Top 10 Best Generators For Construction Job Sites (Reviews)

Last Updated on October 18, 2022 by Manager Access

For contractors, having adequate power for your tools, lights, and other equipment is key to a job site that does not have power currently hooked up.

A portable generator is a great investment to keep with your crew to ensure that they have the power when they need it the most.

Finding the right generator requires some forward-thinking. You will want to consider all of the tools your team may use at a job site and find out the wattages each takes.

Below are the best generators for a job site ranked and compared:

1. Best Dual-fuel generator for construction sites: Westinghouse WGen75000DF

Westinghouse WGen75000DF is a dual-fuel generator, that can run on gasoline or propane.

It is no surprise to see it again as one of my top generators for the job site. It is loaded with features that benefit those who are working on-site all day.

The WGen7500DF is on the lower scale for this list, not that this is a bad thing, it was just my choice in this range. It still pumps out a good 7500 rated watts and 9200 peak watts to allow you to get through the workday with enough power to run multiple tools and equipment.

Weighing in at 194 pounds, this generator features nonflat wheels and collapsible transporting handles to allow you to move the generator all over your job site with ease.

This is also great for moving it out of the rain during a sudden storm or storing it indoors at the end of the day.

To keep you running all day, you can take advantage of the dual-fuel mode that allows the WGen7500DF to run on both gasoline and propane.

You can expect to get about 16 hours of runtime at 50% load on either fuel.

Covered outlets allow your vital generator parts to stay safe from dust, water, and debris that is common in any construction setting.

The Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator Features

• 420cc 4 Stroke OHV Engine
• Running Watts: 7500 Watts
• Starting Watts: 9500 Watts
• Weight: 109 lbs
• 6.6 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
• 16 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
• 4-120V outlets (Household Style Outlets)
• 1 – 120/240V 30A L14-30R Outlet
• 1 – USB 5V Outlet
• Westinghouse Smart Switch Ready
• Dual Fuel
• Sound Level: 74 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
• Covered Outlets
• Remote Electric Start
• Collapsible Transporting Handles
• Non Flat Wheels

Westinghouse offer a 3 year limited warranty on this generator. There is a one year unit exchange period and a 2-3 year replacement part coverage.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
If I were only needing up to 7500 watts at our job site, this would be my top pick. It is super easy to use and has all of the features I could ever want in a generator and looks to be made for construction sites.

2. Best cheap construction generator: Green Power America GPG10000EW

Although the Green Power America GPG10000EW is the lesser-known brand generator on this list, it is loaded with the same great features found on many of the generators on this list.

After reviewing the GPG10000EW, I have concluded that it is going to be a great budget competitor in the industry.

To start off, the generator packs a punch with 7500 running watts and 10,000 starting watts allowing you to run just about anything you can imagine on a job site.

You can easily move this generator around the site with its nonflat wheels and collapsible transporting handles. Weighing it at only 182lbs, anyone can wheel this generator around with ease.

With a 9 hour run time at 50% load, the 6.6 gallon fuel tank is sure to be enough to get you through the work day, and possibly even more!

The Green Power America GRG10000EW Generator Features

• • • 420cc 15 HP OHV Engine
    • Running Watts: 7500 Watts
    • Starting Watts: 10000 Watts
    • Weight: 182 lbs
    • 6.6 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
    • 9 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
    • 4 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
    • 1 – 120-Volt Twist Lock AC Outlet
    • 1 – 120/240V 30A L14-30R
    • 1 – 12V DC Outlet
    • Sound Level: 75 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
    • Covered Outlets
    • Recoil/Electric Start
    • Collapsible Transporting Handles
    • Non Flat Wheels

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Although this generator has little reviews and warranty information was not available, I would still give this generator a shot as it is priced very competitively and has a lot of the features I look for in a job site generator.

3. Duromax XP10000E

For job sites, you are going to want a generator that is built to last and can power all of your tools without missing a beat. That is just what the Duromax XP10000E is all about.

This generator puts out 8000 running watts and 10000 starting watts that will have your job site powered up and ready to roll at any time.

With a noise level of only 72 decibels at 23 feet, you will not have to worry about noise pollution as it is one of the quietest on this list.

Need to move your generator frequently?

It’s no problem at all with the rugged tires and collapsible transporting handles found on the XP10000E.

The 8.3 gallon tank allows you to run this generator for up to 10 hours at 50% load to keep you powered up throughout the whole day.

The Duromax XP10000E Generator Features

• • • • 16 HP OHV Engine
      • Running Watts: 8000 Watts
      • Starting Watts: 10000 Watts
      • Weight: 249 lbs
      • 8.3 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
      • 10 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
      • 2 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
      • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
      • 1 – 120/240V 30A L14-30R
      • 1 – 120/240V 50A
      • Sound Level: 72 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
      • Covered Outlets
      • Collapsible Transporting Handles
      • Rubber Inflated Tires
      • Recoil Start

Duromax offers a 3 year warranty for the original purchaser of a Duromax generator.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This Duromax generator is a widely used generator in the job site industry and for good reason too. I would not think twice about picking up one of these to have around a construction site. Although, I would have liked to see covered outlets for peace of mind.

4. Best high-capacity fuel tank construction generator: Durostar DS10000E

Another heavy-duty generator on my list that can take the harsh abuse of a job site is the Durostar DS10000E.

Taking just one look at this generator can tell you that it was made tough.

The DS10000E offers enough power to keep just about any job site going with a power output of 8000 running watts and 10000 starting watts.

This amount of wattage can have your full crew’s tools running and charging all day.

The integrated, collapsible handles and rubber tires allow this 260lb generator to be moved to virtually anywhere with ease.

Most job sites like to secure their generators at night to prevent theft, so having an easy way to move it inside is a huge plus.

The 8.3-gallon fuel tank on this generator will allow you to benefit from 10 hours of run time at 50% load.

You will not have to worry about noise pollution as it only produces 72 decibels at 23 feet away.

A wide assortment of different outlets allows you to plug up just about anything you can imagine you would need at a job site into this generator.

However, it only has 2 3 prong outlets and no covered outlets which makes it not as competitive with other generators on this list.

The Durostar DS10000E Generator Features

• • • • • 16 HP OHV Durostar Engine
        • Running Watts: 8000 Watts
        • Starting Watts: 10000 Watts
        • Weight: 260 lbs
        • 8.3 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
        • 10 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
        • 2 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
        • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
        • 1 – 120/240V 30A L14-30R
        • 1 – 120/240V 50A
        • Sound Level: 72 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
        • Collapsible Transporting Handles
        • Rubber Inflated Tires
        • Recoil Start

DuroStar offers a 30 day replacement warranty and a full 1 year parts warranty to protect your investment.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This DuroStar generator is a great generator and will certainly get the job done, however, it would not be my first pick for a couple of reasons. The lack of 3 prong plugs means having to run a few splitters for common hand tools. Non-covered outlets is another problem as dust and debris will be prevalent on most job sites and can penetrate outlets.

5. All Power America APGG10000

On a job site, finding a generator that is both easy to use and can easily power multiple tools is vital to getting your job done.

The All Power America APGG10000 does all of this plus more in an easy to transport package.

The APGG10000 uses a 15hp 420cc OHV engine to pump out 8000 rated watts and 10000 peak watts that is sure to have your whole crew powered up on their tools and equipment.

The rubber wheels and collapsible transporting handles allow you to easily move this 235lb generator to anywhere you need it.

Featuring an 8-gallon fuel tank, you can work all day with its 11 hours run time at 50% load.

At only 76 decibels, you will not have to worry about noise pollution as it is relatively quiet when compared to larger generators.

The All Power America APGG10000 Generator Features

• • • • • • 420cc 15 HP OHV Engine
          • Running Watts: 8000 Watts
          • Starting Watts: 10000 Watts
          • Weight: 235.4 lbs
          • 8 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
          • 11 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
          • 4 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
          • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
          • 1 – 120/240V 30A L14-30R
          • 1 – 12V DC
          • Hour Meter
          • Sound Level: 76 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
          • Collapsible Transporting Handles
          • Rubber Inflated Tires
          • Electric/Recoil Start

The All Power America APGG10000 generator carries a 2 year warranty to allow for their customer service team to take care of you 100%.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The All Power America APGG10000 generator is a great buy at the low price point it is being sold at. While there were no industry-leading features, it competed nicely with many other generators on this list. I would not be hesitant to try out this generator at my job site.

6. Pulsar PG10000

Another widely known name in the generator industry, Pulsar, is making an appearance on this list with its PG10000 generator.

This generator is solidly built and makes a great addition to just about any job site.

The single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine on the PG10000 allows for 8000 running watts and 10000 starting watts for great coverage over most average-sized construction sites.

Its wide variety of outlets means you can plug up just about any tool or piece of equipment you can imagine into this generator for an all-in-one powerful solution.

Built to last on a job site, this generator features never flat wheels and collapsible handles to easily move this generator around. At only 190lbs, it is one of the lightest generators on this list. The Pulsar PG10000 Generator Features

• • • • • • • 420cc 15 HP OHV Engine
            • Running Watts: 8000 Watts
            • Starting Watts: 10000 Watts
            • Weight: 190 lbs
            • 8 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
            • 12 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
            • 4 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
            • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
            • 1 – 120/240V 30A L14-30R
            • 1 – 120/240V 50A
            • Sound Level: 76 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
            • Collapsible Transporting Handles
            • Never Flat Wheels
            • Electric/Recoil Start

Pulsar’s warranty information can be received by calling them directly at 1-866-591-8921.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Pulsar has been putting out amazing generators for quite some time now and they have always made my lists in various wattage categories. I would suggest this generator to anyone looking for a heavy-duty, work-ready generator.

7. Pulsar PG10000B16

One of the best features that you can have for a generator at a job site is the capability of using dual fuels.

Dual fuel generators allow you to switch between gasoline and propane as a fuel source so that you have twice the amount of run time.

While the Hybrid name may scare you, this generator competes with the best of them putting out 9000 peak watts and 7000 rated watts on Liquid Propane Gas and 10000 peak watts and 8000 rated watts on gasoline.

This is more than enough wattage to power your crew’s tools and equipment all day.

The large 6.6-gallon fuel tank allows you to run up to 12 consecutive hours of uninterrupted power at a 50% load.

If you are getting low on gasoline, simply, switch it over to LPG for an additional 10 hours of run time.

This Pulsar generator has built-in never-flat wheels and collapsible transporting handles to allow you to move the generator to wherever it is needed on the job site.

The PG10000B16 is loaded with many different types of outlets to ensure you have just what you need to plug in just about anything at your site.

With electric start and Switch & Go Technology, we have here a much more modern generator that is simple to use.

The Pulsar PG10000B16 Generator Features

• • • • • • • • 420cc 4 Stroke OHV Engine
              • Running Watts: 8000 Watts
              • Starting Watts: 10000 Watts
              • Weight: 209 lbs
              • 8 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
              • 12 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
              • 4 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
              • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
              • 1 – 120/240V 50A
              • 1 – 12V Trickle Charge
              • Sound Level: 76 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
              • Dual Fuel Capabilities
              • Collapsible Transporting Handles
              • Never Flat Wheels
              • Electric/Recoil Start

This Pulsar generator is offered with a 3 year warranty on mechanical parts, laser diodes, LEDS, and much more.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Pulsar PG10000B16 is one of my favorites on this list as it has just about everything you could ever ask for in a job site generator, sans the covered outlets. The electric start and dual-fuel capability have really won us over as it makes it easy for anyone on the job site.

8. Duromax XP12000EH

Built with ruggedness in mind, the Duromax XP12000EH, nicknamed “The Beast”, is a dual fuel generator that puts out 9500 watts running and 12000 watts starting to allow for multiple tools or equipment to be run simultaneously.

Although it only has 2 3-prong outlets, it does have three larger outlets to accept RV ports and twist-lock style plugs to allow large equipment or appliances to be plugged in.

This is essential when trying to run and RV at a job site.

The 8.3-gallon tank provides 10 hours of run time at 50% load on gasoline and up to 20 hours of run time on a 20lb propane tank.

That is enough to keep you going for a few days without having to refill your fuel source!

The Duromax XP12000EH Generator Features

• • • • • • • • • 457cc 4 Stroke OHV Engine
                • Running Watts: 9500 Watts
                • Starting Watts: 12000 Watts
                • Weight: 269 lbs
                • 8.3 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
                • 10 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
                • 2 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
                • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
                • 1 – 120/240V 30A
                • 1 – 120/240V 50A
                • Sound Level: 72 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
                • Dual Fuel Capabilities
                • Collapsible Transporting Handles
                • Rubber Inflated Wheels
                • Recoil Start

This Duromax generator has a 30 day replacement warranty and a full 1 year parts warranty.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Any dual fuel generators are going to rank higher on this list for the sheer fact that they are convenient on the job site. The Duromax XP12000EH is no different and would be one of my first choices when looking at a new generator for my job site.

9. CAT RP12000E

When you see the CAT logo and the trademark yellow paint, you know that you are looking at a high-quality generator.

CAT has been an industry leader in many industries for decades and their products prove their worth.

The CATRP12000E is a job site-ready generator that produces 12000 running watts and 15000 starting watts that is capable of powering even the largest of job sites with ease.

At 50% load, you can enjoy up to 11.2 hours of runtime on a single tank with its fuel-efficient 670cc v twin engine.

This generator come equipped with a collapsible handle, rugged tires, and covered outlets to ensure your generator is easy to move and withstands the harsh job site environment.

The CAT RP12000E Generator Features

• • • • • • • • • • 670cc V Twin OHV Engine
                  • Running Watts: 12000 Watts
                  • Starting Watts: 15000 Watts
                  • Weight: 347.6 lbs
                  • 8.3 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
                  • 11.7 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
                  • 2 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
                  • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
                  • 1 – 120/240V 30A
                  • 1 – 120/240V 50A
                  • Sound Level: 72 Decibels From 23 Feet Away
                  • Collapsible Transporting Handles
                  • Rubber Inflated Wheels
                  • Recoil Start

CAT offers a 2 year standard warranty on all of their portable generators.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Like and Cat product, I would not think twice about purchasing this generator. Just by looking at the generator, you can tell that CAT has built this with the job site in mind and a large number of covered outlets is going to make for a quick and easy power up for just about any tool or equipment that I have.

10. Generac 5735 GP17500E

If you are needing absolutely the most wattage you can from a generator, then the Generac 5735 GP17500E can give it to you.

This is not only the most powerful generator on this list, it is the most powerful generator I have ever reviewed.

The GP17500E produces the most wattage of any generator on this list with 17,500 running watts and 26,250 starting watts.

If you are needing more than this on any job site, you might as well pick up two of these!

Keep your job site powered up for up to 10 hours at 50% load with the 16-gallon fuel tank on this generator.

The Generac 5735 GP17500E Generator Features:

• • • • • • • • • • • 992cc OHVI Engine
                    • Running Watts: 17,500 Watts
                    • Starting Watts: 26,250 Watts
                    • Weight: 390 lbs
                    • 16 Gallon Capacity Fuel Tank
                    • 10 Hour Runtime @ 50% Load
                    • 2 – 120V-20A GFCI Outlets
                    • 1 – 120V 30A Twist Lock AC Outlet
                    • 1 – 120/240V 30A
                    • 1 – 120/240V 50A
                    • 1 – 12V Trickle Charge
                    • Sound Level: Unknown
                    • Rubber Inflated Wheels
                    • Recoil Start

Generac offers a 2 year limited warranty on this generator.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Generac GP17500E is the end all be all generator for those wanting the absolute most wattage availability. This generator is best suited for those with large sites and multiple high wattage tools and equipment. It is built with the job site in mind and will take just about anything that you throw at it.

Best Generators For Job Sites: Buying Guide

Conclusion – About This Guide

So now that you have seen my thoughts on the 10 best generators for job sites, it’s time for you to find out how many watts you will be using a choose a generator that best fits your power needs.

I always suggest getting a generator that can handle more power than you need because you would rather have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Are you currently running a generator for your job site? If so, what size, and what appliances are you running with it?

Please consider sharing this post with anyone you know who might be in the market for a job site generator!