Crommelins Petrol Generators

Why choose a petrol generator 

Petrol generators are popular for good reason. They are lightweight and easy to start, which makes them simple to move and well suited to portable use. Compared with diesel, petrol units are generally lighter, easier to transport, quieter in operation and burn a cleaner fuel, so they are a practical choice for residential and recreational power needs. 

They are also cost-effective. For camping, emergency backup during blackouts, or intermittent job-site use, a petrol generator delivers dependable power without the higher upfront cost of a larger diesel unit.  

Petrol, diesel or inverter 

The three main options each suit different applications, and the right pick depends on the job in front of you. 

Petrol generators are portable, lightweight and ideal for home backup, trade work and recreation. They handle high-demand equipment and power tools well and are easy to start and move. 

Diesel generators provide superior power output for high-power requirements and are more fuel-efficient over long run times, with a longer lifespan under heavy industrial use. They are the preferred choice for demanding commercial and industrial applications, which is why they have long been a staple of the hire and construction fleets we supply. 

Inverter generators produce clean, stable power, which makes them the ideal choice for sensitive electronics such as laptops, phones and other devices. They are also quieter than traditional petrol generators, so they suit camping and quiet residential use. We cover this end of the range through our Cromtech inverter and leisure generators, while traditional petrol units remain the better option for high-demand equipment. 

How to size a petrol generator 

Choosing the right size generator is the most important step, and it is simpler than it looks. The goal is to match the generator to your total power needs, not to buy more than you will ever use. 

Start by listing everything you want to run at once and adding up the wattage. Two figures matter. Rated (running) watts are the continuous power the generator supplies, and surge (starting) watts are the short burst needed to start motors and appliances such as fridges, pumps and power tools. Your generator needs enough rated watts to cover the total running load, plus enough surge capacity for the largest motor starting up. 

If you are not sure, our online generator calculator does the maths for you, working out the total wattage and the size you need. From there, choose a model with a little headroom, so the generator is never running flat out. And if you would rather just ask, that is what our team is here for. 

Common applications 

A good petrol generator earns its place all year round. 

Home and backup power: when storms or outages cut the mains, a petrol generator keeps lights, the fridge and essential devices running. For permanent home backup, a certified electrician should install a power transfer switch so the generator can safely feed your circuits. The Cromtech TG7000IA is perfect for emergency backup power. It has a built-in connection for an automatic transfer switch, and the transfer switch is available as an optional add-on. 

Construction and trade: portable petrol generators are a staple on site and in hire fleets, running power tools, lights and equipment where there is no mains supply. At Crommelins, we have supplied the Australian hire industry for more than 40 years, and our hire-pack and electric start options are built for exactly this kind of day-in, day-out work. 

Camping and recreation: for camping trips and the outdoors, a compact, quieter unit is ideal for powering small appliances, lights and charging devices. An inverter generator is the perfect match here for its clean power and low noise. 

Using a petrol generator safely 

Petrol is highly flammable, so a few precautions matter. Always place the generator on firm, level ground in a well-ventilated area, never indoors or in an enclosed space, and keep it away from ignition sources while it is running or being refuelled. As above, any connection to your home’s wiring should be done with a transfer switch installed by a certified electrician.