For a typical construction site, the best generator in our range is the GenEx 5.5kVA portable petrol generator at around ₹55,000: it runs welding machines and mixers with 12 to 15 hours per tank. Small sites can start at the 3.5kVA for around ₹38,000, and noise-restricted urban sites should pick a silent model.
How we chose these picks
HMS stocks the GenEx range of petrol generators, from 3.5kVA to 9.5kVA, in open frame portable and enclosed silent versions. These recommendations come from matching that range to the site types our customers across South India actually run, not from testing every generator brand in the market. If you have not yet worked out your load, start with what size generator a construction site needs and come back to pick a model.
Which generator is best for a small site?
The GenEx 3.5kVA portable, starting around ₹38,000. At 42kg with built-in handles it moves between sites easily, and the 15 litre tank gives 10 to 12 hours at 75 percent load, enough for a full working day. It powers lights, drills, a vibrator and small tools together. It is recoil start only, and at 72dB it is a working site machine, not one for quiet streets.
What should a typical building site run?
The GenEx 5.5kVA at around ₹55,000 is the pick for most contractors. The 389cc engine handles a welding machine or compressor plus tools, the 25 litre tank runs 12 to 15 hours, and it adds electric start alongside the recoil backup. If you weld heavily or run several machines at once, step up to the 7.5kVA at around ₹65,000, which keeps the same full-shift runtime with a 28 litre tank.
What about heavy sites with multiple machines?
The GenEx 9.5kVA portable at around ₹75,000 is the largest portable petrol set we stock. With 9500W rated output and a 32 litre tank running 11 to 13 hours, it covers sites running heavy welding and several tools simultaneously. At 115kg it is portable in name and on wheels; plan its position on site rather than carrying it around.
When do you need a silent generator?
When the site sits next to occupied buildings, or work runs into the night. The open portable sets run 72 to 78dB at 7 metres; the silent range runs 58 to 62dB, roughly the difference between a busy road and normal conversation. The 3.5kVA silent at around ₹75,000 suits small urban sites, the 4.5kVA silent at around ₹85,000 adds headroom, and the 7.5kVA silent at around ₹95,000 covers full building sites in residential areas. All three have electric start with a remote option. The honest trade-off: you pay roughly ₹30,000 to ₹37,000 extra for the enclosure at the same kVA, and the enclosed sets weigh more.
Comparison table: GenEx generators by site type
| Model | Rated output | Noise at 7m | Runtime (75% load) | Starting price (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5kVA Portable | 3500W | 72dB | 10-12 hrs | ₹38,000 | Small sites, tools and lighting |
| 5.5kVA Portable | 5500W | 74dB | 12-15 hrs | ₹55,000 | Most building sites, welding |
| 7.5kVA Portable | 7500W | 76dB | 12-14 hrs | ₹65,000 | Heavy welding plus tools |
| 9.5kVA Portable | 9500W | 78dB | 11-13 hrs | ₹75,000 | Multiple machines at once |
| 3.5kVA Silent | 3500W | 58dB | 10-12 hrs | ₹75,000 | Small urban sites |
| 4.5kVA Silent | 4500W | 60dB | 11-13 hrs | ₹85,000 | Urban sites needing headroom |
| 7.5kVA Silent | 7500W | 62dB | 10-12 hrs | ₹95,000 | Residential-area building sites |
What keeps a site generator reliable?
Two habits matter more than the brand badge. Run the set near 75 percent load rather than flat out; the runtime and consumption figures above assume that, and a generator constantly at full load wears fast and trips under motor starting surges. And take the oil seriously: every GenEx model has low-oil shutdown protection, so a set that refuses to run is often just telling you to top up before damage happens.
How should you decide?
- Add up the wattage of everything that runs at the same time, then add margin for motor starting loads.
- Pick portable for open or remote sites, silent for urban and night work.
- Match the runtime to your shift so refuelling does not stop work mid-pour.
All prices above are indicative starting figures; contact HMS for a current quote, and we deliver across South India. For the sizing arithmetic in detail, see what size generator for a construction site.
