A family trying to remove a massive old generator from their grandparents' property thought the main challenge would be finding someone to haul it away.
Instead, after seeking advice from the internet, the discussion turned to whether the machine might still be repairable, a question that matters for anyone dealing with aging backup equipment that may be worth more than it looks.
Here's what to know
In a post to Reddit's r/Generator community, the original poster said their grandparents had "this massive old generator that does not work."
OP added that web searches for old generator removals mostly returned a "million sponsored 'junk removal'" results, without making it clear who could safely take an installed unit. They asked the subreddit, "Does anyone have guidance or direction I should go to have this safely removed?"
The OP also wrote that it "has been sitting for nearly 20 years not working (maybe longer)," which is why they doubted it was worth fixing.
Other users, however, said a long stretch of inactivity does not automatically mean an older generator is finished. One commenter said older equipment can sometimes survive years of sitting unless something catastrophic happened internally.
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The top comment put it more simply: "Bet it would run if serviced."
So the advice was not to call a general hauler first, but to find out whether the generator was actually beyond repair.
More background
The thread highlights a common problem with large standby generators: they do not fit neatly into standard household cleanout jobs, yet many owners have no clear roadmap for what to do with them when they stop working.
Commenters also noted that the generator may still represent some value. Depending on its condition, it could be worth repairing or at least worth more as scrap than the family expected. As one commenter put it, "You can definitely list it for free and it'll be removed. [It's] worth more than you think."
The strongest recommendation was to contact a generator specialist rather than respond to a generic removal listing. A technician can determine whether the machine can be revived and, if not, explain what proper decommissioning and removal would require, along with any remaining resale or scrap value.
Some commenters also cautioned against casually advertising a heavy generator for free pickup. One warned, "One thing to consider when giving things away for free is that it has to be decommissioned and carried away. If the person doing it is uninsured and they get hurt, your homeowners insurance will not cover injury liability."
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