Portable Generator Buying Guide
A portable generator can be a great resource for powering your tools and finishing your projects. But knowing you want a portable generator is one thing - knowing which to buy is another challenge altogether.
Below we cover some key considerations to make as you shop portable generators for sale. When you are ready to look at models, visit Cycles of Jacksonville. Our dealership is located in Jacksonville, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Orlando and St. Augustine, Florida.
Set a Budget
A great place to start is making a budget. This helps you eliminate options from your search that are outside your budget. It also helps you avoid unnecessarily skimping on features or power potential since you'll know exactly how much money you can dedicate to your purchase. Think realistically about how much you can spend. Keep in mind that a quality portable generator can last a while, so invest accordingly.
Pick a Size
Next, think about what portable generator size would best suit your needs. Consider the place (or places) you hope to use the portable generator and how much space you can dedicate. Remember that you'll want to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the portable generator and will need to dedicate space accordingly. One perk of these models is that they tend to be smaller in nature than standby generators, but you'll still need to ensure you've got enough room for the model you want.
Determine the Ideal Wattage
A key step in this process is figuring out how much power you will need. Think about all the tools and machines you hope to plug into the portable generator. Then record the number of watts each device needs. Then round this number up a bit to give yourself some wiggle room. This step is important because a device uses more energy to start up than the amount of power that it needs to run. For example, a device that runs off of 800 watts may actually need 1200 to start. If you don't make your estimates bumping the power up, the device may not be able to turn on. Once you've got the estimate for each, then add the numbers and that'll give you the bare minimum wattage amount you'll want.
Pick a Fuel Type
Finally, you'll need to figure out how you want to power your portable generator. Diesel, gasoline, and solar tend to be the most popular fuel choices. Propane and gasoline tend to be the most convenient for families who need the portable generator for occasional recreational use or emergency use. These fuels are easy to find and budget-friendly. Solar power is going to be the most sustainable, but you'll need plenty of access to sunlight. If you plan on taking your portable generator camping to an area without much sun, keep this in mind. Many buyers end up getting a portable generator that is a hybrid of two fuel types. If you run out of one fuel type for some reason, you'll be able to power your device with the other fuel. This is a great backup to help ensure you aren't stuck somewhere without power!
Ready to check out portable generators for sale? Head over to Cycles of Jacksonville to check out various models. Our expert staff is happy to chat with you and help you find the ideal match. Let us know what your budget is, what you are hoping to use your portable generator for, and your workspace size. We can then suggest models for your needs. You'll find us in Jacksonville, Florida, and we also serve those in Orlando and St. Augustine.