Best Portable Generator: Which One’s Right for You?
Published: February 3, 2025
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Which Portable Generator Does Your Business Need?
If you’ve got a storm or an unexpected blackout, your business shouldn’t have to lose money. And if you’re working on a remote job site, you shouldn’t have to settle for less efficient tools. That’s where a portable generator comes in. Here’s a few tips on how to find the best generator for your needs (and why a Bobcat® portable generator might be worth your time).
Quick Buyer’s Guide to Portable Generators
To start, what are your priorities? What do you need the generator to do?
- Power Output: Think about what you’ll need to keep running. Are we looking at a backup generator for tools and HVAC systems? Or something more substantial like a power source for a long-term commercial job site?
- Portability: If you need to move the generator often (say, to and from a remote job site), you’ll probably need a lightweight generator design.
- Noise Levels: Quieter models are great if you’re in a residential area.
- Runtime: Consider how long you might need the generator to run between refueling.
- Durability: Where are you planning to use your generator? And will it last a long time if it’s used in that environment?
Why Should a Commercial Business Owner Buy a Generator?
Power outages make a big difference on the job. When the power goes out, you lose valuable face time with customers, and your profit goes down. But with a portable generator on hand, you won’t get slowed down by unexpected problems. If you own a business, you can use a portable generator to power lights, equipment, heating and cooling systems, registers, and alarms.
What Makes Bobcat Portable Generators Different?
1. Noise Levels
Bobcat portable generators are designed to be quiet, which makes it easy to use them for your business. Our smallest model, the PG25, maxes out at 62 dB, which is around the sound level of a normal conversation. If you own a larger business, our PG150 has a maximum sound level of 69 dB, which is closer to the sound of normal office background noise, or to the sound inside a car moving at 60 mph.
2. Runtime
With smart cooling systems and more usable fuel tank capacity, a commercial Bobcat generator will last a long time. At 75% load, the PG25 will run for 30 hours. At the same load, the PG150 will last 27 hours. Our highest runtime performers are the PG40 and the PG70, which can both run for 50 hours at 75% load.
3. Powerful Output
Bobcat generators deliver between 20 and 123 kW of power. That’s hard to match. Here’s a power breakdown of our most popular generators for commercial businesses:
Bobcat Portable Generator Model | Power Output at 480 volts (V) |
PG25 | 20 kW |
PG40 | 32 kW |
PG 50 | 40 kW |
PG70 | 56 kW |
PG100 | 80 kW |
PG125 | 100 kW |
PG150 | 123 kW |
4. Small, Lightweight Design
Bobcat generators weigh in between 3,060 and 6,990 lbs (depending on the model), so you can easily find a machine at the size and weight you’re looking for. Our smallest model, the PG25, is just 130.5 inches long, 76.6 inches tall, and 68.3 inches wide.
If You’re New to Portable Generators: The weight of a portable generator works just like any piece of equipment. The higher the weight, the more power you’ll see out of the machine. And the higher the weight, the more you’ll have to think about towing requirements. With a PG25, you could get away with hitching it to a half-ton truck. But with the PG125 or 150, you should find a larger vehicle to transport it.
5. Advanced, Easy-to-Use Controls
The LCD display control panel is very easy to use. It’s designed to help operation and troubleshooting, and it includes features like remote auto start/stop, telematics system integration, warnings and shutdown alerts, and a system fault log.
DEF Requirements on Portable Generators
All Bobcat portable generators run on diesel engines. If you have a portable generator that has a power output greater than 74 hp, you are required to use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). If you’re new to this conversation, you’ll hear DEF used a lot. DEF is required over 74 hp.
The PG25, PG40, and PG50 generators all meet EPA Tier 4 emissions standards. They also operate under 74 hp, so DEF is not required. The PG70, PG100, PG125, and PG150 generators all have a high-capacity DEF tank that matches your fuel supply. This means that the generator will run longer without needing a DEF refill.
Which Model is the Best Portable Generator for You?
PG25: small construction companies, food trucks, small outdoor events
PG40: small retail stores, small offices, mobile service providers (ex: mobile auto repair business)
PG50: medium-sized construction sites, small manufacturing businesses, churches, schools, large food trucks
PG70: medium-to-large construction sites, small factories or warehouses, disaster relief services, remote job sites (ex: oil and gas)
PG100: large retail or grocery stores, large outdoor events / festivals, large farms, light industrial businesses
PG125: large construction sites, small commercial buildings, large venues and arenas, emergency backup for medium-sized businesses (ex: grocery store or hotel)
PG150: large industrial operations, large construction companies, distribution centers, hospitals or large healthcare facilities, large event venues, emergency backup for data centers or server rooms
Pro Tips for Using a Portable Generator
Position It Safely: Always place your generator outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Never run it indoors or in an enclosed space.
Stock Up on Fuel: Have a refueling plan so you’re ready for extended outages.
Practice Setup: Don’t wait until the lights go out to figure out how your generator works. Test it beforehand so you’re prepared.
Ready to Shop?
Don’t wait for the next power outage. Come see which Bobcat model is the best portable generator for your business. Get started by reaching out to your Bobcat of Houston location today!