If you’re a contractor, then we’re sure you’ll agree with us when we say that, besides making sure that you’re able to comfortably transport all of your power tools and construction equipment - it’s also highly important to make sure that you have enough power to run them all!
If you don’t make sure that you’re equipped with the necessary power to be able to run all of your equipment, not only will you have wasted money on a generator that isn’t fit for the construction site, but you’ll also be unable to complete all of your necessary job-related tasks.
Luckily for you, though, we’re here to lend a helping hand.
If you’re currently in the market for a generator that will be suitable for construction and industrial-related work, below you will find a review of the top generators currently on the market.
Towards the end, you will also discover a helpful buying guide to ensure you make the right choice. So, ready to discover your new construction generator? Just read on!
OUR TOP PICK
Kicking things off, we have selected the Westinghouse Outdoor Dual Fuel Generator, which is an awesome all-around generator that will be able to easily run all of your power appliances at the construction site - at the same time!
Featuring plenty of power, this dual power generator can support a maximum of 9500 watts, and the best part?
Thanks to its dual design, it means that you can choose between two different types of fuel - gasoline, and propane.
This means that you’ll have complete control over how much power you want to exert and opt for the most appropriate fuel.
Besides offering affordable running costs and plenty of versatility, the Westinghouse Outdoor Dual Power Fuel Generator also comes with plenty of conveniences and features an intuitive, user-friendly control panel that will make running this generator a complete walk-in the park.
The control panel buttons even feature rubber coatings for your safety!
On top of all that, another awesome feature about the Westinghouse Outdoor Dual Power Fuel Generator is that it features a smart, innovative “Plug and Play” design that will allow you to get it up and running in a matter of moments.
We also really love that its design comes with built-in wheels for easy transportation.
As for the engine, you’ll be able to make use of a 4-stroke OHV engineer with a cast iron sleeve, so you know you can put your faith in this generator to be able to handle even the most demanding of construction jobs with ease.
All in all? It’s a great choice for construction workers looking for a reliable generator able to withstand multiple power appliances at once.
Pros
- Durable design
- Wheels for convenience
- Dual-fuel option
- 9,500 wattage capacity
Cons
- Expensive
EDITORS CHOICE
Next up on our list, we have selected the DuroMax Portable Gas-Powered Generator, which is a great choice for those looking for a powerful generator that can offer plenty of versatility.
The DuroMax Portable Gas-Powered Generator is all you need to keep all of your most important power tools and appliances running while you’re at the job site.
It comes complete with a powerful DuroMax engine that consists of 439cc OHV and has a maximum watt capacity of 8,000.
For ease-of-use while traveling to and from your construction sites, as well as while you’re actually on the job, the DuroMax Portable Gas-Powered Generator comes with built-in wheels that will make moving it around as easy as can be and features a useful handle that will allow you to move it around with just one hand.
On top of all that, the DuroMax Portable Gas-Powered Generator also comes with the option of running it on either 120V power or 240V power, which we really like as it means that you will have the ability to choose how much power you use, which will help you to save gasoline and not waste it.
Alongside all of those great features, it’s also worth noting that the DuroMax Portable Gas-powered Generator is also CARB approved in all 50 states, which means that wherever your construction work takes you, you’ll be able to bring along this generator and use it wherever you go!
Pros
- A dual-voltage design which is very cost-effective
- Gasoline-powered for longer usage
- Plenty of power
Cons
- Bulky
BEST VALUE
On a budget? No problem. If you’re currently on the hunt for a construction-friendly generator that will allow you to keep all of your appliances running that won’t break the bank, we recommend checking out the Champion Power 7500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator.
Blending premium features with a more affordable price point than other types of generators currently available on the market, the Champion Power 7500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is powerful enough to handle the demands of construction work with ease.
Why? Well, for starters, it features a tough, durable design that will be able to withstand an industrial environment and even comes with the additional benefit of wheels for simple and non-strenuous transportation.
Not only that, but to ensure that you’re able to get this generator up and running in a matter of moments, the Champion Power Dual Fuel Portable Generator even comes with a quick electric start, which will allow you to get its 439cc Champion engine up, running and ready to go in seconds.
Plus, just like the name suggests, another great feature about this generator is that it comes complete with a dual-fuel option, which means that you will be able to decide between using either gasoline or propane.
It’s an awesome choice for those who want to get their hands on a construction-friendly generator that’s going to be able to offer them the best value for their money!
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Dual-fuel option
- Powerful engine and great wattage capacity
Cons
- Limited warranty
RUNNER UP
Currently in the market for a generator that will be able to handle general wear and tear without impacting its performance?
We think that you’ll love the Pulsar Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator.
There’s a lot to love about this awesome generator.
Offering plenty of power, this generator from Pulsar features a maximum running watt capacity of 9,500, which means that you’ll be able to run a variety of power tools at once without any issues at all.
For durability, this generator from Pulsar features an impressive 457cc, single-cylinder OHV engine with an electric start that will offer you plenty of conveniences, while its durable, powder-coated frame will be able to withstand wear, tear, and the occasional knock without a hitch.
Plus, to ensure that you’re able to easily travel to and from the worksite, this innovative generator comes with drop-down handles that can be tucked in when not in use, as well as clever “never flat” tires that will make transportation a breeze.
On top of all that, we also really like how this generator has a generous, 8-gallon fuel tank size that will allow for up to12 hours of continuous operation when powered on gasoline.
Impressive or what? That’s enough to see you through a full day’s work and then some.
Pros
- Durable, ideal for outdoor work
- Wheels for easy transportation
- Electric start for convenience
Cons
- Heavy
RUNNER UP
Last but not least, we have selected the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Generator, which is a great choice for those who are looking for a generator that will run quietly.
Designed with QuietPower Series Inverter Technology, this generator will offer you a 60% quieter performance than other types of generators, which makes it a great choice for those looking for a less hectic work environment, or even for those who want to use their generator for their home/RV alongside construction work.
Boasting a suitcase design with a telescoping handle, this generator will make traveling to and from the construction site a breeze, while its maximum 6500-watt capacity will ensure that all your power tools are kept running.
We also really like the fact that this generator comes with a carbon monoxide detector and will automatically switch itself off if levels are too high.
Plus, thanks to its extremely efficient 306cc motor, you will be able to enjoy a runtime of around 14 hours!
All in all, this generator is a fantastic choice for use on the construction site, in an RV, or even as a backup source of power for the home.
Pros
- Versatile
- Quiet
- Powerful engine/watt capacity
Cons
- Expensive price point
Best Generators (Inc. Portable) For Construction Buying Guide
So, now that you’ve read through our top picks above, we’re now going to be talking through all of the most important factors that you should consider when purchasing a generator.
Let’s take a look at them below:
Wattage
First things first, one of the most important considerations that you should make when deciding which generator you’ll need for construction is the wattage.
Considering the fact that you’re going to be using your generator primarily for work on the construction site, it’s important to make sure that you opt to use a generator that’s going to be able to provide you with plenty of power to meet all of your needs.
The last thing that you’ll want to happen is to overburden your generator with too many power tool appliances, only to discover that your generator burns out because it has been maxed out!
What Do You Need It For?
The next thing you should take into account is what you need your generator for! Seeing as you’re reading this article, chances are that you’re on the lookout for a generator that’s going to be suitable for work on your construction site.
However, do plan on using your generator for something else, too?
If you are, it’s important that you are taking the time to take this into consideration, so that you can make sure that the generator that you end up opting for is going to be able to meet all of the needs that you have for it.
Your Budget
The next thing that you should take into consideration when choosing a generator is considering what your budget is. In order to make your shopping process as streamlined and simple as can be, we recommend that you take the time to set out a clear budget prior to shopping around for options.
Not only that but besides making it a whole lot easier to shortlist your favorites, taking the time to set out a clear budget prior to shopping will help to make sure that you are making a wiser spending decision, too!
Portability
While you don’t necessarily need to purchase a portable generator in order to use it for construction or industrial purposes, you will no doubt discover that opting for a generator that at least comes with a few portability features will make your experience of using it far more enjoyable.
On top of that, portable generators are usually optimized in order to be very easy to transport and carry, with the majority of them coming with wheels or a convenient carry handle - which will make it easier for you to get to and from the construction site, especially if you have a variety of power tools to carry, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Generator Do I Need For The Construction Site?
While deciding what type of generator you’ll need for the construction site, it’s worth noting that your ultimate decision will mainly depend on how many power tools are going to be used, as well as how much power they require to be run.
For this reason, in order to make sure that you’re going to have enough power for all of your construction jobs and then some, we recommend that you opt for a generator with a little bit more wattage power than you need, just so you’ll always have the peace of mind that your generator will be able to accommodate your power tools.
To give you an idea of how much power you’ll likely need for your construction work projects, we recommend opting for a generator that is at least 6000 watts of power or higher, as this will make sure that all of your power tools and additional appliances will be able to be used at the same time without any fear of your generator being unable to handle the demands.
Are Portable Generators Reliable?
If you’re currently on the search for a generator that will be able to offer you plenty of conveniences when it comes to transportation, you might currently be wondering about whether or not portable generators are as good as standard, regular generator models.
Now, while there’s no denying that there’s plenty of option on the market (and not all of it is good) the great news is that, for the most part, portable generators offer a performance that is no different to stationary generators, which is something that is important to keep in mind if you need to travel a lot for your job.
How Do I Pick The Right Size Generator?
As we have already touched upon at various points throughout this guide, when it comes to choosing the right size generator, it’s important to take into account what it is that you plan on using your generator for.
So, seeing as you’re more than likely going to be using your generator for use at the construction sites you work at, it means that you’re going to need to make sure that the generator you end up purchasing is going to be able to easily run all of the power tools and other appliances that you need without becoming overburdened.
For this reason, in order to make sure that you’re opting for the right size generator, you’re going to need to make an estimate of the wattage power you’ll need.
Once you have done that, we then recommend that you purchase a generator that is around 20% higher than your wattage estimate, as this will help to guarantee that you’ll always be able to run all of your power tools and appliances without running into any capacity problems.
Will A 6000-Watt Generator Be Enough For Construction Work?
When it comes to selecting a generator fit for construction work, it is generally considered that a generator around 6000 watts in capacity will be enough to handle the demands of all of the different power tools and other construction appliances.
However, while this might be the case, it’s also important to keep in mind that the best way to determine how much power you’ll need your generator to offer is to take into account all of the power tools you plan to use, and then creating a wattage estimate from there
Jeremiah Pike
I'm an environment and energy blogger who teaches outdoor and energy enthusiasts how to be better informed when it comes to purchasing or maintaining a generator, solar panel system, or anything else related to your energy needs.