Bobby Ranker, product specialist at Bobcat Co., shares his insight into the generator sector of the equipment rental industry.
Rental connected with Ranker over email in May 2025.
Q. What are the top trends for generators in the equipment rental industry? Why?
Bobby RankerBobcat Co.
Another growing trend is the adoption of hybrid generators that combine diesel generators with battery energy storage systems, although these come with a higher initial cost and a longer payback period. Lastly, the increased use of telematics and connected machines is providing rental companies with valuable insights into equipment availability, location on job sites, and the ability to optimize preventative maintenance and service schedules to maximize uptime.
Q. How can rental companies take advantage of these trends?
To capitalize on these trends, rental companies can strategically focus on several key areas:
Developing strong partnerships with their portable generator manufacturer that extends beyond the initial generator acquisition can ensure ongoing support for aftermarket parts, warranty items, technical services, training, and more. These relationships can help minimize equipment down-time.
Actively identifying and leveraging available training programs and support resources will empower staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain the latest generator technologies effectively. Additionally, adopting and using telematics on your equipment by selecting a suitable provider and assigning dedicated personnel to monitor and act upon the data gathered can optimize equipment utilization and streamline operations.
Finally, a thorough understanding of proper generator sizing for various applications is crucial for protecting equipment from issues like wet stacking, while maximizing customer uptime and potentially achieving fuel efficiencies by avoiding oversized units. Generators typically operate most efficiently around a 75% electrical load.
Q. What are the differences between a 2025 generator vs something 5/10 years ago?
Today, there’s increased access to generators with paralleling capabilities, allowing users to combine multiple units to meet larger electrical demands on-site. Additionally, the majority of large rental fleets have transitioned to T4F generators, which significantly reduce emissions, contributing to cleaner air and compliance with stricter environmental regulations. Finally, generators in Canada now feature improved fuel systems designed for enhanced safety during operation and transport. These improvements include fuel spillage containment measures, overfill alarms to prevent spills, and certified fuel tanks that meet stringent safety standards.
The Bobcat PG50 portable generator. Bobcat Co.
Q. What would be the best questions equipment rental companies should ask when considering adding a new generator to their fleet?
- What are the most requested generator sizes from our customers?
- What current assets are most utilized in our existing fleet that might influence the generator size selection (HVAC or electric pumps)
- Will the generator be easy to deploy, operate, repair, and maintain?
- What engine, controls, or other important options should the generator have?
- What generator equipment manufacturer offers the best service, warranty, and aftermarket support?
- How can I minimize equipment downtime?
- Where will I have my equipment serviced and repaired? Internally or at a local dealer? Is there a local dealer nearby?
Q. What are the latest changes for your company?
Aligning with market current trends, Bobcat has recently added paralleling options with easy-to-use touch screen displays to most of our generator products, providing enhanced flexibility for meeting diverse power demands. Most products in our line-up will autonomously manage low-load applications through either engine capability or with the Intelligent Load Management System (ILMS). ILMS creates a mechanical load on the engine to substantially – and immediately – heat the engine coolant to reach ideal operational temperature and minimize wet stacking. This prolongs the life of the generator and reduces maintenance costs.
Q. What can we expect on the horizon from Bobcat?
The Bobcat PG50 portable generator.Bobcat Co.
Q. Any final thoughts for rental companies?
The portable generator market is poised for continued growth, playing a vital role in supporting an increasingly stressed and aging electrical grid, especially with the ongoing trend towards electrification. This sustained market growth makes portable generators a promising long-term investment, as the demand for electricity remains universal.
Ultimately, the strength of the support network provided by both your local dealer and the equipment manufacturer will be crucial to your success. When making purchasing decisions, it's wise to consider all after-purchase support aspects as equally important as the initial acquisition cost.
