Before you make your purchase, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the technical information. It may also be advantageous to view product downloads and utilize a sizing tool. When you work with the right supplier, all of these can be made available to you. Caterpillar C18 generator sets can be the answer you have been searching for on your job site.
Fuel Type
Caterpillar is known for providing diesel engine and fuel oil generators. The C18 fits within this category, and this is an important aspect to understand. It shows that it is industrial and heavy duty. If you have other equipment on your jobsite that takes diesel fuel, this can be a simple solution.
Technical Information
You may be looking at a few different generator sets, and want to know more information. This will make it easier for you to decide which model you are going to get. The C18 is radiator cooled and has a 24 V alternator as well as a 24 V electric starter. It has a dry type air cleaner, and an electronic governor. It operates at 1800 RPM, and 923 hp.
Other details you may want to look for include:
- Amps
- Cycles/HZ
- Number of leads
- Enclosure
- Size of equipment
- Load types
The more you learn about the equipment, the easier the decision becomes. This is a considerable investment, and therefore you don't want to make any rash decisions. It is best to obtain all of the facts and then decide which generator set is going to be best for you and your industry.
How it Should Be Used
Every generator has a list of applications it should be used for. The C18 is recommended for emergency and standby power. This means that it is essentially a backup in the event that electricity stopped working.
If you are looking for a generator set that is going to be in “island” mode, that is not connected to any kind of electrical grid, this is probably not the best generator for you. You will want to find something that can provide a higher power output and is more affordable to operate. However, if you are looking for a backup so that if the power supply fails, you can continue to produce power at your worksite.
Pricing
When you decide you need a generator set, you want to focus on specifications before anything else. If you focus on price first, you are likely not going to get the generator size or rating that you need. You need to pay close attention to engine details as well as the fuel that the system takes. Only after you have narrowed down the possibilities should you start to explore pricing.
The good news is that you have options. You can purchase new or used. If you are looking to try and save money and you don't mind a little extra maintenance, use may be the best route. However, if you are looking for capital equipment that can help with an overall business investment, new may be the best route to go.
Either way, you want to find out what the total cost of a generator set is going to be so that you don't have to be surprised by the invoice.
Purchasing a generator and the various components is a major investment. Taking the time to learn about the details of the generator will make it easier for you to make a solid decision. Otherwise, you may have buyer regret once the unit is delivered to your site.
To learn more about Caterpillar C18 generator sets, contact Depco Power System today.
