Factors to Consider When Buying a Generator in Kenya
Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Generator in Kenya?
Whether your needs start from a 1kVA portable to a 500kVA+ industrial / commercial large standby generator, it is important to take time to get advice to enable you to select the best brand and also the right model for your unique application.
Similar question: What is the Best Generator for my application & which are Kenya's leading brands?
Consider the following factors when choosing a generator to buy in Kenya:
Brand reputation in Africa
Caterpillar is one of the world's leading brands and is the global industry leader and manufacturer of diesel engines. Caterpillar recently focused on the CAT C18 diesel generator, which offers greater power density to occupy less floor space. This set offers three 60Hz power supply nodes, which provide a standby rating of 650 kW to 750 kW and the prime power ratings of 600 kW at 680 kW. Caterpillar is a US based company
Cummins generator products features one the best-in-class fuel efficiency, global emissions compliance, optimal performance and unrivaled customer support, anywhere in the world. From 20 to 2,750 KVA, Cummins industrial generator sets are engineered to support any power generation application. Their industrial gensets come in a wide range of fully customizable configurations to match your needs. This is a popular brand in Africa. Cummins is a major competitor to leading engine brands like Perkins in Kenya and the larger African market.
SDMO Industries, based in France, has been designing, manufacturing and installing generating sets from 8 kVA to 4000 kVA since 1966. The Kohler-SDMO generator brand offers a complete range of portable gensets, industrial generators and rental generating sets. Kohler-SDMO diesel generators are distributed in more than 180 countries via a network of local dealers who benefit from continuous support and training in new tools and products. Kohler-SDMO is the 3rd largest manufacturer of gensets worldwide. The brand is popular in Africa including the Kenya market
PRAMAC from Siena, Toscana, Italy manufactures and designs light towers, portable and stationary generators, and various material handling systems. Pramac, a Generac company introduced its new stationary diesel product GSW range in 2020 ranges up to 1150KVA. This range is intended to meet and exceed customer requirements of any application ranging from 10kVA to 820kVA of the GDW range. Its use in Africa is growing. Generac portables are also popular in East Africa. Generac headquarters are in Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States. Most of the large format generators run on Lombardini(KOHLER) and Perkins engines.
Perkins Engines's headquarters is located at VFR Building, Peterborough, UK. Regarding reliability, Perkins is one of the most trusted diesel engine manufacturers in the heavy-duty trucking and tractor market. Perkins engines are known for their robust construction, advanced technology, high performance, and low emissions. Perkins is a major market shareholder for their product range 10 to 688kVA generator sets in Africa. Throughout the years, Perkins has maintained its position as the leading supplier of off-highway diesel engines. The company focuses on delivering excellent engines - including g-drive electropaks powering Perkins diesel generator sets.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger Ltd. provides a diversified product lineup in the engine and turbocharger fields. This company largely specialized in large, heavy duty engine generators from 1500-2250 kVA as opposed to a wider range. Their diesel generators have the highest output in Japanese similar products. It has applications in facilities such as factories, office buildings, data centers, and hospitals.
JOHN DEERE generators are 100% designed, engineered, assembled and tested in the USA. Their generators range from 20 to 500 kVA. Quality John Deere standby generators and prime generators are available in open skid or weatherproof super silent enclosures and covered by up to 5 year, 5,000 hour extended engine warranties. John Deere diesel generators are assembled with the highest quality components available in the industry. These generators are designed to handle any standby power and prime power application.
Each John Deere diesel generator comes standard and fully packaged for quality and compliance with U.S. EPA emissions regulations. They also feature a Leroy Somer or Stamford alternator, fully digital Deep Sea controller, ABB circuit breaker for overload protection, integrated single walled or double walled UL listed fuel tank, high performance critical-grade Miratech COWL silencer and more.
The Lister Petter name became synonymous with diesel power within agriculture, electric power generation, and the water pump markets. For the last 150 years, the company has held UK's brand market for power generation and as an original spare parts manufacturer to support its product range. Generators start from 5 to 800kVA and they are known for their compact design, ease of service, reliabiity and emissions compliant. It is incredible to imagine that genuine high quality spare parts are still available for engines last produced more than 35 years ago. That speaks of durability. The Lister Petter engines come in two main variants; TR and LPW range. TR starts at 5.9 to 23.9kVA. G-Drive engine technology is one of the most recent improvements to both TR & LPW engines. Lister Petter generators have been in demand in Kenya for a long time.
DEUTZ Gensets are said to be more fuel-efficient than other products, a strong, more robust package and use local parts and service support. The canopy is constructed from galvanised sheet metal with a powder coated finish to provide durability and withstand exposure to the elements. They are available in two variants – Open Frame and a Sound-Proof System. Power range is from 25 to 625kVA. This german brand is becoming popular in Kenya.
Other KEY Factors In Choosing a Generator Include:
- Manufacturer warranty
- Brand specialisation
- Industry specific customisations, such as mine spec hi vis tape, fire extinguisher or emergency stop button.
- Does the generator need to meet certain noise restrictions?
- Do you need a portable or permanently installed model?
- Fuel economy and performance
