Diesel Generators for Sale (New and Used)
Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, MAN, Perkins, Mitsubishi and more
USP&E Diesel Generator Inventory at a Glance
- Brands listed: Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, MAN, Perkins, Mitsubishi, SDMO, Volvo Penta, Deutz, John Deere, Stamford, Kohler, Bergen, Kipor
- Caterpillar models: 3508, 3512, 3516, 3608, 3616, C32, C175, 16CM32C
- Cummins models: KTA50, KTA38, QSK50, QSK60, C3000D6E
- MTU series: 2000 series, 4000 series, DS1000
- MAN models: 8L27/38, 9L28/32H
- Power range: 0.4 MW single sets to multi-unit diesel power plants
- Frequencies: 50 Hz and 60 Hz
- Configurations: Open set, enclosed, containerised, mobile trailer-mounted
- Condition: New, new surplus, used (low-hour)
- EPC delivery: 4 to 8 months from deposit for single units, 9 to 14 months from deposit for multi-unit power stations
- Compliance: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, OFAC and FCPA compliant
New diesel generators for sale have zero running hours, current emissions certification and the longest remaining service life. Used diesel generators cost less and can often ship sooner, but their value depends on running hours, overhaul history and documented condition. USP&E lists both, from 0.4 MW sets to multi-unit diesel power plants, at 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
Listings show the stock number, rating, hours, frequency, voltage and location and, where the asking price is published, the price, so you can shortlist before you ask for a quote. Behind the listings is an EPC and O&M contractor with 150+ power projects in 45+ countries and 25k MW over 24+ years.
Listed diesel generators include Caterpillar (3508, 3512, 3516, 3608, 3616, C32, C175, 16CM32C), Cummins (KTA50, KTA38, QSK50, QSK60, C3000D6E), MTU (2000 series, 4000 series, DS1000), MAN (8L27/38, 9L28/32H), Perkins (4006, 4016), Mitsubishi (S16R series), plus SDMO, Volvo Penta, Deutz, John Deere, Stamford, Kohler, Bergen and Kipor. Units come from OEMs, banks, IPPs and asset owners; ask for the documentation on any unit before you buy.
USP&E is not a pure equipment dealer. We are an EPC and O&M contractor for diesel power plants in frontier markets, with particular depth in rapid-mobilisation diesel power for mining, oil and gas, emergency response, grid stability and data centre back-up. Since 2002 we have delivered 150+ power projects in 45+ countries. Containerised packages deploy in 4 to 8 months from deposit. Airfreight available for urgent requirements. ISO 9001:2015 and 45001:2018 certified.
New vs Used Diesel Generators: Which Should You Buy?
The choice comes down to budget, lead time, duty cycle and how long you need the asset to run. Use this table as a first filter, then compare individual listings.
| New diesel generators | New surplus / unused | Used (second-hand) diesel generators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running hours | Zero | Zero or near zero, may have been stored | Stated on each listing |
| Price | Highest | Usually below new | Lowest per MW on average, but low-hour units can price close to new |
| Emissions certification | Current at build date | As built; check it against today’s rules | As built; may need after-treatment or a permit check |
| Warranty | Factory warranty terms vary by unit; confirm on the quote | Confirm what remains and whether it transfers | Usually none from the OEM; rely on inspection and test records |
| Best for | Long-life prime or continuous power, strict emissions sites | Buyers who want new-condition kit at a lower price | Standby, peaking, bridge power, tight budgets |
Buying second hand? Start with our guide to buying used diesel generators, and check the used diesel generator glossary for rating and condition terms.
How to Buy Diesel Generators: Buying Guide
Whether you buy new or used, the same six steps decide whether a diesel genset for sale will suit your site.
- Size the load. Work out the kW you need at site altitude and temperature. 1 MW is 1,250 kVA at a 0.8 power factor. Add margin for motor starting and future load.
- Pick the rating. Standby, prime and continuous ratings are not interchangeable. If the set will run for long hours, size it on the prime or continuous rating, not the standby figure.
- Match frequency and voltage. North America and parts of South America run at 60 Hz; Europe, Africa and most of Asia run at 50 Hz. Check the output voltage against your switchgear.
- Check emissions rules. In the USA, non-emergency stationary diesel engines generally need EPA Tier 4 Final certification, while emergency standby engines have lighter requirements. Other markets set their own limits. See our diesel generator emission standards guide.
- Choose the configuration. Open sets for engine halls, enclosed sets for outdoor sites, containerised packages for fast deployment, trailer-mounted units for mobile work.
- Verify condition and terms. Ask for the inspection report, hours and service records, then agree delivery terms, payment milestones and commissioning scope before you place a deposit.
Plan fuel as well as capital cost: our diesel generator fuel consumption chart shows typical burn by size and load. For used units, work through the inspection checklist below.
Diesel Generators by Manufacturer
USP&E lists diesel generators for sale from a wide range of OEMs. Caterpillar diesel generators are the largest segment, with listed models including 3512, 3516, 3608, 3616, C32, C175 and the 16CM32C heavy-frame industrial engine. Cummins diesel generators cover KTA50, KTA38, QSK50, QSK60 and C3000D6E from 1 MW upward.
MTU diesel generators span the 2000 series (1-2 MW class), 4000 series (2-3 MW class) and DS1000 packages. MAN diesel generators include 8L27/38 and 9L28/32H industrial sets. Perkins listings cover the 4006 and 4016 mid-megawatt class.
Mitsubishi S16R series rounds out the prime-power options. Industrial-class supplementary OEMs include SDMO, Volvo Penta, Deutz, John Deere, Bergen, Kohler and Stamford alternator-only sets.
Diesel Generators by Power Output
USP&E’s diesel generators for sale span the full power range:
- Under 1 MW (mobile, light industrial, standby): Cummins QST30-G5-NR1 (1 MW), Cummins KTA50-G3 (1.2 MW), Caterpillar 3512 variants (1 MW to 1.4 MW), MTU 16V2000 G865 (1 MW)
- 1 to 2 MW (small power station, mining, oil and gas): Caterpillar 3516 family (1.2 MW to 2 MW), Cummins KTA50-G15 (1.5 MW), Caterpillar 3516B-HD (2 MW), Mitsubishi S16R-Y1PTA-2 (1.7 MW), Perkins 4016 series
- 2 to 5 MW (mid-scale industrial, IPP): Cummins QSK60-G8 (2-2.1 MW), Caterpillar 3608 (2.5 MW), Caterpillar 3516C (2.5 MW), Caterpillar C175-16 (3 MW), Cummins C3000D6E (3 MW), Bergen B32 40L9ACD (4.3 MW)
- Multi-unit plants (utility-scale heavy-frame): Caterpillar 16CM32C heavy-frame units; for larger requirements from a single supplier, USP&E aggregates multiple units into complete multi-unit diesel power plants under EPC contract
Diesel Generators by Configuration
USP&E delivers diesel generators for sale in four standard configurations. Open sets offer the lowest capex and are suited to permanent indoor installation in dedicated engine halls.
Enclosed sets include weather-protective canopies with integrated silencing, ideal for outdoor installation without civil works.
Containerised packages integrate the genset, fuel day-tank, control panel, switchgear and ventilation into a standard ISO container — ready to ship, plug-and-play deployment in 4 to 8 months from deposit.
Trailer-mounted mobile units add road-transportable wheels for rapid redeployment between sites, especially valuable for mining, emergency response and oil and gas exploration. All configurations available in both 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
Diesel Generators by Frequency
USP&E lists diesel generators for sale in both 50 Hz and 60 Hz, plus selected dual-frequency 50/60 Hz switchable units (Caterpillar 3512 and 3516 variants). 50 Hz units serve Europe, Africa, Middle East, most of Asia and Oceania. 60 Hz units serve the Americas, Korea, parts of Japan and Saudi Arabia industrial. USP&E also offers frequency conversion engineering for buyers redeploying a unit to a different grid system.
Diesel Power Plant EPC and O&M Services
USP&E delivers complete turnkey diesel power plants under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. Single-unit installations typically deploy in 4 to 8 months from deposit; multi-unit power stations in 9 to 14 months from deposit.
Our in-house engineering teams handle site survey, FEED engineering, equipment procurement, frontier-market logistics including airfreight for urgent deployments, civil and mechanical installation, electrical and instrumentation, commissioning and grid synchronisation.
Beyond EPC, USP&E provides long-term operations and maintenance contracts for diesel power plants. Documented O&M results on existing client sites include 95% plant availability and significant cost reductions per engine through proactive maintenance regimes. ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified.
Used Diesel Generator Inspection Checklist
Buying a used diesel generator requires technical due diligence beyond just the price tag. Key inspection points include: engine running hours (well-maintained industrial diesel engines reach 30,000 to 60,000 hours before major overhaul, with Caterpillar 3500 and CM32 series capable of 80,000+ hours under proper care); last major overhaul date and scope; cylinder head and piston ring condition; turbocharger inspection records; fuel injection system condition; alternator winding insulation test results; cooling system condition; control panel and AVR functionality; emissions compliance (Tier 4, Stage V, IMO Tier III where relevant); and physical condition of the genset, canopy and base frame.
Ask for the available condition documentation with each Fast Quote, and arrange an inspection before you buy.
Diesel Power Plant Balance of Plant
A complete diesel power station requires balance-of-plant (BOP) infrastructure beyond the generator set itself. USP&E’s EPC scope includes diesel fuel storage tanks (sized for 7 to 30 days of operation), fuel polishing systems, lube oil storage and treatment, cooling systems (radiator-based or with cooling towers for larger plants), exhaust systems (silencers, SCR for NOx where required, stack monitoring), transformers (step-up to medium voltage), switchgear and synchronisation panels, civil works (foundations, engine hall or containerised footprint, fuel bund), fire detection and suppression, and plant control and SCADA. For containerised single-unit deployments, most BOP is integrated. For multi-unit stations, BOP typically adds 20-40% on top of the generator set cost.
USP&E Diesel Project Track Record
Mali: 100+ MW Mining Power Plant Recovery (2021 to present). USP&E recovered a critical-condition 100+ MW power plant for a major mining operation, taking over from a previous O&M contractor. The fleet of 15 Caterpillar CM32 reciprocating engines (8CM32, 12CM32 and 16CM32 variants) suffered severe limestone scale, turbocharger inefficiencies, contaminated fuel and lube oil, and corroded pistons. USP&E delivered 95% plant availability and 66% cost reduction per engine within the contract period. Read case study.
Mine Power Generation, South Africa. USP&E has delivered diesel power generation for mining operations across South Africa, including primary, standby and peaking duty configurations. Read case study.
Rapid-deployment diesel power across emergency response, oil and gas, and grid stability projects in 45+ countries since 2002.
Diesel vs HFO vs Natural Gas Generators
| Factor | Diesel | HFO | Natural Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital cost per MW | Lowest | Highest | Mid |
| Fuel cost per kWh | Mid | Lowest (residual fuel) | Lowest where pipeline gas available |
| Speed to deploy | Fastest (4-8 months) | Slowest (9-14 months) | 9-14 months |
| Engine speed | Medium-fast (1500-1800 rpm) | Slow (500-750 rpm) | Medium-fast (1000-1800 rpm) |
| Typical lifetime | 20-25 years | 25-30 years | 20-25 years |
| Emissions | Mid (better with Tier 4) | Highest | Lowest |
| Fuel infrastructure | Standard diesel tanks | Heated tanks, separators | Pipeline or LNG |
| Best application | Peaking, mobile, backup, fast deploy | Baseload, low fuel-cost markets | Where gas exists |
Diesel is the right choice when speed to power matters more than long-term fuel cost, when the duty cycle is intermittent (peaking, standby, backup), when the site is remote or mobile, or when low capital expenditure outweighs lifetime operating cost.
Diesel Generator FAQ
Should I buy a new or used diesel generator?
Buy new when you need zero hours, current emissions certification and the longest service life. Buy used when budget or lead time matters more. Used units are usually priced below new per MW, but low-hour used sets can cost almost as much as new.
Is it safe to buy a second-hand diesel generator?
Yes, if the unit is inspected and documented. Ask for running hours, the overhaul history, oil analysis, alternator insulation test results and a load test where possible. Ask USP&E for the available condition documentation with each Fast Quote, so you can compare units on evidence.
What should I check before I buy a diesel genset?
Confirm the power you need at site conditions, and whether you need a standby, prime or continuous rating. Match the frequency and voltage to your grid, then check the emissions certification your permit requires. Finally, choose the configuration (open, enclosed or containerised) and agree delivery terms before you place a deposit.
Which diesel generator brand is best?
No single brand is best for every project. Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, Perkins and Mitsubishi all build proven industrial diesel generators. The better test is the unit itself: rating, hours, maintenance records, parts support where you operate, and how quickly it can ship. USP&E lists all of these brands, so you can compare like for like.
Can I buy a diesel generator from USP&E for a project in the USA?
Yes. USP&E has North American offices and lists 60 Hz diesel generators located in North America, including 480 V and 4,160 V units. Check emissions rules before you buy: in the USA, non-emergency stationary diesel engines generally need EPA Tier 4 Final certification, while emergency standby engines have lighter requirements.
Where can I buy diesel generators for sale?
USP&E lists diesel generators for sale from 0.4 MW single sets to multi-unit diesel power plants. Brands available include Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, MAN, Perkins, Mitsubishi, SDMO, Volvo Penta, Deutz, John Deere, Bergen, Kohler and Kipor. Units come from OEMs, banks, IPPs and asset owners.
What diesel generator brands and models does USP&E sell?
USP&E lists Caterpillar (3508, 3512, 3516, 3608, 3616, C32, C175, 16CM32C), Cummins (KTA50, KTA38, QSK50, QSK60, C3000D6E), MTU (2000 series, 4000 series, DS1000), MAN (8L27/38, 9L28/32H), Perkins (4006, 4016), Mitsubishi S16R series, plus SDMO, Volvo Penta, Deutz, John Deere, Bergen, Stamford and Kohler. Listings change regularly.
What configurations are available: open set, enclosed, or containerised?
USP&E delivers diesel generators in four configurations. Open sets are the lowest-capex option, suited to indoor installation in dedicated engine halls. Enclosed sets include weather-protective canopies with integrated silencing for outdoor installation. Containerised packages integrate the genset, fuel day-tank, control panel and switchgear into a standard ISO container for plug-and-play deployment. Trailer-mounted mobile units add road-transportable wheels for rapid redeployment.
What is the smallest and largest diesel generator USP&E offers?
USP&E’s diesel generator listings range from 0.4 MW single sets to multi-unit diesel power plants. Mid-range mobile and containerised units typically span 1 MW to 3 MW. For larger requirements, USP&E aggregates multiple units into complete diesel power stations under one EPC contract.
Can diesel generators be converted between 50 Hz and 60 Hz?
Many of the Caterpillar 3512 and 3516 variants USP&E lists ship as dual-frequency 50/60 Hz switchable. For dedicated single-frequency units, conversion is possible by re-engineering the alternator winding configuration, modifying engine governing and verifying mechanical resonance. USP&E offers frequency conversion engineering for buyers redeploying a unit to a different grid system.
How fast can USP&E deliver and install a diesel power station?
USP&E delivers single-unit diesel installations in 4 to 8 months from deposit, and multi-unit power stations in 9 to 14 months from deposit. Containerised packages that are already built and available can deploy faster, with airfreight available for urgent requirements such as emergency response, post-disaster grid stability or fast-track mining startup. Lead time depends on site conditions, customs and logistics complexity.
Does USP&E offer EPC and O&M services for diesel power plants?
Yes. USP&E delivers complete EPC contracts for new and refurbished diesel power plants in single-unit and multi-unit configurations, with typical 4 to 14 month delivery from deposit. Beyond EPC, USP&E provides long-term operations and maintenance contracts. Documented O&M results on existing client sites include 95% plant availability and 66% cost reduction per engine. ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified.
Where does USP&E ship diesel generators?
USP&E ships diesel generators globally, with deep operational experience in frontier markets across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America. We have delivered 150+ power projects in 45+ countries since 2002. Our logistics teams handle freight, customs clearance, project cargo, airfreight for urgent requirements and inland transport including challenging final-mile logistics to remote mining, oil and gas, and grid-deficient sites.