When it comes to choosing the right generator, one of the crucial decisions you’ll come across is selecting between a petrol or diesel engine.

Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each engine type, and what’s the right fit for your specific needs. 

Petrol Or Diesel: What’s Right For Me?

It all depends on what your needs are and what you will be using the generator for.

Diesel generators are ideal for heavy-duty requirements and situations where consistent, reliable power is essential. They’re well-suited to prime and standby applications on construction, mining, industrial and agricultural sites, particularly when grid access is unreliable or unavailable.

Diesel engines are also renowned for their longevity and durability, providing reliable power for years with proper maintenance.

Petrol generators, on the other hand, are ideal for lightweight, recreational and small trade applications like camping or caravanning. Typically, petrol generators emit less noise pollution and are more suitable to run for temporary, intermittent periods or for low load power requirements.

4 Advantages Of Diesel Generators

1. Highly Fuel Efficient

One of the biggest advantages of diesel generators is their fuel efficiency. They use compression heat rather than spark ignition to burn fuel, allowing for 50% greater fuel efficiency than a petrol generator running at the same capacity. This makes diesel generators a more cost effective and fuel-efficient option, especially for continuous and heavy-duty use.

For example, a 120kW diesel generator has a fuel efficiency between 10.9 and 32.1 litres per hour depending on the load, which is considerably better than a petrol generator.

2. Longer Lifespan

Diesel generators don’t need to work as hard to produce power, meaning they operate at significantly lower temperatures than their petrol counterparts. This means far less wear and tear to the engine, especially with continuous, heavy-duty use.

3. Diesel Is Less Flammable

Diesel is known for its stability, meaning it is much safer to store and transport than petrol. While diesel is still flammable, it is much less likely to ignite if spilt. It also has a longer shelf life than gasoline.

4. Ideal For Long-Term, Heavy-Duty Use

Diesel generators don’t burn as much fuel to produce power and have a higher compression rate. When use is consistent, they can reduce operating costs and your bottom line, making them a cost-effective option for those in demanding agricultural, construction and mining industries.

Diesel is also self-lubricating, meaning the fuel delivery system will last longer than petrol when use is consistent. 

4 Advantages Of Petrol Generators

1. Quiet Operation

Petrol generators operate at a lower decibel level than diesel generators. This makes them the preferable choice for use in residential areas, campgrounds or other locations where noise pollution is a concern.

2. Petrol Is More Affordable

Petrol is generally more affordable at the pump than diesel, meaning it will cost less to fill the tank of your generator.

So, while diesel generators are more fuel efficient, you’re less likely to notice fuel savings if you’re only using the generator intermittently or for low-load applications.

3. Smaller & More Portable

Petrol generators are typically more compact, lightweight and easier to transport than diesel generators. This makes them well-suited to users who require a power source that’s easy to set-up and move around a campground, home or trade site.

4. Great For Short Term, Intermittent Use

Petrol generators have lower upfront costs and the fuel itself is usually less expensive. So, if you only intend to use your generator for the odd job around the home or a monthly weekend away, a petrol generator is the more practical, cost-effective option.

Get The Right Advice. Contact Us Today.

Still unsure if a petrol or diesel generator is right for you?

With years of experience, you can rely on Blue Diamond Machinery to provide the right advice and a generator to meet your unique requirements.

For more information on the best model to suit your power requirements, contact us today or speak to one of our expert team on 1300 998 647.