Generator why aren't pto generators a lot cheaper?

[Soundguy]

Ditto.. 2hp per kw.. the lower number works great on paper.. but no in real life..

soundguy

 

[sixdogs]

Realize a lot of retail items like generators are market priced, and not priced on cost + margin.

Great example: Buy a 20oz Pepsi at a convenience store, and you will pay about $1.29 plus deposit and tax. At the same store, many times you can buy a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi for $0.99 plus deposit and tax.

The PTO generator market is not as competitive as the gas genset market. As a result, the profit margins haven't been eroded by competition, and manufacturers can charge more. As long as the market bears it, or competitors don't drive down price, we will continue to pay a premium for PTO gensets.

IowaAndy

What he said. I see this effect on other items as well.

 

[have_blue]

It takes 2HP per KW of electrical load to produce SUSTAINABLE electric power on a small scale. ...

Yes, you are correct, but only if you max out your generator. It's not wise to max it out unless you have way more HP than the generator requires. If it bogs down, all you have to do is unplug something.

If you have a 25KW generator and you need to max it out, your generator is too small for your needs.

Driveline inefficiencies and losses are already compensated for in the PTO HP rating. At least they are supposed to be!

 

[Soundguy]

I don't see a connection in the amount of hp it takes to make a KW.. vs load on the genny being max or not. If you've got 2pto hp available per kw you anticipate as a load.. and the genny is rated for that load.. you are in good territory.

soundguy

Yes, you are correct, but only if you max out your generator. It's not wise to max it out unless you have way more HP than the generator requires. If it bogs down, all you have to do is unplug something.

If you have a 25KW generator and you need to max it out, your generator is too small for your needs.

Driveline inefficiencies and losses are already compensated for in the PTO HP rating. At least they are supposed to be!

 

[capi75rs]

Just my 2 cents, I went with a stand alone unit. I only have 1 tractor, If I had two I may have went with PTO. The main times we loose pwr in my neck of the woods is during spring storms, high winds tornados etc, which I need my tractor for clean up. The other time is during winter ice and snow storms, which SOMETIMES I need my tractor for moving snow or downed branches. My 5KW has 10 HP engine and runs 12 hours on 5 gal of gas. I can run my refredge, freezer, and furnace along with a few lights, even get to watch TV at night

 

[have_blue]

I don't see a connection in the amount of hp it takes to make a KW.. vs load on the genny being max or not. If you've got 2pto hp available per kw you anticipate as a load.. and the genny is rated for that load.. you are in good territory.

soundguy

I'm mainly saying that it's not wise to run your generator on maximum output all the time. Just like any tool, it won't last as long if run at maximum load all the time. Just because a generator is 25KW doesn't mean you run it at 25KW all the time.

It's better to have a generator that's rated at about the same KW as your PTO. (plus 5% or so). That way, you get the best fuel efficiency. No use driving a 25KW generator with a 50KW PTO.

 

[Egon]

I'm mainly saying that it's not wise to run your generator on maximum output all the time.

Uhh, doesn't the rpm have to remain constant for the proper hertz frequency?

 

[J_J]

Uhh, doesn't the rpm have to remain constant for the proper hertz frequency?

Yes, and that is where the electronic speed control on the tractor would monitor the rpm and adjust for any load changes.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Here is even a better deal. I have seen one in person at my local store and they seem nice for the money. https://www.ruralking.com/Store/detail.aspx?ID=15098

Chris

 

[WilliamBos]

Here is even a better deal. I have seen one in person at my local store and they seem nice for the money. https://www.ruralking.com/Store/detail.aspx?ID=15098

Chris

Looks like the same one, priced better.

Thanks. Looks like another store we need up here!!