Electric Inverter Run off Tractor

[SPYDERLK]

My thoughts exactly. I am thinking he is good to go as is. I still think my Anderson powerpole connectors are a good idea for good connections and quick removal.

James K0UA

Cant fault those connectors. I was talking cheap and easy with the lug under a butterfly nut.
larry

 

[Egon]

After all is said and done it might be easier/cheaper to buy a small generator.

 

[SPYDERLK]

After all is said and done it might be easier/cheaper to buy a small generator.

Easier in the short run. A maintenance issue in the long. Not cheaper, nor as convenient since you can install or always carry the inverter on the tractor because of its small size.
larry

 

[Egon]

Easier in the short run. A maintenance issue in the long. Not cheaper, nor as convenient since you can install or always carry the inverter on the tractor because of its small size.
larry

The convinience may be a debatable matter. The generator allows for quite a few other jobs that could require AC power.

Some cost comparison from Canada.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/SolarPortablePower/Inverters.jsp
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...4P/Champion+1500W+Gas+Generator.jsp?locale=en

 

[Joe1]

I do have a Craftsmen edger with a 3 hp sidevalve engine. I wonder what size alternator that would be able to handle. With a 3:2 reduction @ 3,600 rpm it would turn the alternator at 2,400 rpm. Anyone have any ideas about the size alternator it could handle?

 

[k0ua]

I do have a Craftsmen edger with a 3 hp sidevalve engine. I wonder what size alternator that would be able to handle. With a 3:2 reduction @ 3,600 rpm it would turn the alternator at 2,400 rpm. Anyone have any ideas about the size alternator it could handle?

All calculations are approximate.
3.5 hp X 746watts per horsepower=2611 watts.

Volt X Amps =Watts we will use 14 as the nominal charging voltage
and assume 85 percent efficiency for the alternator.. some may be more, some may be less.. this is a guess.

14 X Amps=2611 so = 186.5 amps X .85= 158 amps

I would derate this even more and say an 100 amp alternator would be fine

James K0UA

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. and in a real world situation, I'd devalue 746 to about 500 and call it safe...

that drops the 158 to 105

a perfect match for that 100a alternator that was sugested.

soundguy

 

[Egon]

The applied load may be the determing factor.

 

[Soundguy]

as the OP asked, 'what could be handled', james and I merely gave an estimate of practical max capacity.

OF COURSE real power produced and hp used and fuel used will depend upon electrical load. I don't believe anyone implied contrary to that.

soundguy

 

[Redneck in training]

I do have a Craftsmen edger with a 3 hp side valve engine. I wonder what size alternator that would be able to handle. With a 3:2 reduction @ 3,600 rpm it would turn the alternator at 2,400 rpm. Anyone have any ideas about the size alternator it could handle?

12V/24V Automotive alternator doesn't need reduction. Since two pole 110/220V/60Hz requires 3600 rpm it also doesn't need reduction. Four pole will require 1800 rpm.