Diesel generators are the most common choice for commercial backup power, and their good qualities make them a hot property in some of the most demanding industries. They’re reliable, robust, low-maintenance, powerful, and long-lasting.

A diesel generator’s life expectancy is an important consideration when purchasing a new generator for your worksite.

Total Generators has a wide selection of generators equipped to serve your power supply needs, whatever they are. Whether you’re running a major mining operation in outback Queensland or powering a factory, construction site or music festival, our generators of various kilowatt-ampere (kVA) can keep your power supply steady and strong.

If you’re wondering what an average diesel generator’s lifespan is, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we discuss the standard lifespan of a diesel generator, factors that can extend or reduce its lifespan and the important role that diesel generator maintenance plays. 

What Is the Typical Lifespan of a Diesel Generator?

The average diesel generator’s lifespan is 10,000 to 30,000 hours. While this roughly equates to 20-25 years of use, this, of course, is a variable figure. A diesel generator that’s left running 24 hours a day will obviously reach the end of its life a lot faster than one that’s only used during blackouts. This can make shopping for a used diesel generator a challenge because unless its use has been documented, there’s no way of knowing how much life is left in it.

However, on average, a diesel generator’s life expectancy is a lot longer than generators of other fuel types. Because they have simpler mechanical set-ups and run at much lower revolutions per minute (RPMs), diesel generators typically outlast alternatives like gasoline or natural gas.

Knowing what to expect from your diesel generator’s life expectancy is important, and there are several factors that can contribute to it.

Factors That May Impact a Generator’s Life Expectancy

The ability of diesel generators to maintain power for long periods of time makes them ideal for businesses like hospitals, construction sites, data centres and locations with frequent power outages. Yet, like all generators, diesel generators come with different specifications and levels of quality. Factors that can influence a diesel generator’s lifespan include:

Quality and design

Like every other machine, generators function better and for longer periods of time when they’ve been well-designed and well-built by decent companies. The better the materials and engineering techniques involved, the longer the generator can withstand regular operation.

Overuse

This one is obvious. The more you run a generator, the sooner you’ll reach the end of its lifespan. Operating your generator 24/7 or using it when you don’t need to will just cause you to exhaust its capacity faster.

Underuse

Leaving your generator for months between uses is as bad for the machine as overusing it. When the generator has settled for too long, it means more friction when the moving parts finally rub together again. This means the insides of the generator go very quickly from cold to hot and back to cold when it cools back down. These rapid changes in temperature take their toll on the generator.

Sizing

A generator that’s the wrong size for the job wears out faster, whether it’s too large or too small. An undersized generator wears out all its components faster by continually straining to do the job. Meanwhile, an oversized generator that can’t work at its full capacity becomes clogged with unused carbon, an issue known as “wet stacking”.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for maximising a diesel generator’s lifespan. This includes everything from checking and changing oil, filters, and coolant according to the manufacturer’s instructions to booking a professional service at least once a year.

Operating conditions

Using a diesel generator in a particularly harsh or noisy environment, such as an extremely hot, humid or dusty area, leads to faster wear and tear on its components. 

How to Maintain a Diesel Generator

Maintaining a diesel generator properly is the most effective action you can take to maximise its lifespan. Steps you can take to care for and maintain your machine include:

Check the generator components regularly

General component checks help you identify issues with your generator that are sometimes hard to spot. Components to keep an eye on include the coolant, muffler, exhaust pipe, exhaust manifold, filters, fluids, fuel lines and more.

Check your oil levels

When your generator is off and has cooled, use a dipstick to check the oil. While it’s common to change your generator’s oil and filter during its yearly service, check your owner’s manual for more specific details.  

Clean your generator frequently

Regularly wipe your diesel generator down with a cloth to remove contaminants like dust, dirt and other debris. Use compressed air to get rid of more stubborn contaminants and any obstructions.

Regularly replace the fuel filters

Diesel fuel degrades and contaminates over time, so it’s essential to replace your fuel filters often to keep your diesel generator running smoothly. It’s likely you’ll have to change your fuel filters around every 500 km, but check your instruction manual just to make sure.

Test the batteries, fuel and load bank

Regularly testing the various components that power your diesel generator will help you make the most of its lifespan. Testing the fuel will help you detect contaminants like chemicals and water vapour. Testing the battery ensures it packs enough power so that it won’t absorb the power load. Testing the load bank will allow you to assess the generator’s overall performance levels and see how well it responds in case of a power outage.

Buy Diesel Generators from Total Generators

If you’re concerned about your new diesel generator’s lifespan, the best way to put your mind at ease is to buy one from Total Generators.

Total Generators has uncomplicated, user-friendly generators from industry-leading brands like Cummins, Powerlink, Denyo and Pramac. All of our portable diesel generators are compliant with Australian Electrical Safety Standards and are serviced regularly for rapid response and efficient supply.

Total Generators is your one-stop shop for all generator and power equipment sales. We have an easy-to-use range of generators to choose from. Whether you’re in mining, construction or another heavy-duty industry, our team will happily recommend the most suitable models to power your project. We provide delivery, supply, installation and support for all sorts of generators, including standby generators for emergencies, all designed to be operated with minimal instructions.

Do you have a project in mind and require expert advice on the right generator for it? From selecting the right model to carrying out diesel generator maintenance, Total Generators has the skills to assist you with your power supply needs.

A team made up of some of the best professionals in the industry with a combined experience level of more than 100 years, Total Generators designs, deploys and monitors both long—and short-term power solutions. With more than 25 years in the industry to draw upon, we’re the generator supplier of choice for many professionals in construction, mining, film productions, events, and other industries.

Contact Total Generators today to discuss your power needs and our generators for sale and hire.