When buying a used industrial generator, one of the first things buyers notice is the engine hours. Just like mileage on a vehicle, generator hours can be a useful indicator of how much the equipment has been used. But hours alone do not tell the whole story. Understanding what they mean, and how they affect value and performance, will help you make a smarter investment.
What Are Generator Hours?
Generator hours represent the total amount of time a generator’s engine has been running. They are logged by the unit’s control panel or hour meter, and they increase whether the generator is operating under a full load, light load, or just during test runs.
Why Hours Matter
- Wear and Tear: Higher hours usually mean more wear on engine components such as pistons, bearings, and injectors.
- Maintenance Cycles: Generators with higher hours require more frequent inspections and part replacements to ensure reliability.
- Resale Value: Units with lower hours often command a premium price in the resale market.
Low Hours vs. High Hours Generators
- Low-Hour Generators: Typically seen as “like new,” especially if they’ve been used only for standby backup. A 500kW generator with under 1,000 hours may last for decades with proper service.
- High-Hour Generators: These are not always a bad investment. A well-maintained 5,000-hour generator may perform better than a neglected 1,000-hour unit. The key is how the hours were accumulated and whether proper preventative maintenance was followed.
Standby vs. Prime Applications
- Standby Power: Generators used strictly for backup often accumulate very few hours each year, sometimes less than 100. These are highly desirable on the resale market.
- Prime or Continuous Power: Generators used daily for construction sites, mining, or remote operations will accumulate hours much faster. Buyers should expect higher maintenance needs and plan accordingly.
For more context on how prime vs. standby use affects equipment life, see EPA guidance on nonroad diesel engines.
Other Factors That Matter More Than Hours
- Maintenance Records: A generator with consistent oil changes, coolant testing, and load bank service is often a better purchase than a lower-hour unit with no service history.
- Load History: Lightly loaded generators can suffer from wet stacking and carbon buildup, reducing long-term efficiency.
- Storage Conditions: Units stored indoors or under enclosure protection often have less corrosion and longer life.
How Generator Source Evaluates Hours and Condition
At Generator Source, we go beyond the hour meter. Every unit we sell undergoes a comprehensive inspection and load bank test to verify performance. We review maintenance records when available, check for signs of improper use, and service critical components before listing the unit for sale.
You can explore our current inventory of low-hour and well-maintained generators on our generator inventory page.
Generator hours are an important part of evaluating equipment, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. A low-hour generator may look appealing, but without proper service it could still have hidden issues. A higher-hour unit that has been carefully maintained can still deliver years of reliable performance.