Your commercial generator is a significant investment and could have a high resale value with the right care and maintenance. How much you should sell your used generator for depends on its condition, machine hours and age. How you price a generator is a key to understanding how to sell it and how to make informed purchases. The experts at Mustang Cat have put together this guide to walk you through pricing used generators to maximize your equipment’s value. 

Condition

The first and most critical step is to assess the condition of your generator. If the generator doesn’t start, you’ll need to pay to have it hauled away. Even if you advertise that the unit would be repairable with a simple part, most buyers are cautious since repairs might be more extensive than you expect.

There are also other condition factors to consider, including:

• How often you serviced the generator.
• How much time it spent outside and exposed to weather.
• Whether it has any rust buildup.

You can strive to raise the value of your used equipment by explaining the condition and treatment of the equipment over time. 

Machine Hours

Another critical consideration is the number of hours you’ve used the generator. Similar to the odometer in a car, every engine comes with a dial that tracks machine hours. The lower the figure the dial shows, the higher the value of your generator. For example, you may have used a generator as a backup power source and only turned it on a few times. In other circumstances, you may have depended on it regularly to manage a heavy load.

Generally, you can expect a generator with fewer machine hours to sell at a higher price.

Age

Another important factor is the age of the generator itself. Older parts wear out over time, and earlier models lack the latest technology. For example, a power generator from the 1970s is common on the used market, but it’s almost half a century old. Meanwhile, a generator from the 2000s is likely to have a higher starting value and more demand.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards also influence why your used generator’s age is important. In 2007, the EPA created a Tier Rating System to regulate emissions produced by generators. The better the emission quality of the generator, the higher the tier.

If you choose an older generator, you can still use it but in limited locations. If you ever move or disconnect the device, you won’t be able to use it in states with higher generator tier standards. This fact is a disadvantage for some buyers. A generator made after 2007 is likely an efficient solution for all 50 states, dramatically raising the value. 

Contact Us Today for Five-Star Used Generator Options

Are you looking to sell your used generator? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Located in Southeast Texas, Mustang Cat has served the local community as a family-owned business since 1952. We have a free guide with five tips for selling your used generator. You can also sell your used power equipment to Mustang Cat directly to simplify the process. 

Would you like to purchase a used Cat^® power generator? Contact us online today with any questions, from pricing to equipment advice and service. You can also find a Mustang Cat location near you to visit us in person today. If you can’t make it to our store, Give us a call at 800-256-1001 to speak with a representative now. Whether you’re buying equipment or selling your used generator, we can help take your fleet to the next level.