Choosing a standby generator means balancing up-front price, fuel type, condition, and output. The four portable industrial generator options here run from a 12kW repair project to a new 20kW diesel unit, and their listed prices go from $500 to $11,995. The right pick depends on whether you can handle repair work, want a transfer switch included, need diesel fuel, or simply want the most output from a propane-burning standby.
Quick take: If you want the newest unit and diesel power, the 20kW Generac SDC020 is the zero-hour option. If you want a package with a transfer switch, the Honeywell 22kW brings natural gas or LP together with a 200-amp transfer switch. If you want propane and high output, the used Generac 35kW has more capacity than the smaller units here. If you have repair skills, the Milbank 12kW is the one to study.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | Condition | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milbank 12kW Home Standby Generator, Runs Needs Work | USD 500.00 | For parts or not working | Propane | |
| Honeywell 22kW Home Standby Generator with Transfer Switch 3 Year WARRANTY | USD 5,899.99 | New | Natural gas or LP | |
| New Generac 20kW SDC020 Diesel Standby Generator 2.2 Perkins 120/240V Single Ph | USD 11,995.00 | New | Diesel | |
| Generac 35 kW Propane Standby Generator | USD 4,000.00 | Used | Propane |
Decision matrix
- Milbank 12kW: Choose this if a repair project fits your skills. The limitation is the for-parts condition.
- Honeywell 22kW: Choose this if you want a new dual-fuel unit with a transfer switch. Watch the 22,000W running output on LP.
- Generac 20kW Diesel: Choose this if you want a new zero-hour diesel unit with a sound enclosure. Watch the diesel fuel source.
- Generac 35kW Propane: Choose this if you want high output from propane. Watch the used condition and 1,611.7 hours on the meter.
Product notes
Milbank 12kW Home Standby Generator, Runs Needs Work
The Milbank is a 12kW propane standby unit marked for parts or not working. It was replaced because it would not start; after bypassing the fuel regulator it started, but it produced only 120V, so the voltage regulator and fuel regulator are likely replacement items. It is a United States-built unit that runs on propane, which makes it a reasonable repair project for someone comfortable troubleshooting those parts. The for-parts condition is the limitation: this is not plug-and-run, and the replacement regulators should be part of your assessment before committing to the repair path.
Honeywell 22kW Home Standby Generator with Transfer Switch 3 Year WARRANTY
The Honeywell is a new dual-fuel standby generator that runs on natural gas or liquid propane. It includes a 200-amp transfer switch and carries a 3-year warranty in the title. With LP, peak output is 30,000W and running output is 22,000W; with natural gas, peak is 20,000W and running is 19,500W. That gives it dual-fuel capability and a transfer switch in the same package. Installation and packaging removal are not included, so the price covers the generator package itself rather than hookup work.
New Generac 20kW SDC020 Diesel Standby Generator 2.2 Perkins 120/240V Single Ph
The Generac SDC020 is a new, zero-hour diesel standby rated at 20kW. It provides 120/240V single-phase output at 1,800 RPM, with an 83A output and 100A breaker, and it features a sound enclosure. This is the highest listed price of the four options, so it is the biggest up-front commitment. It also uses diesel instead of propane or natural gas, so it fits only if diesel is an acceptable fuel source for your site. If a new industrial-style unit with zero operating hours is the goal, this is the one to consider.
Generac 35 kW Propane Standby Generator
The Generac 35kW is a used propane standby with the highest output in this group: 35kW / 35kVA at 120/240V single phase. It runs at 1,800 RPM and is powered by a Generac V6 Vortec industrial engine. The package includes a weatherproof enclosure, an output breaker, an analog control panel, and a steel skid. The hour meter reads 1,611.7 hours, and there is cosmetic wear with surface rust on the exhaust. The used condition is the limitation, but the output makes it a useful option if you want propane power and more capacity than the 12kW Milbank.
Final recommendation by use case
- For a repair project at the lowest listed price: Milbank 12kW. It runs but needs voltage and fuel regulator attention and is marked for parts or not working.
- For a new dual-fuel package: Honeywell 22kW. It includes a 200-amp transfer switch and supports natural gas or LP.
- For a new zero-hour diesel unit: Generac 20kW SDC020. It is a 20kW standby with a sound enclosure and 120/240V single-phase output.
- For a used propane unit with the most output: Generac 35kW. It offers 35kW and has 1,611.7 hours on the meter.
