14 ENGINE ROOM SPRING EDITION FIVE STEPS TO INVESTING IN A DIESEL GENERATOR TOENSURE RELIABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY. 1. Calculate the true total-cost-of-ownership when purchasing.  Analyse load requirements and the inherent costs and consequences of a potential failure. Cheaper costs now may result in higher costs in the future. As a tailored engineered solution, Cat® gensets boast readily available components, local service and extended warranty. 2. Check quality control processes as they may not be transparent on cheaper imports.  Cheap generating sets are exactly that. With little in the way of genuine supporting documentation or quality control, they often don’t meet Australian standards. Business depends on reliability. 3. Ask for documents that verify the origin of generator parts.  Canopy or sound-attenuated enclosures are highly visible and warrant solid pre-purchase inspection – a good manufacturer will supply verification of component origin immediately upon request. 4. Never skimp on control systems, circuit breakers and electronics.  No matter the type of genset, it’s imperative that all electronics are first-class to guarantee safety. Ensure the package is built to accredited Australian regulations and an as-built electrical schematic is provided. 5. Ensure all pre-delivery inspections and documentation comply with Australian standards.  These certifications verify that the genset was fully load-trialled and documented at time of manufacture. Also, request English operation and maintenance manuals and ensure you have an Australian point of return for technical support and warranty. With a proven lowest total-cost-of-ownership and highest return on investment, EPSA’s exclusive Cat® product line is easy to choose, purchase, install and operate. Customers can exactly match a Cat® diesel generator from 7.5kW to 17,460kW to their application and experience world-class fuel efficiency, up to 40,000 hours between major overhauls, wide range of factory-designed options, low life-cycle costs, excellent transient response and steady state performance, single source for complete power solutions. Generator failure could cost businesses in lost production, wages, spoiled produce and over-run deadlines, but Electric Power Retail Sales Manager Jason Martin reveals the five most important factors when considering a genset purchase.