Construction
Site power for tools, mixers and site offices, plus diesel welding generators, in open-frame or silent sets.
- Open-frame sets from 2.8 to 22.5 kVA, silent sets from 4.5 kVA
- Welding generators from 200 to 350 A with auxiliary power
- Silent sets at 72 to 74 dB(A) for town sites
The challenge
Construction sites move constantly and rarely have grid power on day one. Crews need portable, durable power and on-site welding that withstands rough handling and frequent relocation. HTX open-frame, silent, and welding generator sets are built for transport, fast setup, and reliable output across every project phase.
What a construction site asks of a generator
On a new site there is usually no grid connection for weeks or months. The generator runs hand tools, lighting, a concrete mixer, rebar cutters and benders, the site office and sometimes a dewatering pump.
Most of these are motors. A motor draws three times or more its running current at start, so the set has to be sized for the start of the largest machine, not only for the running total. Many rebar machines and larger mixers are three-phase, so check the phase before you choose.
Welding is the other job. A welding generator does the welding and also supplies power for a grinder and lights.
Matching the set to the job
Typical running loads. List your own machines and use the generator size calculator to check the starts.
| Job on site | Typical running load | HTX models |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tools, lights, one small mixer | 3 to 5 kVA | HTX-G6.7K-XE, HTX-G7.5K-XE |
| Rebar cutter and bender plus tools, three-phase | 8 to 12 kVA, three-phase | HTX-G14K-XE, HTX-G16K-XE |
| Site office and containers near homes | 5 to 10 kVA | HTX-G8.5K-S, HTX-G10K-S |
| Larger site: several machines at once | 15 to 22 kVA, three-phase | HTX-G22K-XE, HTX-G24K-XE |
| Stick welding with electrodes up to 4.0 mm | 200 A | HTX-GW200E, HTX-GW220E |
| Structural and pipe welding up to 6.0 mm | 320 to 350 A | HTX-GW350E |
| Excavation dewatering | 40 m³/h at 18 m head | HTX-WP30 |
Example: a 1.5 kW mixer needs about 4.5 kW for its start. With lights and a grinder running, a set of about 6 kVA is the minimum.
Recommended equipment
Matched to your operation
Recommended HTX equipment for this application:
21HP Single-Cylinder Water Cooled Diesel Engine
15.7 kW
Request Quote
8HP Single-Cylinder Air Cooled Diesel Engine
5.7 kW
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2.8kVA Open Frame Diesel Generator Set
2.8 kVA
Request Quote
4.5kVA Silent Diesel Generator Set
4.5 kVA
Request Quote
200A Diesel Welding Generator Set
5 kVA
Request Quote
2" Diesel Water Pump
3.4 kW
Request QuoteChoosing between open-frame, silent and welding sets
- Open-frame. Lighter and easier to move. Our 6 kVA open-frame set weighs 124 kg. Noise is 77 to 89 dB(A) at 7 m, which suits sites away from homes.
- Silent. The canopy brings noise down to 72 to 74 dB(A) at 7 m. Choose it for city sites, night work and sites near homes. See how quiet is a silent generator.
- Welding generator or genset plus inverter welder. A welding generator is one machine for both jobs. An inverter welder on a generator also works, but the set must be sized for the welder's input. See how to choose a diesel welding generator.
- Fuel for a shift. Our 6 kVA open-frame set has a 12.5 L tank. At 75% load it burns about 1.5 L per hour, so a full tank lasts about 8 hours. This is our estimate from the rated fuel consumption.
- Rough handling. Sets are moved often on a site. Check oil and fuel daily, and keep the air filter clean in dust.
Questions construction buyers ask
Should I buy an open-frame or a silent generator for a construction site?
Open-frame if the site is away from homes and the set moves often: it is lighter and simpler. Silent if the site is in a town, works at night or has noise limits. Our silent sets measure 72 to 74 dB(A) at 7 m, against 77 to 89 dB(A) for open-frame.
What size generator do I need for a concrete mixer?
Allow about three times the motor's rated power for the start. A 1.5 kW mixer needs about 4.5 kW at start, so with lights and a grinder running you need about 6 kVA. A 2.2 kW three-phase mixer needs about 8 kVA three-phase.
Can a generator run a welding machine?
Yes. Either use a diesel welding generator, which welds directly and supplies auxiliary power, or run an inverter welder from a generator sized for the welder's input power. For stick welding with 4.0 mm electrodes, a 200 A welding generator is the usual choice.
Can I get the generator in 60 Hz?
Many of our sets are available in 50 Hz and 60 Hz versions, with ratings published for both. Tell us your country's voltage and frequency. See ordering a generator configured for your country.
Related guides
Need help choosing?
Our engineering team will match the right unit to your duty cycle and conditions.