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Petrol generators and diesel generators are the most common generator types available these days, but which fuel is best? Here we'll be looking at the pros and cons of petrol generators as well as diesel choices to help you decide on the right fuel and generator type for your needs.Petrol Generators
These generators use an extremely accessible fuel source which you can buy at any petrol station (of course!). If you already use these generators you'll know that this is a simple fact but one which should not be overlooked. The convenience of using these types of generators should not be underestimated.These generators also use a high quality fuel which performs well and very reliably, unfortunately it's quality makes it a little pricey. Most of us are already aware of the rising petrol prices these days.
There are a few other disadvantages to petrol generators too. Petrol is highly flammable which makes it dangerous if you intend to stockpile it for future use (it also has a short 12 month shelf-life so you'll need to watch out for that too). It is not the most efficient of fuels either. These generators perform well, but do gulp down a lot of fuel.Diesel Generators
Unlike petrol generators, diesel generators use a relatively non-flammable fuel, making it safer to store. Diesel is just as easy to get hold as fuel for petrol generators but it also has a slightly longer shelf-life (18-24 months).Diesel generators have notoriously long lives. 20,000 hour lives are relatively normal for liquid-cooled 1800 RPM engines. They are steady and reliable, taking long periods of use very well. They are also cheaper to run than the generators discussed above as diesel is less expensive than petrol.On the downside, diesel generators tend to be much noisier, heavier, less portable, higher maintenance and the initial cost of the equipment itself can be more expensive than purchasing petrol generators.So Which is Best?Realistically, the answer is that it depends. There are pros and cons to both generators, the best fuel for you really depends on what you will be using your generator for and when and where you intend to use it. Petrol generators are much more convenient if you're looking for portability and performance, whilst diesel is better if you're looking for rugged, sturdy drive.Diesel has the edge in terms of price and shelf-life but this is reasonably marginal as prices fluctuate and the shelf-life difference only has a few months in it. It really just depends on the kind of generator you want to run.If your concern is environmental, neither generators are particularly good! Diesel emits NOx, CO2 and soot whilst petrol gives out HC and CO smog. Their production processes vary slightly, petrol takes more energy to produce, but really, in the end, it is a case of a rock and a hard place - you may want to check out propane gas if the environment is your area of concern!
