Are Cummins generators the best for standby power?

Cummins is the most-specified standby brand for critical facilities like hospitals and data centres. For mission-critical standby where failure is not an option, Cummins is the industry default.

What is the difference between Cummins Onan and Cummins CPG?

Onan is Cummins' portable and RV/mobile generator line (roughly 3-20kVA). CPG (Cummins Power Generation) is the fixed standby and industrial line, from around 15kVA up to hundreds of kVA.

How much does a Cummins standby generator cost?

Cummins standby generators are priced individually based on kVA, phase and installation. Most are supplied on request - contact us for a quote on a specific model.

Do Cummins generators come with an ATS?

Cummins standby sets are designed to work with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) for unattended standby operation. We can supply the generator and ATS as a package.

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Buying Guides02 September 2026 7 min read

Cummins Generators: From Onan Portables to Heavy Industrial Standby

The world's largest diesel engine maker - from Onan portables to 450kVA industrial standby. Here's the Cummins range.

By Hanson Hire

Cummins Generators: From Onan Portables to Heavy Industrial Standby

Quick Answer

Cummins generators span portable Onan diesel units (3.6-19kVA) through to heavy industrial standby sets up to 450kVA. Cummins is the world's largest diesel engine maker, and their generators are specified for hospitals, data centres, mines and large facilities where failure is not an option. Hanson Hire supplies the full Cummins range.

Why Cummins Is the Name in Critical Power

Cummins is the largest diesel engine manufacturer in the world, and their generator sets are the default choice for mission-critical standby - hospitals, data centres, telecommunications, mining and large industrial sites. When the power absolutely cannot go down, Cummins is usually what is running.

The Cummins Range at Hanson Hire

Cummins Onan - Portable and RV Diesel

The Onan line covers portable and vehicle-mounted diesel generators. These are compact, quiet and built for mobile and small standby applications.

Cummins Onan QG4000 3.6kVA - compact portable diesel
Cummins Onan QG5800 EFI 5.8kVA - electronic fuel injection portable
Cummins Onan QD8000 8kVA - larger portable diesel
Cummins Onan 11 QD HDKBN 11kVA - RV and small standby

Cummins CPG - Standby and Industrial

The CPG (Cummins Power Generation) range is the serious standby line - enclosed, auto-start, built for fixed installation.

Cummins CPG 16.5kVA Standby - small commercial standby
Cummins CPG 27.5kVA Standby
Cummins CPG 55kVA Standby
Cummins CPG 90kVA

Heavy Industrial

For prime and continuous duty at scale, Cummins industrial sets run into the hundreds of kVA.

Cummins C170D5 170kVA - heavy industrial
Cummins C220D5 220kVA
Cummins C330D5 330kVA
Cummins C450D5 450kVA

Why Specify Cummins?

Global support - parts and service available worldwide
Proven reliability - the most-specified standby brand for critical facilities
Full range - one brand from 3.6kVA portable to 450kVA+ industrial
Warranty and engineering - backed by Cummins' engineering and warranty

Choosing a Cummins Generator

For portable or RV diesel, the Onan QG5800 EFI is a strong all-rounder. For commercial standby, the CPG 27.5kVA or 55kVA. For industrial prime power, talk to us - sizing a Cummins industrial set is a project we handle end to end.

Get a quote for a Cummins specification, or browse the range.

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Written by

Hanson Hire

Melbourne's trusted generator hire, sales and complete power services. ABN 56 684 753 875.

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