Matching a PTO generator to compact tractor

[Rod in Forfar]

How much PTO generator could I run with a 17 hp diesel tractor? With a 35 hp?

We're looking at laying one in for occasional welding rather than paying $600/year for a second electrical service for the garage.

Thanks,

Rod

 

[RalphVa]

Find out the maximum output of the generator in kw and then divide by 0.746 to get the amount of PTO hp needed to power it. Your PTO hp depends on whether you're gear or hydro driven. Typically, a 17 hp hydro tractor may only have about 12 at the PTO.

Ralph

 

[fixit]

Quite big as the load is only on the tractor when you apply it to the generator

apart from a little loss in the gear box

I have a 20Kva generator that i run from my bolens G174 17hp tractor

I got the generator cheap ｣100 as part of a deal on a job for a local farmer

Cheaper if fact that i could have got a rubbish petrol one

When he uprated his to 40Kva

I have loaded it to 10hp up till now with no issues

the biggest problem with a small tractor is if you have a lot of varying loads

then you need to keep a closer eye on the engine revs

Hope that helps Chris

 

[have_blue]

the biggest problem with a small tractor is if you have a lot of varying loads

then you need to keep a closer eye on the engine revs

That's an important point. The tractor will spin a 15KW generator just fine until a big load is put on it. If the welds are short and there is plenty of flywheel effect, the tractor could even overachieve a bit.

 

[Transit]

How much PTO generator could I run with a 17 hp diesel tractor? With a 35 hp?

We're looking at laying one in for occasional welding rather than paying $600/year for a second electrical service for the garage.

Thanks,

Rod

What is [ with a 35?]

 

[Rod in Forfar]

As well as the Bolens/Iseki 17, I have a couple of other small tractors, including a 37, a 35, and a 30 hp (gas).

 

[dstig1]

Any reason you can't just run a line from the house and put a subpanel in the garage?

 

[jenkinsph]

How much PTO generator could I run with a 17 hp diesel tractor? With a 35 hp?

We're looking at laying one in for occasional welding rather than paying $600/year for a second electrical service for the garage.

Thanks,

Rod

Why not look into an engine driven welder instead? This would provide welding as well as generator functions. There are lots of sizes available depending on your needs, I have a Miller Trailblazer that I have been satisfied with for many years.

 

[Rod in Forfar]

Any reason you can't just run a line from the house and put a subpanel in the garage?

I have a 10 gauge line to the outbuildings for 220 volt, 30 amp service. With care that should run the woodworking tools and my son's car hoist.

 

[zzvyb6]

To answer the question you asked, rather than giving up a question from the answer, I believe the general rule of thumb is 2 hp per kw. So, that means 8.5 kw from 17 hp and 17 kw from 35 hp.

However, comma, I just happen to have a 50 kw Winpower pto alternator and 'only' a 35 hp tractor. It "theoretically" should take 100 hp to run it balls out. But, I don't have the 100 hp JD4020 or equivalent that the book says it requires. Nevertheless, we all get along just fine. I can throw the welder into the front bucket, genny on the back, and go where no welder has gone before. Tractor has never hit the governor even with the whole house A/C in tow.

Go figure. Buy what you need, but get a bargain if you can while you are at it. These Winpowers go for about $700 - $1500 at farm auctions and Craigslist around here (15 - 50 kw).

BTW: I made up a drop case for my JD F935 diesel lawnmower (20+ hp) that can turn a standard 540 pto shaft. (Pictures on this site under attachments somewhere). It runs this genny just fine with a welder load. This is handy when I've just washed, waxed and detailed the tractor and it's spotlessly sitting in the living room watching the LifeTime Movie Network all nice and warm and cuddly (and in HD!), and don't want to splash any goobers on it from doing real work, don't ya know.