Diesel generator sales are up 400% in Australia. This is mainly due to a fear of blackouts that have increased in occurrence.

Small diesel generators are able to be portable allowing you to take them to where the need is. If you are looking for a diesel generator, you can get overwhelmed by the number of options available to you.

When looking for a portable generator, consider both the performance and portability. We are going to help you narrow down the search by reviewing the best portable diesel generators.

Do You Need a Portable Generator?

When you experience a blackout, a generator will continue to run important appliances and equipment. This could be a refrigerator or that new dishwasher you just installed.

A portable generator is useful for commercial and industrial applications. They work well when you only need backup power occasionally or for a few appliances.

If you are not ready to invest in a standby generator then a portable option is a wise choice. You will also need to be alright with it operating near your home or job site.

Standby vs. Portable Diesel Generator?

A standby generator is one that gets installed permanently. You hook up the generator directly into the main electrical system.

You will find that a lot of them, like the Cummins generators, have automation features. These generators are usually more expensive and installed in hospitals or large corporations.

Portable generators work well in industrial, residential, and recreation situations. They are not installed permanently in the system.

They come in smaller capacities. They also have a lower price point than permanent industrial generators.

Comparing Small Diesel Generators

Not all diesel generators are the same or reliable. We’ve picked the best portable diesel generators to review.

Durostar DS7000Q

The DuroStar portable diesel generator comes from a company known for delivering reliable generators. You’ll have two 120 volt outlets which will work for most household appliances.

There are also two twist-lock outlets for high powered tools. One is 120 volt three prong outlet. The other is a 120/240 volt outlet with 4 prongs.

Pros

This generator will deliver a ton of power at the push of a button on a remote. The remote and the electric start making it a breeze to use.

It’s noise reduction measures make it more pleasant to run. The vibration-isolation between the engine and base frame help to keep the noise down.

It has a long run time of 12 hours with a half load. Plus you have a large 3.83-gallon tank. Periodically check your fuel with the convenient fuel gauge so you never run out of fuel.

This machine is heavy at 300 pounds, but moving it is easy with the wheel kit. Four caster wheels attach to the bottom for you to wheel the generator around.

Cons

This model is expensive. It could also come with a better warranty. You’ll get a 30-day replacement and 1 year for parts.

Gilette GEN-PRO GPED-65EK

The Gilette diesel portable generator is quite large at 48 x 48 x 48 inches. It is also very portable at a light 200 pounds.

This air-cooled direct-injection engine has a 4-gallon tank. This gives you enough power to run the generator for 10 hours at half load.

Your peak watts max out at 6,500 and running watts come in at 5,000. There is a fuel gauge to help you track supply so you don’t run out of fuel.

Pros

There is a sturdy steel frame with handles that make it easy to maneuver. There is also a wheel kit available for purchase to make transport even easier.

You will get a great warranty with this generator. There is a 3-year warranty on the engine, 2 years on the parts, and 1 year for labor.

Cons

Other portable generators come with the wheels. This one makes you buy them separately.

You also don’t get a remote start, which comes with other generators. It’s also quite large in size even though it is light in weight.

Pulsar PG7000D

The Pulsar is a cheap and decent generator but might be a riskier buy. If you are on a budget, this is the best diesel generator.

It has a 10 horsepower single cylinder 4 stroke engine. It has a peak of 7,000 watts and runs at 5,500 watts.

You will have a total of 5 outlets to use. Two of them are 120 volts and one is 120/240 volts.

You will also have one 120 volt outlet with a twist lock. The fifth outlet is a 12-volt 8.3AMP outlet.

Pros

This is one of the most affordable models on the market. It has a decent run time of 9.5 hours at half load with a 4-gallon tank.

Pulsar took extra care to make sure the noise level is quiet. It has strategically placed insulation around the housing.

Cons

This generator has a reputation for having issues. It may not last as long as the other generators on this list.

It is also on the heavier side at over 350 pounds. This gets alleviated by the wheels, but there are no handles for maneuvering.

Portable Diesel Generators in Review

Buying a portable generator allows you to take the power with you. This gives you more freedom of use than a standby generator that gets connected into a building’s electrical system.

Small diesel generators are not always reliable, so choose your generator carefully. Also, check the warranty so you know you have support if it does fail.

The DuroStar offers a ton of power and is easy to maneuver. However, it is more expensive and doesn’t have the best warranty.

The Gilette is the lightest machine but doesn’t come with wheels. It has one of the best warranties available.

The Pulsar is the generator for those on a tight budget. It does have a decent runtime and it’s quiet. It is not known for being the most durable or dependable though.

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