The requirements/ considerations to be made while buying a generator for a farm or for off-grid activities are a bit more complicated than purchasing one for household purposes. You will need the category of generators that are built for trade purposes. There will be a number of procedures on a farm that make use of electricity. Running the milking machine, operating brick saws, concrete mixers, and other agricultural purposes. The absence of a constant power supply will actually affect the entire set of operations. On a daily basis, it is necessary to have a strong backup generator to make up for any power shortage that is likely to occur.

While purchasing a generator for a farm or for other off-grid purposes, there are certain aspects and requirements to be inspected and evaluated. Some of the main and initial checks to be made are given below.

What Do You Need To Know While Purchasing A Generator For A Farm Or Off-Grid?

Let’s take a look at the main factors to be considered.

Size of the farm

The size of the farm is the initial check you need to do. Large farms need much more power dependability than a small one would need. Likewise, if you obtain a Genset that cannot supply all the power to carry out functions on the entire farm, there is not going to be much use of it. Take into consideration all the electrical needs depending on the size of the farm first.  Do not fall into the trap of blindly buying a generator while an emergency strikes. There is no use of having an underpowered one. So always list out all the appliances and equipment that will have to be connected to the generator. Think of all possible situations that will need a backup power supply all over the farm before deciding on buying a certain model of the Genset.

Capacity required 

Determine the capacity required to do all the expected activities in and around the farm. Always check with an experienced electrician while you inspect the appliances to determine the total capacity required. Larger generators hold more fuel, which means they can run for longer. So make sure that you calculate the capacity accurately. This will help you to determine the power supply required and get a suitable Genset.

Type of generator

You come across many categories of generators in the market. The perfect match is made when the need is met accurately. After calculating the requirements on the farm and the capacity required, consult with an electrician to decide on the type best suited. The main kinds of generators include

• Inverter type
• Portable generator
• Standby type

Durability & Cost

Durability is another important factor to be considered. Most farm operating generators are exposed to rough conditions. The off-grid operations can give them many challenges and they have to withstand extreme tough conditions. Another factor to be considered is the cost of the generator because it is not a wise idea to go for cheap ones, check out the best prices in Sydney and opt for quality products.  If the generator working hours can be restricted to two hours a day, a two-pole Genset will be sufficient. However if the activities require constant use, stretching to last almost a day, a four-pole Genset is required.

Features and extra accessories to be included: 

Other than the above factors, a generator has many other factors and extra accessories to be considered.  In addition to the basic requirements, while purchasing a diesel generator for farm purposes or off-grid uses, the work cover aspects have to be inspected carefully. You need to check the specifications for:

• Rollover Frame.
• Earth Leakage cover &  Protection,
• Weatherproof Outlets

Portability of the Genset

A farm will have activities going on round the clock in all the fields. This is where the portability of the Genset comes handy. The transport options should be easy and the Genset parts will have to be easy to lift. You will have to move it from place to place, to and from the area which requires the service. So the transportation and portability of the generator is a major consideration that determines the success of the operation.

Weather-resistant 

Work on a farm is never-ending. Be it a sunny day or a rainy one, work goes on without any pause. If there is no power supply on the farm, most of the activities come to a halt. This, in turn, proves disastrous in the long term. The activities cannot be interrupted for the sake of a power failure. Hence the Genset should be capable of functioning round the clock if needed. It will be stored in areas exposed to various weather conditions. All of these can affect the performance of the machine. So from the start, you should get a generator that is weather resistant and can function smoothly during all climatic conditions.

Warranty period

A whole warranty period of 2 years is the minimum for any standard product. The warranty period is likely to vary depending on the manufacturer.  Reliable and quality manufacturers provide a two-year warranty for the set, for example, Kohler, Yanmar, etc. Honda even provides a full three year warranty period for the engine.

Choosing a high-quality Manufacturer 

One important question that is to be given a thought is which manufacturer are you going to approach. It is so much better to get your set from a reliable and accredited generator manufacturer rather than a random seller. There are many advantages of going for a reliable manufacturer, so always make sure of the authenticity of the manufacturer brand. There are a few upcoming brands that choose to duplicate the original masters. Beware of these and make sure that you get the original branded products.

Some of the best generator manufacturers include

• Advanced power
• Powerlite
• Dunlite
• Gentech
• Crommelins

Benefits of purchasing a generator from a certified manufacturer

• Reliable warranty periods
• Premium and legitimate engines
• Tested performance
• Consumer satisfaction
• Guarantee of obtaining quality service from accredited service people

There is a full range of generators for farm and off-grid purposes. You have to consider all the above factors before taking a decision. So choose wisely keeping in mind the advantages of a long term back up plan!