Generators.

When power reliability is non-negotiable, an industrial generator keeps your operation running smoothly through any outage or remote challenge. From the rock-solid performance of an Atlas Copco generator to versatile industrial electric generator solutions, these powerhouses deliver consistent energy exactly when you need it. Whether you're after a dependable standby generator for critical backup power or a rugged portable generator for job site flexibility, the right unit transforms potential downtime into continuous productivity.

FAQs

Common questions answered.

Five of the questions we hear most often on carpark and street linemarking gear. Full knowledge base on our FAQ page.

  • How do I size a generator?

    Two numbers: continuous load (kVA the gear pulls during normal use) and surge load (start-up peak from motors and compressors). Surge can be 3-7x continuous on motor-load gear. Undersized trips on surge; oversized burns fuel inefficiently at low load. Spec BOTH. Example: 5 kW of lights (continuous) + 3 kW compressor (surge 9-21 kW briefly) = generator needs to handle the surge moment plus the continuous combined load.

  • Honda or Briggs Vanguard?

    Honda GH series (5000, 7000) is the AU contractor-grade standard - Honda OHV engine, reliability proven over decades, parts and service Australia-wide. Briggs Vanguard is the heavy-duty Briggs & Stratton line, equivalent reliability with broader engine HP options. Both are pull-start, AVR voltage-regulated. Pick by parts availability at your location and personal experience with each brand's service network.

  • Why pay for an inverter generator?

    Clean sine-wave power output - suitable for sensitive electronics (computers, control gear, medical, audio). Open-frame petrol generators produce square or modified-sine wave that damages or shortens the life of switch-mode power supplies common in electronics. Inverter generators (Briggs PowerSmart + QuietPower, Atlas Copco P-series) are also significantly quieter (50-60 dB vs 70-75 dB on open-frame) and more efficient at part-load.

  • Petrol or diesel?

    Petrol is cheaper at capex; diesel is cheaper at running cost per kWh on continuous load. Crossover point is typically 100-300 hours per year of continuous use - below that, petrol is cost-effective; above, diesel pays back. Diesel engine service life is ~10,000+ hours vs petrol ~3-5,000 hours. Match by expected annual use hours - mobile occasional trade work = petrol; fixed standby installation = diesel.

  • What's the difference between ATS-compatible and manual transfer?

    Auto Transfer Switch (ATS) automatically detects mains failure and switches the load from mains to the generator in 5-15 seconds, then back to mains when power returns. Right for unattended commercial standby (telecoms, medical, food processing) where someone may not be on-site when the outage happens. Manual transfer switch (MTS) requires an operator to throw the switch manually - lower cost, fine for attended sites where someone is always on hand.

Full guide

Industrial & Portable Generators

164 generators from Atlas Copco, Honda, Briggs & Stratton (Vanguard + PowerSmart + QuietPower) and Hyundai. Portable inverter generators for sensitive electronics, petrol portable generators for site power up to 7 kVA, diesel industrial generators for fixed installation and commercial standby use, and high-kVA standby diesel for 22+ kVA continuous operation.

kVA sizing - continuous AND surge. Every generator size decision needs two numbers: continuous load (kVA / kW the gear pulls during normal use) and surge load (start-up peak when motors and compressors kick in). Surge can be 3-7 times continuous on motor-load gear (compressors, welders, big saws, water pumps). Undersized generators trip on surge; oversized run inefficiently and burn fuel at low load. Spec BOTH numbers before quoting.

Petrol portable - Honda GH + Vanguard. Honda GH series (GH5000 6 kVA, GH7000 7 kVA) are the contractor-grade petrol portable standard - Honda OHV engine, reliability proven across decades, parts and service Australia-wide. Vanguard (Briggs & Stratton heavy-duty) covers the same range with the Vanguard 6.5 HP, 9 HP and larger engines. Both are pull-start, AVR voltage regulation, standard 240V outlets + auxiliary 32A on the bigger units. Suit construction, agriculture, mining, mobile trade work.

Inverter petrol - Briggs PowerSmart + QuietPower + Atlas Copco P. Inverter generators output clean sine-wave power suitable for sensitive electronics (computers, control gear, medical equipment, audio). Briggs PowerSmart (P2400 2.4 kVA, P3400 3.4 kVA, P4500 4.5 kVA) and QuietPower Q6500 (6.5 kVA) cover the AU range. Atlas Copco P2000i + P3500i are the commercial-tier inverter range. Quieter than open-frame petrol generators (typically 50-60 dB vs 70-75 dB), more efficient at part-load (engine RPM tracks load instead of fixed 3,000 RPM).

Diesel industrial - Hyundai DHY + commercial standby. Hyundai DHY industrial standby generators (DHY22KSE 22 kVA + larger) cover fixed-installation and commercial standby use. Diesel-engine drive, AVR voltage regulation, sound-attenuated canopy, fuel tank for 8-24 hour continuous operation, ATS-compatible (Auto Transfer Switch). Right pick for commercial site backup, telecoms standby, medical facility power, food processing continuity.

Petrol vs diesel - cost per kWh. Petrol generators are cheaper at capex; diesel is cheaper at running cost per kWh on continuous load. Crossover point is typically 100-300 hours per year of continuous use - below that, petrol is cost-effective; above, diesel pays back. Diesel also has longer engine service life (~10,000+ hours vs petrol ~3-5,000 hours) and better fuel efficiency at heavy load. Match by expected annual use hours.

Related categories

Not sure which one's right?

Tell us the carpark size, how often you'll use it, and whether you need battery or petrol. We'll come back with a shortlist and a trade quote within the day.

Chat with us Email us