Portable Generator Buyer Guide: The Best Contractor Generators

Job-sites need electric power when it’s not available from the electric utility. These generators run all day and supply power for multiple tradesmen to operate their tools reliably with utility quality power that doesn’t sag or surge.

 Features to Expect:

• OSHA compliance with GFCI receptacles
• Hour Meters for on-time maintenance
• Large fuel tanks for extended run times
• Rugged Engines with Low Oil Shutdown
• Heavy Duty Design

Most popular are the portable gasoline generators, but portable diesel generators provide heavy-duty power for long life and extended operation.

Portable Jobsite Generators for Contractors

Best Portable Generator for Large Jobsites

Generac GP Series – GP15000E and GP17500E – Rugged General Purpose Portable Generators

• GP17500E – 17500 running watts / 26350 starting watts
• GP15000E – 15000 running watts / 22500 starting watts
• GFCI Receptacles for OSHA Compliance
• Additional Grounding Lugs for external grounding rods
• 10 hour Run Time at 50 Percent Full Load
• Most Powerful Portable Available
• Electric Start

Best Portable Generator for 2 – 4 Tradesmen

Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 7000 Watt and 8000 Watt Bluetooth Portable Generators

• GFCI Protected Outlets
• 7000 Running Watts / 8750 Starting Watts
• 8,000 Running Watts / 10,000 Starting Watts
• 7 Hour Run Time at 50 percent Load
• Electric Start
• 8000 Watt with Bluetooth connects to smartphone app for fuel, power, maintenance, hours, service dealers, manuals, how-to, and video

Best Portable Generator for Small to Medium Jobsites

Generac XC Series 8000 Watt and 6500 Watt Portable Generators

• Easy Maintenance Access
• Heavy Duty 12-Gauge Steel X-Frame Protects Generator and Fuel Tank
• Full Panel GFCI Protection Ensures OSHA Compliance
• True Power Technology for Operation with Sensitive Electronics
• Steel Lifting Pocket for Cranes and Forklifts
• 6,500 Running Watts / 8125 Starting Watts - 14 Hour Run Time
• 8,000 Running Watts / 10,000 Starting Watts - 11 Hour Run Time

Westinghouse wPro8500 Electric Start Portable Generator

• Remote or Push-button Electric Start (Fob included)
• OSHA Compliance full GFCI Panel
• Lift Hook + Heavy Duty Wheels
• <5% Total Harmonic Distortion
• Smart Idle for fuel-efficient No-Load Idling
• EPA & CARB Compliant for use in all 50 states.
• 1-Year Commercial Warranty

Best Portable Diesel Generators

Generac XD5000 Diesel Portable Generators

• Generac 6864 20-Amp 120V GFCI (4), 30-Amp 120-Volt, 30-Amp 120/240-Volt
• Electric Start
• EPA and Carb Compliant
• 12-Gallon Fuel Tanks for 32-34 Run Time
• Low Oil Protection

Small Diesel Generators for Remote Jobs or Portable Power

Kubota 14kW GL14000 - 11kW GL11000 - 7kW GL7000 Diesel Portable Generators

• Vertical Diesel Engines Direct Coupled to Alternator and Cooling Fan
• Forklift loading / unloading
• Large capacity fuel tank for all day operation
• Easy one-side maintenance
• Receptacles
  • 120-Volt 20-Amp Duplex
  • 120-Volt 30-Amp Twist Lock (GL7000 & GL11000)
  • 120/240-Volt 30-Amp Twist Lock (GL7000 & GL11000)
  • 120/240-Volt 50-Amp Locking (GL11000 & GL14000)
• 2-Year Warranty

Kubota Lowboy II Portable Diesel Generator Features

Updated January 17, 2019