A generator is crucial for keeping your farm running smoothly. It provides more than just backup power—it supports essential operations that keep your agricultural business on track. Here’s why having a generator is important:
- Reduces dependence on the grid, saving energy costs and minimising downtime.
- Keeps critical equipment like pumps, fans, and lighting working continuously, especially during busy periods.
- Maintains stable temperatures in storage units, protecting perishables like crops and milk.
- Prevents delays during crucial times like planting and harvest.
- Allows you to control your farm’s energy needs, even in remote or off-grid locations.
Power failures can happen without warning. Without a generator, even a short outage can result in spoiled goods, wasted labour, or lost productivity. For farms with livestock, this can affect ventilation, feeding systems, and refrigeration.
For arable farms, it can disrupt irrigation, planting, or harvesting. Having reliable power ensures everything continues to run without interruption.
What Size Generator Do You Need for Your Farm?
The right generator size depends on how much power you need. Start by listing all equipment you want to run during an outage. Look at each item’s wattage and total the combined load. Include lighting, refrigeration, ventilation, irrigation systems, and any automated systems you rely on.
Here’s a rough guide based on average UK farm sizes:
- Small farms (5–15 kW): Ideal for running essential items like lighting, small pumps, and basic machinery.
- Medium farms (15–50 kW): Suitable for irrigation systems, grain dryers, and moderate equipment.
- Large farms (50+ kW): Required for heavy machinery, large-scale cooling or storage, and multiple systems running at once.
Keep in mind that starting wattage can be much higher than running wattage. Generators should be sized to handle both. Undersizing can damage equipment and overloading can cause the generator to shut down. If you’re unsure, speak to a professional for a full load assessment.
What Is the Best Type of Generator for a Farm?
Diesel generators are the most common choice for UK farms. They’re known for their durability, long runtime, and cost-effective operation. They can run for hours without needing refuelling, which is essential during long periods of use.
Advantages of diesel generators:
- Longer engine life: Built for continuous use.
- Better fuel economy: Diesel is more efficient than petrol.
- Fuel storage: Diesel is safer to store and has a longer shelf life.
Some farms use dual-fuel generators that can run on diesel and natural gas. These give you more flexibility, especially if you’re looking to lower emissions.
Petrol generators are usually cheaper but are better suited for short-term or light use. They aren’t ideal for powering large systems or running continuously.
Can You Use a Natural Gas Generator in a Remote Location?
You can, but there are limitations. Natural gas generators need a steady fuel supply, usually from a mains gas line. That’s not always an option in rural or off-grid areas. If you have access to a gas line, natural gas can be a cleaner and cheaper fuel option in the long term.
In remote areas, diesel generators are more practical. You can store diesel in bulk, making it easier to manage fuel on-site. It also avoids delays caused by delivery problems or supply interruptions.
Some farms opt for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) generators, which offer cleaner fuel and are easier to transport than natural gas. But they still require regular supply management.
How Often Should You Service a Farm Generator?
Generators need regular maintenance to keep them reliable. If your generator is only used as backup, aim to service it every 6 to 12 months. If it’s used daily or as a primary power source, consider quarterly or even monthly servicing.
Basic maintenance tasks include:
- Checking and changing oil and filters
- Inspecting belts, hoses, and coolant levels
- Testing the battery and electrical systems
- Cleaning fuel injectors and air filters
- Running load tests
Skipping maintenance increases the risk of breakdowns when you need power most.
Can You Power an Irrigation System with a Generator?
Yes, most irrigation systems can be run by a generator. But you need to size the generator correctly. Irrigation pumps, especially high-capacity or multi-zone systems, draw a lot of power.
Diesel generators are often the best match. They can run for long hours and handle heavy loads. If you rely on irrigation during dry periods, your generator must be capable of running continuously without overheating or running out of fuel.
Check the wattage of your pumps and sprinkler systems. Include startup surges in your calculations. Also consider whether you’ll run the irrigation alongside other systems, like lighting or ventilation.
How Fuel-Efficient Are Agricultural Generators?
Fuel efficiency depends on the generator type, size, and load. Diesel generators are among the most fuel-efficient options available for farms. They can run for 8 to 12 hours on a single tank under moderate load.
Modern models come with features that reduce fuel waste, such as variable engine speeds or automated shutoffs. Some also include remote monitoring, so you can track usage and fuel levels without being on-site.
While petrol models have lower upfront costs, they burn fuel quicker and require more frequent refuelling. Over time, diesel becomes more cost-effective.
Do You Need Professional Installation and Servicing?
Yes. Installing a backup generator involves more than placing it on your farm and starting it up. It needs to be wired into your existing systems safely and in line with UK electrical standards. A professional installer ensures compliance and safe operation.
Installation steps include:
- Assessing your load needs and environment
- Selecting the right generator and fuel storage solution
- Setting up weatherproof housing and soundproofing if needed
- Connecting the portable generator to your main switchboard
- Testing and commissioning
Servicing is just as important. Without it, parts wear down, fuel systems clog, and the backup generator becomes unreliable. Look for a company that offers both installation and long-term support. It saves money and stress in the long run.
How Long Can a Generator Run on a Farm?
Most agriculture diesel generators can run for 8 to 24 hours non-stop, depending on fuel tank size, load, and environmental conditions. Some high-capacity units with extended tanks or external fuel sources can run for several days.
It’s essential to factor in fuel delivery or refuelling logistics if you expect long-term use. Avoid running a diesel generator until it runs out of fuel—this can damage the system.
If you need constant power over several days, consider:
- Using multiple generators to alternate usage
- Adding external fuel tanks
- Installing fuel monitoring systems
Can You Power Sensitive Equipment with a Generator?
Yes, but only if the generator is designed for it. Sensitive electronics like computers, sensors, or automation tools require stable voltage.
Look for generators with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR). AVR ensures consistent voltage output, reducing the risk of surges or drops that can damage equipment.
For extra protection, especially for IT systems, use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This gives you a buffer during generator startup and protects against minor outages.
Many agricultural/farm generators now come with built-in AVR and offer clean power suitable for delicate systems.
Why Work with PowerTech Generators Ltd?
PowerTech Generators Ltd supplies, installs, and maintains generators for agriculture purposes across the UK. We help you choose the right generator for your needs, taking into account your location, fuel access, and equipment load.
We offer:
- Professional installation that meets UK standards
- Routine and emergency servicing plans
- Support for diesel, LPG, and dual-fuel systems
- Advice on powering irrigation, storage, and sensitive equipment
We understand the demands of farming and offer practical solutions that keep your operations running without disruption.
Explore More:
- Agricultural Generator Installation Services
- Routine Generator Maintenance Packages
- Off-Grid Power Solutions for Farms
- Choosing the Right Diesel Generator for Your Farm
If you’re unsure where to start, contact our team. We’ll walk you through the options and help you get set up with the right diesel generator for your farm.