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How Much Does a Used Diesel Generator Cost?
Used diesel generators typically cost $8,000 to $18,000 for 50-100 kVA units. Smaller sets run less; 150 kVA-plus units cost more.
A diesel generator's price scales almost directly with its power rating in kVA or kW, then adjusts for enclosure type, hours, and brand. Whether you need prime power on a remote site or standby backup for a facility, the right size is the first decision. The ranges below reflect inspected used sets from Caterpillar, Atlas Copco, and comparable industrial brands.
Price by type
| Type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 kVA | $4,000–$8,000 | Compact sets for small sites, shops, or light standby duty. |
| 50 kVA | $8,000–$13,000 | A popular mid-size rating for job sites and small facilities. |
| 100 kVA | $13,000–$18,000 | Serious prime or standby power for larger loads. |
| 150 kVA and up | $18,000+ | Large industrial sets quoted individually by rating and spec. |
What affects the price
Power rating (kVA/kW)
The single biggest driver. Price rises steadily with output, so right-sizing avoids overpaying.
Prime vs standby rating
A set rated for continuous prime power typically carries more value than a standby-only unit of the same size.
Enclosure and sound attenuation
Weatherproof, sound-attenuated enclosures add cost over an open skid but are often required on occupied sites.
Engine hours
Diesel gensets are built for long life. Lower hours raise price, but high-hour sets remain viable once verified.
Fuel tank and controls
Integral base tanks, auto-start controllers, and transfer-switch readiness all influence the final figure.
Bottom line
A 50 to 100 kVA used diesel set, the most common range we move, lands between roughly $8,000 and $18,000 depending on hours and enclosure. Size the unit to your real peak load with headroom, then weigh prime versus standby duty. Share your load and runtime needs and we will quote a matched set.
Shop diesel generatorsCost FAQs
What size generator do I need?
Total up the running watts of everything you power at once, add starting surge for motors, and convert to kVA. Most buyers add 20 to 25 percent headroom so the set never runs fully maxed out.
What is the difference between kVA and kW?
kW is real working power and kVA is apparent power. They relate through the power factor, typically around 0.8 for generators, so a 100 kVA set delivers roughly 80 kW.
Are used diesel generators reliable?
Industrial diesel gensets routinely run for decades. An inspected used set with a verified engine and controls is a dependable, cost-effective choice for both prime and standby duty.
Prices shown are item prices from PowerHouse Equipment; freight delivery is quoted to your ZIP at checkout.