How to Buy a Used Gas Turbine: Complete Buyer's Guide

Purchasing a used gas turbine is a significant investment that requires careful evaluation. Whether you're looking for a GE LM6000, Solar Titan 130, or Siemens SGT series, this guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed buying decision.

Why Buy a Used Gas Turbine?

Used gas turbines offer substantial cost savings compared to new equipment—typically 40-60% less than OEM new pricing—with significantly shorter lead times. While a new turbine might take 12-24 months for delivery, a used unit can be operational in weeks or months. This makes used turbines particularly attractive for:

• Fast-track projects where time-to-power is critical
• Budget-constrained operations maximizing capital efficiency
• Peak shaving and backup power applications
• Expansion of existing facilities with compatible units
• Data center power generation requiring rapid deployment

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Before searching for a turbine, clearly define your technical requirements:

• Power output needed (MW or kWe) — include de-rating factors for altitude and ambient temperature
• Fuel type — Natural gas, diesel/ liquid fuel, or dual fuel capability
• Application — Simple cycle, combined cycle, cogeneration (CHP), or mechanical drive
• Site conditions — Altitude, ambient temperature range, and emissions regulations
• Grid requirements — Frequency (50/60 Hz), voltage, and interconnection standards
• Physical constraints — Available footprint, weight limits, and noise restrictions

Step 2: Research Available Models

Each manufacturer and model has different characteristics. Here are the most common used gas turbines on the market:

General Electric (GE)

• LM6000 — 40-50 MW, aeroderivative, excellent for peaking and mid-range duty
• LM2500 — 20-30 MW, aeroderivative, proven marine and industrial applications
• Frame 5/6/6FA — 25-40 MW, heavy-duty industrial, robust and long-lasting
• Frame 7E/9E/9FA — 80-200 MW, large utility-scale, combined-cycle capable

Siemens

• SGT-100 to SGT-400 — 5-15 MW, industrial, suitable for oil & gas and power generation
• SGT-500 to SGT-800 — 17-50 MW, industrial, high efficiency

Solar Turbines

• Titan 130 — 10-15 MW, industrial, robust and reliable for continuous duty
• Mars 100 — 10-12 MW, popular for pipeline compression and power generation
• Centaur 40/50 — 3.5-5 MW, smaller footprint for distributed generation

Rolls Royce / Centrax

• Avon — 10-15 MW, aeroderivative, known for reliability
• RB211 — 25-30 MW, aeroderivative, high power density
• Allison 501-K — 3-5 MW, compact aeroderivative

Step 3: Inspection Checklist

When you've identified a candidate turbine, a thorough inspection is critical. Here's our recommended checklist:

Documentation Review

• Operating hours (total, since last major overhaul, since last hot section inspection)
• Number of starts (total and recent)
• Maintenance logbooks and service records
• Major overhaul history (date, scope, parts replaced)
• Hot gas path inspection reports
• Borescope inspection videos and reports
• Original manufacturer documentation (OMM, drawings)
• Emissions test reports (if available)
• Load history (base load, peaking, or cyclic operation)
• Fuel types used and fuel treatment records

Physical Inspection

• Compressor condition (blade tips, leading edges, coatings)
• Combustion chamber and transition pieces
• Turbine blades and vanes (first and second stage especially)
• Hot section coatings condition
• Bearing housing and vibration history
• Lube oil system and oil analysis reports
• Fuel system components (valves, nozzles, pumps)
• Control system (Mark V, Mark VI, or other)
• Generator/excitation system condition
• Enclosure and auxiliary systems
• Corrosion or damage evidence from storage

Step 4: Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond the purchase price, consider these cost factors:

• Transportation and logistics — Heavy-lift shipping, customs, insurance
• Installation and commissioning — Foundation work, alignment, balance-of-plant integration
• Spare parts availability — Check if critical spares are readily available for the model
• Service network — Is OEM or third-party service support accessible in your region?
• Controls upgrade — Older units may need control system modernization
• Emissions compliance — Dry low NOx (DLN) upgrades or SCR may be required

Step 5: Work With a Broker

A specialized gas turbine broker like Roy Power Specialist adds value to the buying process:

• Access to off-market inventory — Many turbines sell before they're publicly listed
• Introduction to sellers — We connect you with sellers that match your requirements
• Market insight — We share our knowledge of market pricing to inform your negotiations
• Transaction introduction — We facilitate introductions between buyer and seller; negotiations, inspections, logistics, and payment are handled directly between parties
• Global sourcing — We help you find the right unit wherever it is in the world

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours on a used gas turbine is too many?

It depends on the model, maintenance history, and operating conditions. Many industrial turbines run 100,000+ hours with proper maintenance. Key factors are the time since last major overhaul and hot section condition rather than total hours alone.

Can I inspect a turbine before purchase?

Yes. Reputable sellers and brokers facilitate inspections. This typically includes documentation review, a physical site visit, and often borescope inspection. At Roy Power Specialist, we connect buyers and sellers who then coordinate inspections directly between themselves.

How long does it take to purchase and receive a used turbine?

The timeline varies but typically ranges from 4-12 weeks from initial inquiry to delivery, depending on location, logistics complexity, and whether the unit is operational or stored. This is significantly faster than the 12-24 months for new equipment.

What warranty do I get with a used turbine?

Warranty terms vary by seller. Some offer limited warranties on major components, while others sell as-is, where-is. A broker can help negotiate warranty terms and arrange third-party inspection for added protection.

Can I get financing for a used gas turbine?

Yes, many lenders finance used power equipment. Documentation requirements typically include inspection reports, maintenance records, and a valuation assessment. Some brokers may have relationships with financing partners familiar with the used turbine market.