Large Generators

Big jobs can quickly leave a smaller generator feeling outmatched. Our large generators are built for higher-demand trade, farm and workshop loads, with options from around 5kVA to 20kVA. Explore the range within our generators australia collection and find the output, fuel type and start style that suits your setup.

How Big Is a Large Generator?

"Large" is a size class, not one exact output. In this range, a large generator runs from about 5kVA up to 20kVA, with the biggest options sitting in the 15kVA to 20kVA class. Most are open frame, with a few inverter, conventional or silenced models.

The 5kVA to 20kVA Size Ladder

Think of the range as a ladder. Around the lower end, a 5kVA generator, 6kVA generator or 7kVA generator can suit a solid trade or farm workload. Moving through a 7.5kVA generator, 8kVA generator and 12kVA generator gives you more room for larger combined loads. At the top, a 15kVA generator or 20kVA generator is aimed at several big loads running at once.

The right step depends on what will be running together, not simply the kVA figure.

Reading kVA, kW and Watts

kVA and kW are not the same measure, so do not assume the kVA number tells you the usable power. Check the running watts or kW figure on the spec sheet.

Some units are labelled in watts, such as 5500W, 6000W, 9000W or 11000W. Others show peak output rather than continuous running output. Where listed, running output in this range is roughly 4,000W to 10,000W, while several of the biggest units do not list a running figure. The same check matters whether you are comparing a 5kW generator, 8kW generator or a kVA-labelled model.

What Big Loads Call for a Big Generator

Large generators make sense when several substantial loads need power at the same time. The key is to total your simultaneous running load, then account for the biggest starting demand.

Trade, Farm and Workshop Loads

For trade, farm and workshop use, big generators can support several tools or a broader workshop load at once. Motors, compressors and heating elements are usually the loads to watch most closely.

Big Motors and Starting Watts

Starting demand can be much higher than normal running demand. Add up the running watts of everything that will operate together, check the highest starting watts on your list, then leave headroom.

Choosing a Large Generator

Once your load is clear, compare the fuel type, start method, running output, outlets and phase shown on each spec sheet.

Fuel Type and Start Type

Most models in this range are petrol, with some diesel options. Fuel type tells you which fuel you will need to have available when using the generator.

Electric start is available on most models. Some also offer remote start, while a few are recoil-start only. Electric start avoids relying only on a pull cord, remote start lets you start the unit remotely where supported, and recoil start means starting it manually with a pull cord.

Space, Handling and Setup

These are large, heavy machines. Allow open ground and airflow around the generator, and plan on more than one person to move it. Generators like these are usually used on standard 240V single-phase circuits, but always check the phase and outlets on the spec sheet against what you need to run.

Run a generator outdoors with plenty of open air around it, never in a shed, garage or enclosed space.