maritime operation 500 miles off the coast, your heavy-duty Caterpillar equipment is the heartbeat of your operation.

If your equipment experiences any downtime, you need to quickly determine the best source for Caterpillar parts: acquiring them direct from the manufacturer or visiting the parts aftermarket for used, rebuilt and other replacement parts.

As with any equipment, there are a number of pros and cons associated with both options when it comes to getting your equipment back up and running.

Here are a few points to consider when purchasing Caterpillar parts:

Finding Value

If you’re on a budget or have had solid experience repairing your equipment with aftermarket Caterpillar parts, there is certainly more value to be found than going by going straight to the manufacturer for new parts. That said, if you’re constantly buying used spare parts it can add up quickly, and sooner or later you may consider the long-term savings of buying new parts.

Untested or Overworked?

There are two points of view when it comes to selecting brand new Caterpillar parts vs. parts that may be rebuilt, slightly used or even off brand. While new parts have a clean track record, they’re also not tested. Lemons aren’t common, but they can certainly happen. Aftermarket Caterpillar parts may come with some level of wear, but they’re also battle tested; be sure to get a good understanding of how long a used or rebuilt part was in service before making the purchase.

Available Warranties for Caterpillar Parts

Many operations and facilities managers have the misconception that warranties for Caterpillar parts are only available when you purchase them through the manufacturer or approved vendor. The truth is that many aftermarket vendors will offer warranties as well. Be sure to ask exactly what a warranty entails and to read the fine print.

Consider Equipment Age

Consider the age of your equipment when deciding whether to purchase brand new or aftermarket Caterpillar parts. If you have new equipment that simply needs some replacement bearings, you may resist introducing aftermarket parts. However, if you have an aging workhorse of a Caterpillar generator or engine that already has a mix of rebuilt and used parts from a number of different manufacturers, then why turn to new parts now?

Heavy construction equipment has hundreds, sometimes even thousands of parts that you depend on to keep your operations up and running. More likely than not, you’ll understand there is a time and a place for buying new Caterpillar parts vs. visiting the aftermarket.

If you’re in the market for a new or replacement generator end, be sure to think carefully about how your operation will utilize this costly and critical piece of equipment.

Will the generator end serve as a primary or back-up power source? Does your industry dictate that the generator boasts certain features or capabilities? And how harsh will the equipment’s future home be? These are just a few points to consider before moving forward with a purchase.

• Choosing Equipment for Primary vs. Back-Up Power Generation
  For a number of reasons ranging from industry to location – both of which are explored below – you may be seeking out a generator end as a primary power source or you may be looking for a Plan B in case you encounter a loss of power. While permanent solutions should clearly be vetted for durability and reliability, the same is true of back-up generator ends. Just because you may be using a generator in a pinch doesn’t mean you can gamble on equipment that’s not graded for your loads. Additionally, if you’re looking for a secondary power source, be sure to take into account your operation’s historical downtime. If it regularly takes you more than 24 to 48 hours to get connected back to the grid, you’ll want to look for equipment that can handle extended power generation.

• Selecting a Generator Based on Industry
  If you’re managing an oil rig operation, you’ll likely need a generator end equipped for always-on, 24/7 power generation. After all, when you’re on a site 500 miles from shore with no grid to plug into, the only power source you have access to is the one you brought with you. Alternatively, if you’re managing a healthcare or transportation operation, you may simply be seeking a source for emergency, back-up power generation. That said, being able to get back online for these industries where public safety is a concern is even more critical.

• Location-Based Considerations
  Mining operations, deep sea oil drilling and other remote sites don’t just require a generator end capable of constant power supply, they also require a rugged design and proven durability. Power generation in these harsh environments must withstand daily threats ranging from unstable footing to exposure to harsh elements. That’s in addition to potentially catastrophic weather events and other natural disasters. You should also note that generator ends placed in difficult-to-reach locations pose maintenance and upkeep challenges.

Selecting the right generator end for your uptime needs, industry and location will ensure that you have an always-on source of power whenever, wherever you need it. Finding the right equipment to power your operation is about more than keeping the lights on; it’s about maintaining your bottom line and customer retention.

Marine engineering has come a long way since the paddle, propeller, sail – and now – even the traditional diesel engine, a popular choice to power fleets since the early 1900s. Dwindling natural resources and a constant push to make international shipping more cost effective has driven several sizable advances in marine propulsion technology.

New ideas that are getting increased buy-in and utilization across the globe include alternative fuel designs, dual engine options and even the pursuit of electric marine propulsion technologies.

• Marine Propulsion via Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
  A popular fuel alternative a few decades ago, peak demand waned for LNG but has since picked back up, especially in the United States and United Kingdom. This resurgence is due to several factors: the belief that the fuel can offer higher financial returns, the continued depletion of other traditional fuels, and fact that LNG is green, putting out substantially less harmful emissions than all other fossil fuels.
  
  
• The Versatility of Dual Fuel Engines
  Fueled by a combination of heavy fuel oil, LNG and marine grade diesel, more and more vessels and rigs are utilizing multiple options for marine propulsion. Operations that previously relied solely on diesel engine-powered ships can now benefit from greater fuel efficiency, tax reductions and other savings associated with incorporating a hybrid approach to their marine propulsion systems.And operationally speaking, having two methods to power a fleet from Point A to Point B is always better than one.
  
  
• Electric Engines and the Future of Marine Propulsion
  If the main criteria for being a suitable propulsion system include being environmentally friendly, being plentiful and being cost effective, then an electrical enginefits the bill. Companies such as Rolls Royce are constructing electric marine propulsion systems that not only fulfill these criteria, but allow large commercial vessels to run lighter and quieter.

Developments in marine propulsion are really picking up steam. Driven by a concern for the environment, forging the future of marine transportation and a drive for increased cost effectiveness, fleet operators as well as other maritime trade and travel professionals are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this ongoing innovation.

Marine transmissions are one of those critical pieces of your operation that aren’t truly appreciated – until they fail. Top-flight transmissions are built to be ignored. They’re there to serve a reliable, critical link between your engine and propulsion system – enabling vessels to reverse gears, regulate temperature and perform several other key functions without a hitch.

When marine transmissions fail, they leave you in a tough spot, often immobilizing operations. The good news is that there are several best practices you can follow to secure optimal prices on new and used equipment.

• Consider Used and Rebuilt Marine Transmissions
  The considerations for determining whether to seek out new vs. used transmissions run the gamut, and include everything from how many miles and years your current engine and other critical parts have to the size of your budget. More often than not, used and rebuilt equipment will be far and away more cost effective than anything you buy new off the shelf.
  
  
• Seek Out Manufacturer Warranties and Other Guarantees
  The only thing worse than having to make a costly unplanned purchase of marine transmissions is to have to do it again, sooner than later. If you’re buying used, get references from the seller, ask questions about usage and get an expert to inspect it, even if you have to pay for someone. If you’re vetting new equipment, you should certainly shop and compare warranties and discounts like they’re any other transmission feature.
  
  
• Proactively Plan for Disaster
  The best way to overpay for marine transmissions is to start your research and shopping the moment your current equipment has failed. Avoid making poor decisions in a rush by vetting potential equipment well before the need arises.
  
  
• Don’t Purchase More than You Need
  From sheer size to gear ratio and drive type, know exactly what you need from marine transmissions to ensure your entire operation is in synch. Overshooting your true need when it comes to transmission capabilities will not only cost you money, but it might make for a poor fit with your current watercraft.

Marine transmissions are never on your radar unless they need to be replaced. The best advice you can follow is to be ready, be prudent and be well informed before making a purchase. Find out more about Rebuilt Marine Transmissions - Pros and Cons.

It’s always a tough balancing act: selecting which features available on electric power generators are “nice to have” vs. “need to have” when it comes to their impact on your bottom line.

It’s critical to carefully identify just which innovative functions and feature will drive your business forward, and which will suck away needed resources. Here are three features that have the potential to match the former criteria more than the latter:

1. Electric Power Generators Offering Easier Installation and Maintenance
   Features aimed at getting electric power generators up, running and providing the routine upkeep that ensures the longevity of your equipment surely aren’t the most exciting. But because of the critical nature of these activities, anything that can be done to make them faster and easier to complete will help streamline your overall operations. New models come with user-friendly features ranging from improved access to connection points to having the oil filler caps within close proximity to the oil gauge.
   
   
2. Remote Control
   The latest models of electric power generators allow remote access via the Internet so that you can monitor all of your critical levels from anywhere, anytime. This even allows you to perform diagnostics and troubleshoot your operations from afar. Additionally, you may be able to access a complete stored digital history of your generator’s activity. If you’re ever shopping for used or rebuilt models featuring this technology, be sure to ask to see the equipment’s history.
   
   
3. Hybrid Efficiency and Alternative Fuels
   Combining a battery pack with a diesel engine can produce hybrid electric power generators capable of running with greater fuel efficiency than a standard diesel generator. Additionally, hybrids cut down on harmful emissions and noise. Of course, it’s possible to go even greener by looking at alternative power sources. Today manufacturers are creating generators powered by water turbines, solar energy and even the wind. Solar energy, specifically, can be stored for later use. Find out more about global markets turning to greener fuels.

At the end of the day, you need to consult your business case for purchasing electric power generators to see which models have the features you need most. Choose wisely and you’ll be able to streamline the effort and resources required for primary and back-up power generation.

Remanufactured marine diesel engines require careful consideration as an option for your drilling operations or commercial watercraft. Here are three high-level questions you should ask yourself before venturing too far down the path of inspecting previously used marine engines.

What Is Your Budget?

Remanufactured marine diesel engines can offer significant savings over an off-the-shelf option. That said, you may have more flexible payment terms with a new engine, such as attractive financing and payment plans. Banks often smile more on purchasing new equipment when deciding whether or not to approve financing.

What’s the Long-Term Plan for Your Vessel?

This is a great, loaded question when determining whether remanufactured marine diesel engines are a viable option for your craft. If the vessel is relatively new and you plan to get as much mileage out of it as possible, you may want to strongly consider a new marine engine so that you don’t have to make this decision yet again down the road. Then again, you don’t know how cost effective other, greener engine options may become, from dual liquefied natural gas (LGN) engines to even electrical options. A short-term solution may be all you need if the price is right.

Where Would You Buy Remanufactured Marine Diesel Engines?

The risk-reward proposition of purchasing remanufactured marine diesel engines depends largely on where and from whom you plan to buy them from. “Knowing a guy who knows a guy” may get you the best deal, but lack the credibility and long-term peace of mind you’re seeking. Vetting qualified equipment from the aftermarket involves asking for seller recommendations and using a third party who can inspect the engine for wear and tear. See Depco's current selection of marine engines.

There is a high demand for remanufactured marine diesel engines on the aftermarket. But the difference between getting someone else’s lemon and finding true value requires patience, expertise and a high degree of skepticism when it comes to looking at an engine that’s seemingly too good to be true.

Natural gas generators are clutch back-up power units that boast a number of advantages over their traditional, more popular diesel-powered counterparts. Ranging in size from portable units built for residential use to scalable industrial units, natural gas generators can even be created from diesel generators with a conversion kit.

Finding new equipment to fit your needed specs and preferences is usually not a problem. However, finding a used natural gas generator for sale can prove to be challenging for many reasons. Here are a few of those challenges.

Used Natural Gas Generators Are a Sellers’ Market

On average, new natural gas generators cost at least 10 percent more than a diesel-fueled generator. Sometimes this mark-up can even be substantially more. Because of the relative cost savings of previously used units, there are a number of buyers jockeying for a limited number used generators for sale. This can, in turn, create a spike in the price of a used natural gas generator for sale, making it closer to the cost of new, off-the-shelf equipment.

Finding a Used Natural Gas Generator for Sale is Better Equipped for Emergency Back-Up Use

Diesel- and gasoline-powered generators are great to have in a power outage caused by a weather event or other anomaly – if you have ample fuel reserves on hand to power it. Otherwise, gas may be difficult to procure. Conversely, the propane and methane that fuels natural gas generators is more accessible during these scenarios. It’s also safer and easier to store large reserves of natural gas than diesel fuel over a long period of time.

Green and Clean Power Generator

A used natural gas generator for sale uses methane or propane, which are relatively clean burning fossil fuels when you compare them to the likes of diesel or gasoline. If you’re company likes to run green or emissions are a more sensitive issue than usual, natural gas power generation is a solid alternative to diesel-fueled industrial power generators. Search Depco's stock of natural gas generators.

Finding a used natural gas generator for sale may require a lot of patience and a little luck. But if you are able to wait it out, your operation will benefit from clean power from an efficient and reliable source for back-up power generation.

When your vessel’s marine propeller and propulsion output come to an unplanned stop, your entire operation may come to a halt. If you’re several hundred miles out to sea without the means of making the proper repairs, it won’t be long until this impacts your bottom line, and even worse, customer satisfaction and retention.

This is the disaster scenario. But many times when your fleet is transporting goods and enabling maritime production – and appears to be doing just fine on the surface – there is something very different happening below: inefficient propulsion, wasted fuel, and loss of revenue.

You should be constantly monitoring your marine propeller and propulsion output to see if you have any opportunity to maximize performance. Here are a few tips for making this happen:

• Select the Right Marine Propeller and Propulsion Equipment
  A marine propeller, also called a screw, delivers thrust to a vessel by building and taking advantage of pressure differences at the rear and front of the blades. These blades can range in number, usually ranging from three to five. The simple rule of thumb is that the fewer the blades, the more efficient the thrust. However, more blades allows for more evenly distributed propulsion that cuts down on noise and vibration. Finding the right balance for your fleet is key to optimizing propulsion system efficiency. One other critical area that can impact efficiency is the nozzle, an area surrounding the propeller that’s designed to reduce drag. You’ll want to ensure you have the optimal design to match your vessel’s ideal speed. Find out about the advances in marine propulsion you should be watching.
• Practice Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
  A regular inspection of your blades for everything from small dings and dents to major structural damage is critical when you’re seeking to maximize marine propeller and propulsionoutput. Even slight wear and tear, which can be repaired fairly easily, has proven to reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent. Additionally, be sure to regularly inspect and clean blades for marine life and debris, from barnacles to algae growth.
• Keep the Weather in Mind
  Did you know that high humidity and temperatures can adversely affect the speed of your maritime operations, from a single vessel to an entire fleet? Your marine propeller and propulsion equipment are most efficient when it’s cool and dry. Low altitude helps as well. So if you have any choice over when and where your operation runs, adjust accordingly.

Maximizing marine propeller and propulsion output is key to mining every last dime out of your ROI. With the right equipment selection, maintenance, and with a little luck from the weather, you’ll be cruising down the channel toward optimal performance and productivity.

Does your site selection drive your power generator requirements? Or do your power generator requirements drive your site selection?

If your current operation is experiencing flat growth and is fairly entrenched and satisfied in its current location, odds are that your power needs are already determined. But if you’re actively seeking out new sites, whether it’s to accommodate new business or to generate greater ROI through smarter site selection, there are a number of factors to keep in mind.

Primary vs. Back-Up Power Generator Selection

If your current or future sites are well connected to the grid, you’re more than likely seeking back-up power generation equipment. Just because this equipment will only be used for emergency scenarios doesn’t mean you can skimp on a power generator’s features. You can, however, determine only those parts of your operation that are truly critical to run in the case of an outage, and then match that load to a given generator’s capacity. Depending on the scope of your needs, you may even be able to consider diesel- or natural gas-fueled generators that are mobile. Find out the three questions to ask when buying a back up power generator.

If you have a site that is off the grid, you need to supply continuous power as long as your operation is up and running. And you may even need a back-up power generator, too.

Accessibility for Maintenance and Repair

Routine maintenance is key to ensuring that your industrial power generator operates at peak efficiency over its lifetime. Site selection may impact your ability to keep up this maintenance and even make needed repairs. Remote mining operations, oil rigs and other sites may require additional time and money to get the right people and resources to your location in a pinch.

When it comes to selecting the best power generator for your operation, the location and accessibility of your sites is a key variable to consider. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and carefully vet equipment before making a purchase.