A physical inspection is always best. There is not guarantee that the hour meters are original and in working condition.
To me there are only 3 conditions:
New - Never used
Rebuilt - Used and then returned to military standard like new working condition
Used - Taken out of service for one reason or another.
The GL process sometimes exposes items to weather for months. A new machine tool, for example, stored outside in the weather for six months may be useless. A Deuce stored outside for six months may start right up and drive away, though.
Everything is DRMO'd for a reason. Sometimes a unit may receive new quiet tactical generators and their old sets may go DRMO, maybe. Most times, in my experience, there is a minor issue with the item. Some times there are major issues with the items. The pictures are a good indicator. A physical inspection is good, too. I remember one guy who bought a shelter and was pleasantly surprised to find a Diesel gen set in it.
You can get an idea of pricing by following the auctions as the close and then checking here to see who got what for how much after. We can't post before or during auction but most times after you can get a line on the general price range from some of the bidders. Price will always depend on the item, condition, and who else wants it. I find that if I am patient then a few good deals roll my way periodically.
For example, I got a really nice 3kW Diesel set for under $250. I may buy 10 at that price if given the chance again. But, the last batch that went near me were going around $500 so I didn't even come close to getting any. But, OTOH, $500 is about 1/6th the price of a new commercial quality Diesel powered 3kW gen set. You probably won't find any of the same quality 3kW Diesels outside of surplus auctions for anywhere near $500.
It is all relative. You take a chance with the "as is" part But, if you research it, it is a pretty good chance and you could possibly get a Diesel gen that will run an average home for peanuts. Most times it is peanuts and a few extra peanuts to fix minor issues.
To me there are only 3 conditions:
New - Never used
Rebuilt - Used and then returned to military standard like new working condition
Used - Taken out of service for one reason or another.
The GL process sometimes exposes items to weather for months. A new machine tool, for example, stored outside in the weather for six months may be useless. A Deuce stored outside for six months may start right up and drive away, though.
Everything is DRMO'd for a reason. Sometimes a unit may receive new quiet tactical generators and their old sets may go DRMO, maybe. Most times, in my experience, there is a minor issue with the item. Some times there are major issues with the items. The pictures are a good indicator. A physical inspection is good, too. I remember one guy who bought a shelter and was pleasantly surprised to find a Diesel gen set in it.
You can get an idea of pricing by following the auctions as the close and then checking here to see who got what for how much after. We can't post before or during auction but most times after you can get a line on the general price range from some of the bidders. Price will always depend on the item, condition, and who else wants it. I find that if I am patient then a few good deals roll my way periodically.
For example, I got a really nice 3kW Diesel set for under $250. I may buy 10 at that price if given the chance again. But, the last batch that went near me were going around $500 so I didn't even come close to getting any. But, OTOH, $500 is about 1/6th the price of a new commercial quality Diesel powered 3kW gen set. You probably won't find any of the same quality 3kW Diesels outside of surplus auctions for anywhere near $500.
It is all relative. You take a chance with the "as is" part But, if you research it, it is a pretty good chance and you could possibly get a Diesel gen that will run an average home for peanuts. Most times it is peanuts and a few extra peanuts to fix minor issues.