PTO Generator experience with GC2410

[tsteahr]

Thanks to Irene I had the opportunity to use my 10KW pto generator for backup power. I was without power for about a week and logged about 80 hrs with the generator powering the house. I can share some observations if there is anyone out there considering using a PTO generator for backup power.

Overall performance of the IMD 10KW unit driven by the GC2410 was excellent. The combination is much quieter than similarly sized gas powered portable units from a box store. The GC holds the set pto speed rpm for hours and never drifts. The governor is up to the task of maintaining engine speed as generator load varies. I observed approximately 1HZ variation between no load condition and full output at 10kw.

What I found surprising is the power of the Iseki motor. MF has the 2410 rated at 18.7hp at the PTO. In theory this is insufficient HP to drive a 10kw generator to full output. However the GC was able to drive the generator to the point of tripping the 40amp 240v main output breaker (trying to start a 4 ton AC unit). Based on the tone of the engine, I believe she had more power in her. My gut feeling is the GC could drive 11KW or possibly slightly more. A 12kw generator would be a reasonable match as well.

Fuel consumption was slightly under 1/2 gallon per hour with the generator delivering on average between 3kw and 6kw. I would burn about 5 gallons per 11-12 hrs.

In summary the GC makes a great power unit to drive 10kw-12kw of backup power. It is significantly quieter then a stand alone gas unit with less fuel consumption. I believe the GC maintains a smoother frequency than inexpensive gas units. My experience with box store gas units is they tend to hunt and surge rather than hold a steady rpm. This is more pronounced at light load. The GC exhibits none of this behavior.

So for those that are considering a PTO unit as a alternative to a box store gas generator, the GC will do a excellent job of driving a 10kw-11kw PTO generator.

 

[sandman2234]

Interesting read...
Glad you liked your setup. I have a 10Kw pto style generator modified to fit my lawnmower. Haven't had much chance to use it, as you guys seem to be getting all the storms. The best tool I can think of is an unused generator, lol. I am in no hurry to test it out either.
I was wondering why you logged so many hours during just a week, seems 80 is way too many for just a week off grid, unless you were powering multiple houses.
David from jax

 

[WilliamBos]

Thanks for the review. Did you shut the GC down at all in the 80 hours??

 

[General Lee]

Interesting. I've been debating a PTO generator, however I'm not to keen on racking up hours on the tractor just sitting running a generator. I'm torn on the decision and not sure if it would be cost effective. My tractor would have to run close to full throttle for 540 rpm. For a stand alone generator, you buy cost and fuel cost. PTO generator, you have buy cost, fuel cost and wear and tear on the tractor......

 

[tsteahr]

Interesting read...
Glad you liked your setup. I have a 10Kw pto style generator modified to fit my lawnmower. Haven't had much chance to use it, as you guys seem to be getting all the storms. The best tool I can think of is an unused generator, lol. I am in no hurry to test it out either.
I was wondering why you logged so many hours during just a week, seems 80 is way too many for just a week off grid, unless you were powering multiple houses.
David from jax

My better half is not one to 'rough it'. I ran the unit 3-4 hours in the morning and another 6+hrs or so in the evening. She agreed to give the GC a rest during the day. I did help my neighbor out for a couple of the days giving them about 4-5 hrs during the day. Kept their fridge cool.

Thanks for the review. Did you shut the GC down at all in the 80 hours??

:laughing: If my wife had her way we would not have shut down the GC during the entire week.

Now I'm due for a oil change in a couple more hrs. Interesting to note I'm at 248hrs and the oil in the engine (with 98 hrs on it) is barely turning dark. It looks much lighter than my car oil at 3k miles.

 

[tsteahr]

Interesting. I've been debating a PTO generator, however I'm not to keen on racking up hours on the tractor just sitting running a generator. I'm torn on the decision and not sure if it would be cost effective. My tractor would have to run close to full throttle for 540 rpm. For a stand alone generator, you buy cost and fuel cost. PTO generator, you have buy cost, fuel cost and wear and tear on the tractor......

You are correct. Lots of pros and cons to a PTO unit vs stand alone. Each person has to weigh all the factors and make their own personal choice.

One other note, To get 60hz output on the generator I have to set the engine speed to a indicated tach of about 2450rpm. Running at the "pto speed of 2600" would have me well above 60 hz. I suspect the tach is not totally accurate. The motor really felt like it was almost loafing along. Certainly not wound out screaming.

 

[sandman2234]

General,
You also have to factor in the cost of maintaining an additional engine on the chance you might need it. You would be amazed at the number of people who buy a standalone generator and stick it in the storage shed, then drag it out when a hurricane leaves them without power. Guess what, it don't run.... and they want to take it back to the box store they bought it from, expecting a new one, or a complete refund. Bottom line, when you need one, it needs to run, and pto generators don't require an engine to be maintained as long as you use your tractor regularly. Running any generator constantly is kind of a waste of fuel, in my opinion, as the necessities don't require constant running, and if your running it for the central a/c unit, then shut it off, and open the windows.
There are ways to conserve the fuel (and tractor hours) if you want lights on all the time. A simple battery bank (take them out of your vehicles) and use an invertor to run a couple of lights. You can charge the batteries while your running the pto generator in intervals of a couple of hours to keep freezers going, or while cooking, if you don't have an outdoor grill.
David from jax

 

[Duffster]

I'm not to keen on racking up hours on the tractor just sitting running a generator.

My tractor would have to run close to full throttle for 540 rpm.

wear and tear on the tractor......

What is the downside of any of those three things?

Some extended run time would be good for most of these tractors. In the scheme of things the hours mean nothing.

 

[sandman2234]

Any chance in the future of getting the neighbor to supply his own extension cords to run his fridge off your tractor while your powering your house, rather than having to add his hours to your tractor? That might justify running your tractor a few extra minutes at your place...
It is a little far to most of my neighbors to run a cord, so mine just gets the extra time.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

What is the downside of any of those three things?

Some extended run time would be good for most of these tractors. In the scheme of things the hours mean nothing.

Well said!
David from jax