Just got a quote for a 20kw, 1800 RPM diesel generator with 100 gal fuel tank, cement slab, all hookups, auto start.
essentially turnkey and full fuel tank for about $36k.

Just checking, seems like a lot but maybe I'm not keeping up with inflation.

That seems pretty good for a real diesel generator, honestly, especially if it's all automatic and new technology. I have an old school diesel gen and it can just chug along at 1800 all day long. I am a huge diesel fan. I'll let others reply but that doesn't seem crazy to me.

Am curious to learn how many others would pay $36k for ... I quote A.I. "2.5-4.5 24hr days" of backup, depending on loads.

Of course, it's a PITA if freezer, refrigerator go South with all goods inside them ..... but even if only these units get protected to extend the no-power carefree days, $36k would instead buy All New units/goods EZ.

$36k also buys
3 Waikiki trips Biz-class, ocean view or other paradise
New truck
Addition to house
Remodel Kitchen &/or M.Bath
TAMU One year, on campus student estimate by others

We do recommend generators and ignoring "global warming" and "lung cancer" conspiracies, then if not propane "not perishable" when stored, then the Diesel is the choice - it has always been a workhorse but perishable "1-3" years depending on treatment. WWII German tank fuel preference and heavy load trucks/tractors, of course.

If buying 2nd hand (not from retail store) then "WHY selling?" is very good to learn.

Do you have an itemized quote?

The diesel generators with 100 gallon tank are no joke. One that runs on NG could be 1/4 -1/3 the cost of the diesel one.

Depending on where you live I'd be interested to see if the quote included anything above the electrical permit. Storing 100 gallons of diesel "could" require additional permitting from the city.

I only deal with one at work but keep in mind the additional costs associated with a diesel... Having to have someone come out to fill the tank... Getting it serviced yearly...

You could keep the tank topped off if you run it for 10 minutes every month but adding 75 gallons after a major event would be a pain.

If you are going to store that much diesel, you better use all of it in a timely manner or you will be having fuel issues. I can tell you from my storage tanks here on the ranch. Better have two filters on your tank and put plenty of additives for water and algae. I have not found anything to completely solve the issues other than using it all in a timely manner. Take fuel samples often, when you need the generator a fuel issue is the last thing you want.

They have a fuel service to manage the fuel. They will buy the fuel back, run it in their trucks and refill my tank.
I appreciate fuel being the weak point for diesel.

I know nat gas is less but was also turned off for a few weeks during hurricane Ike. Know it may not be common but I would be pissed to spend all that money and have the fuel turned off.

Yes, it's a lot of money. Place your bet, take your chances

Im taking my chances around the ranch here with three portable generators. I have a Honda 12500, gas powered, two propane generators 10,000 kw. I have portable air conditioner units for my windows if needed. I have a 500 gallon propane tank and enough gas storage I can get for the Honda for a few days. I have about 10-15 gallons of gas at all times but I do not let it get over 30 days old. The gas is ethanol free. I figure I can get buy a week or two if needed. During the big freeze, I did not miss a beat had power from generators no issues, just have to be selective about what you want to run. My generators plug into my transfer box. I alternate hooking up them up so I can service them if needed.

I bought a lightly used 20 MQ power diesel on iron planet for $10k. It was a former rental but had only like 100 hrs on it plus it was trailer mounted.

You would then just need an Auto transfer switch

IslandAg76 said:

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They have a fuel service to manage the fuel. They will buy the fuel back, run it in their trucks and refill my tank.
I appreciate fuel being the weak point for diesel.

I know nat gas is less but was also turned off for a few weeks during hurricane Ike. Know it may not be common but I would be pissed to spend all that money and have the fuel turned off.

Yes, it's a lot of money. Place your bet, take your chances

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It's a lot of YOUR money but I'd venture to say after the initial payment shock you'll probably never regret buying the diesel if you plan on staying there a long time.

Jason_Roofer said:

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I know folks say diesel is fickle but diesel lives in my 300 and 1200 gallon tanks at my place for over a year and it's never given me any trouble. I have filters and water separators and I'm sure the supplier puts additives in it with the dye but it's been really good.

I've even fired up diesel tractors after 20 years of not running and they have run fine. It's a lot better than gasoline.

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FIFY

I have been considering a PTO generator for my tractor. Obviously it wouldn't have an automatic transfer switch or anything, but I already have a 39hp tractor, why buy another engine to take care of.

FamousAgg said:

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I have been considering a PTO generator for my tractor. Obviously it wouldn't have an automatic transfer switch or anything, but I already have a 39hp tractor, any buy another engine to take care of.

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So a good reason to tell the wife I need a bigger tractor - I like it!