A Beginner’s Guide to Diesel Fuel and Its Uses
Welcome to the world of diesel fuel. If you're new to diesel, you're in the right place. Whether you're powering a remote site, securing your business against power outages, or simply curious about what makes diesel such a dependable energy source, this guide will answer your questions and highlight why diesel remains a powerhouse choice.
1. What Exactly Is Diesel Fuel?
Diesel is a liquid fuel derived from crude oil, heavier and denser than petrol. Unlike petrol, it ignites under high temperature and pressure rather than a spark, which powers compression-ignition engines like those in diesel generators. Because of its density, diesel delivers around 30% more energy per litre than petrol, making it highly efficient and allowing longer run times per drop.
2. The Diesel Engine Difference
At it's core, a diesel engine is simpler than a petrol engine as it has fewer parts, no spark plugs for example, yet engineered for robustness. The compression-ignition design ensures greater fuel economy and makes diesel engines highly durable, particularly for continuous or heavy-duty use.
3. Diesel in Generators
A diesel generator combines a diesel engine with an alternator to produce electricity.
- Smaller units (~8 kW) can power homes, farms, or offices.
- Large industrial units (2,500 kVA+) can support data centres, factories, or entire construction sites.
- This versatility is why diesel remains a trusted choice across industries worldwide.
4. Why Diesel Generators Stand Out
- Reliability when you need it.
- Hospitals, data centres, and industrial facilities trust diesel gensets as backup power when the grid fails.
- Fuel efficiency & load management.
- Modern generators feature auto-start and load management systems that maximise efficiency.
- Flexible applications.
- Diesel gensets serve in diverse roles, from prime power at remote mines or farms to standby power for urban infrastructure.
5. Sustainability & Global Advantages
Choosing used diesel generators isn’t just cost-effective, it’s sustainable. Extending the lifecycle of reliable equipment reduces waste and supports a circular economy. The UK and Europe are particularly strong in this area due to:
- High manufacturing standards.
- Strict maintenance practices.
- Access to trusted brands like Perkins, Cummins, Caterpillar, FG Wilson, and Volvo.
6. Choosing a Used Diesel Generator: What to Look For
At Generators for Export, we believe in transparent, informed purchases. Here’s what to check:
- Brand & Specification: Stick with trusted names like Perkins, Cummins, and Caterpillar.
- Usage & Maintenance History: Fewer run hours and proper servicing means longer life.
- Generator Type: Open, canopied, containerised, silent, trailer-mounted.
- Sizing Right: A generator must match your load. Undersized = failures. Oversized = inefficiency. Use our kVA calculator to make sure you get the right size generator.
- Shipping & Logistics: From our UK base in Pershore, we handle logistics to ports worldwide, Kenya, Vietnam, Egypt, and beyond.
7. Tips for Safe & Efficient Use
Diesel gensets are powerful, but proper care is essential:
- Correct Sizing & Load Handling: Ideal running is 60–75% load. Avoid prolonged use under 50%, which can damage the engine.
- Carbon Monoxide Safety: Never run portable units indoors. Ventilation is critical.
- Avoid Back feeding: Always isolate the grid before activating your generator to protect workers and equipment.
- Maintenance Essentials: Regular servicing (oil, air, and fuel filters), load-bank testing, and high-quality diesel fuel extend life and readiness.
Diesel fuel powers more than just your generator, it powers development, stability, and opportunity. At Generators for Export, our mission is to deliver dependable, cost-effective power solutions tailored to your needs:
- Quality used diesel generators from trusted brands.
- Stock ranging from 6 kVA to 2,000 kVA+ for every application.
- Expert guidance on sizing, generator types, and maintenance.
- Full-service export coordination, from order to delivery.
Whether you’re protecting your business from outages, running a remote site, or expanding critical infrastructure, we’re here to help you secure reliable power with confidence. Contact Generators for Export today.
Call: +44(0)1386 553344 | Email: sales@gfe.uk.com