Used reefer gensets, known as power packs, can offer refrigerated container operators both large and small an inexpensive way to expand their operation and increase refrigerated container throughput. Lower initial investment costs of used power packs also reduces financial barriers, allowing start-up operations the flexibility to gain entry into the reefer market.

Yet, buying anything used is risky. Knowing what to look for is key.

Understand your needs first.

Since the supply of preowned power packs may be limited, there’s a tendency to purchase the first one that comes along, usually the one that first appears to be in good condition. But it’s very important that the power pack you choose fits your needs correctly. A generator that is too large – having a kW rating that’s higher than your expected load – can be almost as bad as having one that’s too small for your needs. Our article on wet-stacking highlights this.

If your operation will need to power 20, 30, or 40+ reefer containers, then be sure your power pack is sized to meet at least 70% of that number consistently. In this way, you will not risk unexpected generator shut-down due to overloading and your connected load will be sufficient enough to avoid problems associated with wet-stacking.

Be realistic

Good or bad, used power packs will have a history to them. It’s fair to assume that before being replaced most power packs are typically used right up to the point of near failure; until the very last bit of productivity is squeezed from their essence.

What remains is a worn-out engine that’s unable to maintain horsepower, a generator with windings that are nearly torn from the stator and unable to produce electrical current safely, a rotten container that’s rusted through, broken and unusable receptacles, plus many other failings. With thousands of dollars in perishable cargo at stake, used machines are hardly something that can be purchased AS-IS and be expected to provide quality power generation. This is the risk.

Even if the used power pack that you are considering is not nearly as bad as the one pointed out in this example, it is safe to say that purchasing a used machine will offer limited life expectancy and require some sort of additional investment. Major failures can happen at any time creating huge and unexpected repair bills with potentially long power pack downtime – what’s that worth?

These costs are real and need to be figured into the overall operating expenses of purchasing and owning a used power pack with questionable history and limited records availability.

A better solution,
One that won’t leave you stranded like an old, worn-out power pack might.

Allow Power Pool Plus to provide the right used power pack for you. Our experienced team will identify the right generator package that’s properly sized to meet your requirements. Because finding one that’s sized correctly for your needs may not always be easy.

Through our comprehensive inspection process and in-depth operational evaluations, Power Pool Plus offers peace-of-mind on every used generator package purchased through us.

Here’s how we do it

Once a used generator passes our initial operational analysis, it goes through a process that we call re-qualification.
The engine and generator are the core components of any refrigerated container power pack. So our re-qualification process focuses on documented and historical failure facts based on each make and model genset. And with 30 years’ experience there is quite a bit of history to lean on.

Our intent is to extend the service life of a known low hour engine or generator set at a cost savings to our customers – often times as much as half the cost of purchasing new.

Understanding that the negative effects of fuels, oils, coolants, water, UV rays, age, and dry rot are the #1 enemies of power units, we go through an exhaustive process on any used machine that we evaluate. Key engine and generator parts are evaluated and replaced as necessary to ensure a product that is capable of handling the demands of typical power pack operations.

Other components like the shipping container enclosure, fuel tank, receptacle panels, and controls are reconditioned or replaced as needed.

The end result will allow your operation to be successful through owning a used reefer power pack with the assurances of professional inspection and re-qualification provided at a significantly reduced cost over a new machine.

While it’s difficult to eliminate all risk when purchasing used gear, our team reduces the chances of failure significantly and provides our customers with equipment that will offer productive output while maximizing your operation’s profitability for years to come. And isn’t that why you’re looking for a power pack in the first place?

Don’t take the risk on your own. Trust Power Pool Plus to deliver results and savings.

*Remember to properly maintain your equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure long operational life with minimal downtime.