If you’re managing a facility or a rental fleet, you know that a generator is only as good as its last successful start. Looking back at our service calls and recent inquiries from the field, we’re seeing some clear patterns. If you’re trying to avoid downtime this year, here’s where you should be looking.
The “Small Stuff” is the Big Problem
We’re seeing a massive volume of calls for failed block heaters and dead batteries. These are cheap parts that cause expensive problems when they fail in the middle of a freeze. If your batteries are over two years old or your heater hasn’t been tested lately, change them now. It’s the easiest way to avoid an emergency call-out fee.
The 500kW Demand Spike
On the sales side, the industry has settled on a “sweet spot.” We’ve had a surge in requests for 500kW units, followed closely by the 300kW range for municipal and utility work. People are moving away from underpowered units and looking for that mid-range industrial capacity that can handle modern HVAC and data loads. We’re also seeing a lot of interest in off-grid setups for processing plants that need to be live within 60 days.
Critical Infrastructure: Fire Pumps and Elevators
We’ve been spending a lot of time in high-rises and hotels lately. There’s a noticeable trend of oil and coolant leaks in fire pump systems. These are often “out of sight, out of mind” until an inspector shows up. If you’re managing a property, keep an eye on those seals, regulatory compliance is getting tighter, and a leaky fire pump is an immediate red flag.
Rental Logistics: It’s All About the Volts
When we send out our 800kW rentals, the biggest hurdle isn’t the power, it’s the connection. We’re seeing more sites that require complex voltage swaps (jumping from 480v down to 208v). We’ve learned that the “pre-flight” checklist is everything. You need to know your amperage and voltage requirements before the truck arrives, or you’ll be sitting on-site waiting for the right cables to show up.
Fuel Polishing is No Longer Optional
With units sitting idle longer, “bad fuel” is becoming a primary cause of engine surging and failure. Whether you’re running a small backup for a grain facility or a massive 2000kW unit for a data center, the fuel in your tank is degrading every day it sits. Periodic fuel polishing is the only way to ensure that when you hit the “start” button, the engine actually stays running.
The Bottom Line
The most reliable sites we service have one thing in common: they don’t wait for things to break. They’re replacing batteries early, polishing their fuel, and keeping an eye on their firepumps.
Need a hand with a PM or looking to spec out a new 500kW unit? Give us a call—we’ve got the gear and the logs to prove what works.