When you think of generators fighting the extreme heat of the outback, powering a remote mine-site at 3 am, or keeping vital services online during a blackout in suburban Sydney, one name consistently rises: Powerlite Australia.
Founded back in 1964 and based in Kings Park, NSW, Powerlite has built a reputation over five decades for rugged, reliable power solutions designed specifically for the harsh reality of Australian conditions.
Yanmar engines have played a big role in building that reputation, and Darren Broughton says it is not unusual for his clients, (new and repeat customers alike), to ask specifically for a Yanmar in their generator pack.
Powerlite Australia most commonly utilise Yanmar’s famous L48, L70 and L100 air cooled diesels and variants of the powerhouse TNV Yanmars where larger generator sets are required.
Putting it simply, Darren says: “Yes, we’ve tried other brands over the years, but the Yanmars just don’t let you down.”
Great engines compliment Australian design
At the heart of Powerlite’s story is their commitment to designing and manufacturing locally.
Their portable generator lines—ranging from 3 kVA to upwards of 16 kVA, (and beyond in custom builds), are engineered to Australian standards, equipped with genuine components such as Yanmar engines, and paired with Mecc Alte alternators.
This isn’t simply importing boxes and slapping a sticker on them – Powerlite are about building machines that can stand up to dusty sites, searing summer days, and long hours of operation.
As Powerlite themselves note, every portable generator is “individually run and fully load tested to ensure their rated output prior to shipping”.
It’s a similar philosophy and operating procedure that Power Equipment employs before sending out any of its engines.
Powerlite doesn’t just serve one niche either. Their client base spans government and emergency services (including producing purpose-built equipment for NSW Fire and Rescue since 1992), mining and large-scale industrial sites and a wide range of backup and portable generators for retail application, hire companies and home power backup.
The best generator for the job
What sets Powerlite apart is their “bespoke” mindset.
With a wide range of pre-designed portable units, they also build larger customised generator sets, trailer-mounted systems, lighting towers and hybrid solutions to meet the demanding requirements of clients in mining camps, emergency services and remote worksites.
For example, their mine site spec generators can include custom inclusions like twin lock-out safety for both battery and cranking, separate ELCB’s on outlets with two-pole circuit breakers and even fire extinguisher inclusion.
It’s not just the physical build either – this Australian OEM company is ISO9001 accredited and designs for compliance with Australian Standards, climatic extremes and regulatory needs.
From the quiet suburb of Kings Park in Sydney to remote mining camps and essential government services, Powerlite Australia has grown through decades of experience with Power Equipment’s Yanmars into a dependable name in the power generation landscape.
Powerlite brings the engineering, service and local know-how to ensure you’re not just buying a machine—but securing a long-term partner.
In a world where power failures can mean lost productivity, downtime or worse, that difference can matter. Power Equipment is proud to also be a long-term partner with the Powerlite Australia legend.
Why Yanmar LN and TNV engines?
Yanmar LN Series – Compact Power with Proven Durability
The Yanmar LN Series of air-cooled diesel engines delivers a rare combination of simplicity, ruggedness and clean performance.
Built for portable generators, pumps and compact construction equipment, the LN Series is designed to thrive in tough Australian conditions.
Its direct injection combustion system ensures excellent fuel efficiency and crisp throttle response, while the air-cooling design eliminates the need for radiators or coolant, reducing maintenance demands and failure points.
Heavy-duty crankcases, precision-ground crankshafts and a forged steel connecting rod ensure long service life under continuous loads.
With low vibration, easy recoil or electric start options, and compliance with stringent emission standards, the LN Series represents Yanmar’s legacy of reliable, lightweight diesel engineering.
Yanmar TNV Series – Advanced Water-Cooled Diesel Performance
For higher power and continuous-duty applications, Yanmar’s TNV Series water-cooled diesel engines deliver refined performance and efficiency.
Incorporating direct injection, high-pressure fuel systems and advanced combustion chamber design, the TNV range achieves outstanding torque delivery and low noise while meeting a range of international emissions standards.
Each unit features a robust cast-iron block, high-capacity oil and cooling systems, and precision-balanced components for smoother, longer operation.
Available in two, three, and four-cylinder configurations, the TNV range powers everything from industrial equipment to generator sets, where dependable, low-emission output is essential.
