Diesel Generators for Sale
Powerhouse Diesel Generators (PDG) stocks diesel generators for sale ranging from 8 kW to 600 kW, ready to ship for home, commercial, and industrial power needs. Whether you need a standby diesel generator for emergency backup, a prime power unit for continuous operation, or a portable diesel generator for job sites, our in-stock inventory from trusted brands like FPT, Yanmar, Perkins, John Deere, and Kubota is built to meet your specifications.
Can't find the exact diesel generator for sale you need? Our team can help you configure the right unit from our current inventory, or point you toward a custom power solution if your application calls for a fully built-to-spec package. Request a quote today and a PDG power specialist will help you find the right fit.
What Is the Best Diesel Generator For You?
When shopping for the best diesel generator for sale, it's important to understand the three main categories available. Each is built for a different duty cycle and application:
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Prime — continuous operation for days, weeks, or months
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Standby — automatic backup power during outages
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Portable — mobile, compact units for job sites and smaller loads
Review each category below to find the diesel generator that matches your power requirements.
Prime Diesel Generators
Prime diesel generators are built for prolonged, continuous use across days, weeks, and months at a time. Unlike standby units, prime diesel generators meet stricter emissions requirements and are the standard choice for remote job sites, mining operations, and off-grid industrial facilities that need a primary (not backup) power source. See our Tier 4 prime diesel generators for EPA-compliant options.
Standby Diesel Generators
Standby diesel generators are permanently installed backup power systems designed to start automatically when the grid fails. They're the right choice for hospitals, data centers, hotels, and businesses that need reliable emergency power during major outages or electrical faults, without the higher duty-cycle demands of a prime unit. PDG carries standby diesel generators in a wide range of sizes, including our 20 kW diesel generators, one of our most popular standby configurations for home and commercial use.
Portable Diesel Generators
Portable diesel generators are designed for mobility and ease of use across job sites, marine applications, and locations without permanent electrical infrastructure. Compact and easier to transport than prime or standby units, a portable diesel generator for sale from PDG gives you dependable power wherever your project takes you. Browse our full lineup of portable diesel generators to compare wattage, run time, and enclosure options.
Diesel Generators for Home and Business
Looking for a diesel generator for home backup power? A diesel generator for sale from PDG delivers longer engine life, better fuel efficiency, and lower operating costs than a comparable gasoline unit, making it a smart investment for homeowners who want dependable power during extended outages. Popular home standby sizes include our 20 kW diesel generators, which comfortably cover most residential electrical loads, and our Yanmar diesel generators, a favorite for homeowners who want a fuel-efficient, quiet-running standby option.
For businesses, a commercial diesel generator or industrial diesel generator for sale from PDG can keep operations running through planned maintenance windows or unplanned utility failures. Explore financing options for your next diesel generator purchase on our financing page.
Which Industries Use Diesel Generators?
Industrial and commercial applications require reliable energy solutions, and PDG is a trusted source for diesel generators for sale regardless of the project or application. Our generators are used across dozens of industries, including:
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Heavy Machinery
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Automotive
Farms and rural operations that already run a tractor often choose a PTO generator instead of a standalone diesel unit — see our PTO generators for a lower-cost, tractor-driven alternative. Visit our industries we serve page for a full breakdown of power solutions by sector.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diesel Generators
What is a diesel generator?
A diesel generator pairs a diesel engine with an alternator to convert diesel fuel into AC electrical power. They're available from compact portable units to large industrial gensets exceeding 2,000 kW, making them the go-to power solution for commercial facilities, job sites, data centers, and critical infrastructure. PDG's diesel generators for sale range from 8 kW to 600 kW, with custom configurations available beyond that.
How long can a diesel generator run continuously?
Standby diesel generators are designed to run for days or weeks during grid outages, limited only by fuel supply. Prime power diesel generators are rated for continuous 24/7 operation, with scheduled maintenance intervals typically every 250–500 hours. One important note: avoid running any diesel generator at less than 30–40% of rated load for extended periods, as this can cause wet stacking — carbon buildup in the exhaust system from unburned fuel.
What is a Tier 4 diesel generator?
Tier 4 Final is the EPA's most stringent emissions standard for non-road diesel engines, reducing NOx and particulate matter by up to 90% compared to older units. Tier 4 compliance is required for generators used in mobile or prime power applications and is increasingly mandated on municipal, federal, and commercial construction job sites. PDG stocks Tier 4 certified generators from Kubota, Yanmar, Perkins, Isuzu, and Volvo.
What size diesel generator do I need for my home or business?
Generator sizing depends on your total electrical load. Most homes are comfortably covered by a 15–20 kW standby diesel generator, while small commercial buildings typically need our 30kW diesel generator or larger. Larger commercial and industrial facilities may require 100 kW or more, and mining, marine, or prime power applications can scale well beyond that. PDG's team can review your load requirements and recommend the right diesel generator for sale from our inventory, contact us for a free sizing consultation.
Is a diesel generator better than a gas generator?
For commercial and industrial applications, yes. Diesel generators offer 30–50% better fuel efficiency, significantly longer service life (often 20,000+ hours), lower operating costs per kilowatt-hour, and safer bulk fuel storage due to diesel's higher flash point. Gas generators have a lower upfront cost but are better suited for light, occasional use — not sustained commercial operation.
What's the difference between a standby and a prime power diesel generator?
Standby generators are permanently installed and designed to start automatically when the grid fails — they're rated for limited annual hours and serve as a backup to utility power. Prime power generators serve as the primary electricity source, rated for continuous full-load operation 24/7. Prime power units are common in remote job sites, mining operations, oil fields, and off-grid industrial facilities. PDG carries both, including EPA Tier 4 prime power generators for regulated applications.
Can I get a custom diesel generator built to my specifications?
Yes — custom packages are one of PDG's core specialties. Common configurations include specific voltage and phase output, sound-attenuated or weatherproof enclosures, extended sub-base fuel tanks, automatic transfer switch integration, trailer-mounted mobile gensets, and paralleling setups for scalable redundant power. We also stock Stamford generator heads for custom builds and replacement projects. Contact our engineering team to discuss your requirements.
Custom Diesel Generators for Sale
Can't find the exact diesel generator for sale you need in our current inventory? PDG's design team builds fully custom power solutions tailored to your voltage, enclosure, mounting, and application requirements. Visit our custom diesel generators page to learn more, or call our team to start the conversation.
Contact PDG For Your Next Diesel Generator
When you need a diesel generator for sale, there's no better source than PDG. Browse our current generators above to find a standby, prime, or portable diesel generator that fits your power requirements, or contact our team for a fast quote. Ask about our financing options and get world-class service and support for the lifetime of your diesel generator.
For Larger Sizes Contact: 229-671-9171