Generator PTO generator feedback

[mattman]

I would like some feedback on 12kw to 15kw generators. What brand have you got, where did you get it, how much, are you happy with it? How about running various sensitive electrical things like computers and TV's.

If you have one and used it give me your opinion's.

Thanks

 

[jimgerken]

GenPower

I bought from these guys. Mine is 15kW, no longer listed model. Their stuff is top-notch with solid-state active circuitry controlling voltage to very tight tolerances. Big (3") freq and voltage meters, mounted on control box which is shock mounted from generator itself. Came in a mint 3-point cage, with pto shaft and power cord with plug on one end.
Buy a 1800 rpm armature model if you can afford it.

 

[Phineas7]

Actually stuff like computers and TV's are some of the least sensitive stuff because the power supplies are all switching supplies now (as oppose to linear that's more of a brute force regulation), therefore can easily tollerate variances in voltage and frequency. Many are rated to handle 110 - 220v and 50 or 60 hz supply power.

It's stuff like refridgerators, air conditioners, washing machines, well pumps that you can burn up with low voltage / low frequency. Basically, stuff with motors, especially big motors that require lots of starting current. Not to mention how much more they cost!

 

[Max2310]

I've been trying not to say anything but I can't hold it.

You would let your tractor run unattended (Security tip #1) while watching tv and/or surfing the Web? I know I wouldn't, I gave up which is why I bought a standalone generator... Food for thought.

That's it, I've said it. Please don't be mad at me

 

[mattman]

I never even thought about leaving my tractor unattended.. Are we worried about it tearing something up while running. Or are we worried about someone messing with it while it is running??

The main thing I am needing power for is a well pump.. I can survive awhile with my little 4kw generator but am in need of water. When your water is out you get in a bind. Like toliets don't flush. no water to cook, no water to wash dishes, no water to take a bath. It's bad without water..

 

[BobRip]

I never even thought about leaving my tractor unattended.. Are we worried about it tearing something up while running. Or are we worried about someone messing with it while it is running??

The main thing I am needing power for is a well pump.. I can survive awhile with my little 4kw generator but am in need of water. When your water is out you get in a bind. Like toliets don't flush. no water to cook, no water to wash dishes, no water to take a bath. It's bad without water..

Most generators shutdown on low oil. I doubt if your tractor does. Also you have a water cooling system which has all sorts of failure modes. I think these are the big concerns.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Most generators shutdown on low oil. I doubt if your tractor does. Also you have a water cooling system which has all sorts of failure modes. I think these are the big concerns.

Pessimism is easy. Optimism takes a lot of work.
Bob Rip

That seems to be the case here...
larry

 

[zzvyb6]

I have a 50kw pto Winco alternator. It does the job, even A/C if necessary. My tractor diesel has good hoses, good oil, I check oil and its quiet. Plenty of diesel around, and when the community looses power, all the gas gets in short supply. Not true for diesel. Just because its 50kw rating doesn't mean you need 100+ hp to run it. I ran it off a 22hp Yanmar just fine. Never have cracked the governor.

No gas engines, no bad gas, (my tractor doesn't need an oil shutoff), no leaky or rotted gas hoses, no borrowing by the neighbor, don't need the tractor for anything else when the power goes down. No need to run it 24/7 anyways. Price was $1500 (good deal)! Bought a Kill-o-Watt voltage and frequency meter at Costco for $22. to monitor it. I don't advertise that I have one. Next best thing might be natural gas standalone. Plus you have a portable welding source as well as anything else you need out in the field. I take my electric pressure washer on field trips occasionally.

 

[RoyJackson]

Several of the John Deere CUTS use a variation of the YANMAR industrial/marine diesel engines which are built for steady RPM continous use. Quite a few tractors are used as stationary power units.
That does not mean the owner ignores the engine except for refueling every 5 or 6 hours but does mean these engines can handle PTO generators. I don't have a PTO generator (no need...yet) but I do suggest checking engine oil at every refueling.

 

[Phineas7]

I'd leave mine running a generator. It doesn't burn that much oil! If I had so little confidence in it, I'd get rid of it.