Whether you need a generator for residential or industrial applications, diesel and gas generators are the two prevalent options. Diesel generators, however, are a preferred choice for most because they offer distinct benefits over their gasoline counterparts. Even large industrial players opt for diesel generators as their emergency power backup because of their apparent advantages.
Comparing Diesel Generators and Gas Generators
Let’s have a detailed comparison of the two types of generators and understand what makes diesel generators, like the Kohler Diesel Generator, a better option.
1. Better Fuel Option
The very characteristics of diesel and gasoline as a type of fuel make diesel generators a better choice. If you think of storage, you need to pick the storage sites carefully so they are not exposed to open flames or high heat sources. That’s because gasoline is more flammable than diesel and can accidentally catch fire. Diesel, on the other hand, is a safer option.
Diesel’s shelf life is also longer as compared to gasoline. You can keep it for around 6-12 months without using any additives. On the contrary, gasoline has a shelf life of only around 3 months if no additives are used. Due to the shorter shelf life, it may add to your costs significantly.
Furthermore, diesel is relatively more obtainable in an emergency because it is used to fuel generators and fewer cars compared to gasoline. It will save you time and effort when you need to refuel your generator.
2. Fuel Efficiency
Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient as they burn relatively less fuel than gas engines to generate the same amount of power. They are also built heavier to better sustain the extra stress of higher compression ratios. In addition, diesel engines don’t work with an ignition system and, hence, won’t require any tune-ups.
3. Maintenance
Diesel generators require relatively less maintenance. They don’t have spark plugs that might need a replacement or any carburetors that require maintenance. While routine maintenance is necessary to ensure lower emissions and increase the efficiency of a generator, diesel engines are not as expensive to maintain as gas engines that use wires and spark plugs.
4. Longevity
An 1800 RPM water-cooled diesel engine can give you 12000 to 30000 hours of uptime without requiring major maintenance. On the contrary, you can expect a comparative gas generator to run for 6000 to 10000 hours only.
One reason behind the longevity of diesel generators is that they burn cooler than gasoline. Different generator components wear out quickly due to the extra heat produced by gasoline. The longevity of diesel engines is also because diesel fuel exhaust is not much corrosive as the one on gasoline engines.
5. Safety
As mentioned earlier, diesel fuel tends to be less flammable than gas and can be a safer option. In addition, as the diesel generators don’t have spark plugs, they don’t involve the risk of catching fire if there’s a leak.
With recent improvements, gas and diesel generators don’t have many performance gaps. Still, based on the factors above, diesel generators are a better option. Go for a Kohler diesel generator if you want to invest in something that offers great quality and seamless performance! Visit the website to learn more
