Generators for Sale — Compare Prices

Generator sizing depends on your power requirements: 20-50 kVA generators suit small offices, shops, and basic construction lighting. 100 kVA generators power medium construction sites with welding machines and concrete mixers. 250 kVA generators handle large commercial buildings and multiple heavy tools. 500 kVA generators support industrial facilities, large construction projects with tower cranes. 1000+ kVA generators are for mining operations, large factories, and data centres. Calculate your total connected load in kW, divide by power factor (0.8), and add 20-25% safety margin to get the required kVA rating.

The top industrial diesel generator brands globally are: Caterpillar (CAT) — the world's most trusted brand with unmatched reliability and global dealer network. Cummins — excellent fuel efficiency, available from 20 kVA to 3,500 kVA, widely used across UAE, Africa, and Europe. Perkins — popular for compact generators from 10 kVA to 500 kVA, strong aftermarket parts availability. Atlas Copco — leading brand for portable and rental-grade generators. SDMO (Kohler) — European quality with models from 6 kVA to 3,300 kVA. Himoinsa — growing market share in GCC and Africa. FG Wilson — excellent value in the 20-500 kVA range. Choose based on local dealer support, parts availability, and fuel efficiency requirements.

Diesel generator prices by capacity (new): 20 kVA generator: $5,000-$10,000. 50 kVA generator: $8,000-$18,000. 100 kVA generator: $15,000-$30,000. 250 kVA generator: $30,000-$60,000. 500 kVA generator: $50,000-$120,000. 1000 kVA generator: $100,000-$250,000. Used diesel generators cost 40-60% less. In the UAE/GCC market, expect 10-15% premium for silent canopy models. In Nigeria and Africa, Chinese brands like SDEC and Weichai offer budget options from $3,000 for 20 kVA units. Prices depend on brand (Cummins, Caterpillar, Perkins), enclosure type, ATS inclusion, and fuel tank capacity.

Buy new generators for: Critical applications requiring full manufacturer warranty, compliance with latest emission standards (Tier 4/Stage V in Europe, EPA in US), long-term continuous or prime power duty, and when financing terms are favourable. Buy used generators for: Backup/standby power applications, budget-conscious projects in Africa and developing markets, short-term construction projects, and regions where older emission standards are acceptable. Well-maintained used Caterpillar and Cummins generators can run reliably for 20,000+ hours. Always verify service records, load-test results, engine compression, and remaining component life before purchasing.

kVA (kilovolt-ampere) is the apparent power — the total power a generator produces. kW (kilowatt) is the real power — the actual usable power delivered to equipment. The relationship is: kW = kVA × Power Factor (PF). Most diesel generators have a power factor of 0.8, so a 100 kVA generator delivers 80 kW of usable power. When sizing a generator, calculate your load in kW first, then divide by 0.8 to get the kVA rating needed. For example: if you need 200 kW, you need a 250 kVA generator. This conversion is essential for correctly matching generator capacity to your power requirements.

Standby rated generators provide emergency backup power with limited annual running hours (typically 200-500 hours/year at 70-80% load) — ideal for commercial buildings and hospitals with mains power. Prime rated generators run for unlimited hours at variable load — perfect for construction sites, mining, and areas without grid power. Continuous rated generators run 24/7 at a constant base load — used for power plants and continuous industrial processes. In regions like Nigeria and parts of Africa where grid outages average 56+ hours/month, prime rated generators are essential. Prime rated units cost 15-25% more than standby rated equivalents.

You can buy new and used diesel generators in UAE through: Machinery Planet UAE (machineryplanet.ae) — online marketplace with verified sellers and competitive prices. Authorized dealers for Caterpillar, Cummins, Perkins, and other brands in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone and Al Quoz Industrial Area. Major generator distributors in Sharjah Industrial Area. Online platforms offer advantages including price comparison across multiple sellers, detailed specifications, photos, and direct seller contact. Used generators in Dubai typically offer 40-60% savings versus new, with many units having low operating hours from standby applications.

Essential diesel generator maintenance schedule: Daily — check coolant level, engine oil, fuel supply, and battery condition. Every 250 hours — change engine oil and oil filters. Every 500 hours — replace fuel filters, inspect belts, hoses, and coolant condition. Every 1,000 hours — full service including coolant flush, valve adjustment, injector inspection, and air filter replacement. Annually — load bank testing at 75-100% rated capacity, electrical connection inspection, fuel tank cleaning, and full safety check. Keep a detailed maintenance log. Properly maintained diesel generators from brands like Caterpillar and Cummins last 20,000-30,000+ operating hours. In dusty environments (UAE, Africa), increase air filter change frequency to every 250 hours.

Silent diesel generators come in weather-protected, sound-attenuated enclosures that reduce noise to 65-75 dB(A) at 7 metres — compared to 95-100+ dB(A) for open-set generators. You need a silent generator for: Residential and urban construction sites with noise restrictions, events and outdoor functions, hospitals and hotels requiring backup power, rental fleet applications, and any location with local noise ordinances. Silent canopy generators cost 15-30% more than open-set equivalents. Popular silent generator ranges include: Cummins C-Series (20-500 kVA), Atlas Copco QAS range, SDMO Rental Power series, and Himoinsa HRYW series. Most generators sold in the UAE and Europe are silent/canopy type.

Yes, generator rental is often more cost-effective for short-term needs. Rental is ideal for: Temporary construction sites (3-12 months), events and exhibitions, emergency backup during planned maintenance, seasonal peak demand, and testing power requirements before purchasing. Typical rental rates: 20-50 kVA: $500-$1,500/month, 100 kVA: $1,500-$3,000/month, 250 kVA: $3,000-$6,000/month, 500 kVA: $5,000-$10,000/month. Rental includes maintenance, fuel management, and 24/7 support. Consider buying if you need the generator for 18+ months — the break-even point where ownership becomes cheaper than renting.