CAT CLASS: HQ-10736

25-60 kW Towable Diesel Generator

The 25-60 kW towable diesel generator occupies the mid-range of the towable generator ladder, sized for trailer complexes, multiple pumps, or small hoists. This class bridges the gap between light single-load units and larger multi-zone or high-demand equipment. With 8 models from manufacturers including Echo, Magnum, and IHI, this size class delivers 32.5-59.0 kVA in a road-towable package.

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Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class: capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Power output	32.5-59.0 kVA	Continuous power available for connected loads, sufficient for several medium-draw devices or one high-demand piece of equipment.
Fuel capacity	51.5-106.0 gal	Onboard diesel storage determining run time between refueling, typically supporting 12-24 hours at half load.
Sizing basis	25-60 kW	Nameplate kilowatt rating used by the industry to classify and compare units within this band.

How to choose

This size class suits operations requiring 30-60 kVA to power a small trailer office complex, run two or three dewatering pumps simultaneously, or supply a small hoist and ancillary lighting. For single light towers, small welders, or one dewatering pump, the Up to 25 kW Towable Diesel Generator is more efficient and easier to position. When powering multiple trailers with HVAC, larger temporary facilities, or high-draw equipment like large compressors or concrete batch plants, the 60-150 kW Towable Diesel Generator becomes necessary. The decision hinges on total connected load and whether the site requires power distribution to multiple zones or can operate from a single feed point.

What this size handles

Powering a small office trailer complex with lighting, computers, and space heaters
Running two to three 6-inch dewatering pumps on a construction site
Supplying a small material hoist and perimeter lighting on a mid-rise project
Supporting temporary power for a remote cell tower installation with backup redundancy
Energizing a small batch plant mixer and conveyor system
Providing event power for food vendors and stage lighting at a community festival

Safety & operation

Generators must be grounded per NEC Article 250 and positioned to direct exhaust away from occupied structures and air intakes
Fuel storage and refueling operations follow NFPA 30 and local fire codes; hot refueling is prohibited
Soundproofed enclosures reduce noise but require adequate ventilation clearance to prevent overheating
Load bank testing and transfer switch coordination are essential when integrating with existing electrical systems or backup configurations

Transport & logistics

Towable behind a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup truck via standard 2-inch ball or pintle hitch, requiring a vehicle with appropriate towing capacity for combined generator and trailer weight
Road-legal running lights, brakes, and DOT-compliant trailer ensure highway transport between job sites
Compact footprint allows positioning in staging areas or along site perimeters without crane or forklift assistance

Power & supply

Onboard diesel fuel tank with 51.5-106.0 gallon capacity; refueling intervals depend on load profile, typically 12-24 hours at 50% capacity
Output via panel-mounted receptacles or cam-lock connectors, often including 120/240V single-phase and 208V or 480V three-phase options
Automatic voltage regulation and circuit protection built into the control panel for stable power delivery

Frequently asked

How does kVA relate to the kW rating in this size class?

kVA (apparent power) is typically 10-15% higher than kW (real power) depending on the power factor of connected loads. A 50 kW generator may produce 55-60 kVA; inductive loads like motors reduce the usable kW from a given kVA rating.

What distinguishes this size from the 60-150 kW class?

The 25-60 kW class typically serves single-zone or limited multi-load applications, while the 60-150 kW class supports larger distribution panels, multiple simultaneous high-draw loads, or facilities requiring redundant capacity. Fuel tank size and run time also increase significantly in the larger class.

Can this size run continuously or only intermittently?

Industrial towable generators in this class are designed for continuous duty, with manufacturer-rated prime power output available 24/7 under proper maintenance. Standby ratings, if listed, indicate higher short-duration capacity not suitable for continuous operation.