Increasing fuel capacity

[smartascii]

So, here痴 the deal: I have an LS XG3140, which is a 40-horse CUT, for those of you who don稚 keep up with LS model numbers. I bought a PTO-driven generator from the cheap tool store (which, for $1199 w/ coupon at 15kw is an incredibly cheap way to get generator power). It痴 enough to keep the whole house running when the power goes out here in the sticks. My question is this: the tractor has a 7.4 gallon tank, and sometimes, the power goes out overnight. Running at PTO speeds with the house heat pump going, it burns right around a gallon per hour. What I知 wondering is whether there痴 an easy way to increase the fuel capacity, because I知 always super cautious about letting a diesel run dry, so I tend to fret after it痴 been going for 5-6 hours, and then I run out and fill it up. The tank is mounted above the top link on the 3- point, if that makes a difference. Any suggestions or education would be appreciated!

 

[WranglerX]

If you get a three way valve (manual/electric?) like used in pickups with dual tanks, you can possibly (??) put it between tank outlet and booster pump and maybe connect line to 25 to 55 gallon drum beside tractor... Real question is will booster pump pick up prime and can it lift it to mechanical pump.... Anyway its just a concept worth looking at. it may not be feasible...

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Fuel-Three-Way-Valve-Brass/dp/B000MTB7QA

Probably put a quick disconnect (fuel certified) on auxiliary tank line at valve so it can be removed for normal tractor operation...

Dale

 

[RNeumann]

My little Honda has an aftermarket cap that allows for the use of a bigger aftermarket tank. But like stated above I don’t know how that would work on your model.

If it was me I’d find a tank I could hang from the ROPS or bucket and gravity to the engine like the factory tank.

Tee in etc as suggested above.

 

[shooterdon]

I would not run a tractor all night at near full throttle for a variety of reasons.

Consider buying 2000 watt inverter gas unit. They will run for 8 hours on a gallon of gas and have enough power for essential items (except well pump) overnight.

 

[smartascii]

I had wondered about extended runtime. Do you mind expanding on why you would not want to do that?

 

[RNeumann]

I had wondered about extended runtime. Do you mind expanding on why you would not want to do that?

If that’s the case I agree with above- it’s hard on the engine to run at that RPM with no load for extended periods. A little generator that will run a room heater for the bedroom with the door closed is all you need. Everything else will be fine overnight.

If you insist on using the tractor consider a little PTO gearbox that gets the gen to the right phase with less RPM. While not ideal, it’s better.

 

[WranglerX]

I agree with the economics of buying small gasoline/propane (dual fuel) powered generator seems a lot more practical than running a very big expensive tractor for extended periods of time.... I have a 6500 watt genny that runs my pump, refrigerator and TV and satellite dish... For heat I use fireplace....

IF you have severe and reoccurring power shortages, get a propane power system with auto transfer with and all the good stuff... Longest you will be without power is maybe 10 minutes...

I been lucky this year, been only 1 power loss and only for about 6 hours and it was storming so I was to lazy and did not want to get wet hooking up generator, so we just toughed it out...

Dale

 

[smartascii]

My thinking was, a whole house generator is about $20-25k, after you factor in the fact that I have neither natural gas nor propane, so you have to install a propane tank. The tractor costs me diesel and maintenance. But if I’m going to ruin a $20k tractor doing this, maybe I need to rethink. I assume it’s running under some load, between the heat pump and water heaters and air handler and so on, even when the lights are out. Am I harming the tractor by doing this? The power goes out maybe once every 2-3 months for between 2 and 15 hours, though it tends to be on the short end of that spectrum.

 

[Hunter29]

My thinking was, a whole house generator is about $20-25k, after you factor in the fact that I have neither natural gas nor propane, so you have to install a propane tank. The tractor costs me diesel and maintenance. But if I知 going to ruin a $20k tractor doing this, maybe I need to rethink. I assume it痴 running under some load, between the heat pump and water heaters and air handler and so on, even when the lights are out. Am I harming the tractor by doing this? The power goes out maybe once every 2-3 months for between 2 and 15 hours, though it tends to be on the short end of that spectrum.

Not that much, look here.. get yourself a 1800rpm diesel


Diesel Generators for Home Power or Off-Grid Electricity

 

[RNeumann]

My thinking was, a whole house generator is about $20-25k, after you factor in the fact that I have neither natural gas nor propane, so you have to install a propane tank. The tractor costs me diesel and maintenance. But if I’m going to ruin a $20k tractor doing this, maybe I need to rethink. I assume it’s running under some load, between the heat pump and water heaters and air handler and so on, even when the lights are out. Am I harming the tractor by doing this? The power goes out maybe once every 2-3 months for between 2 and 15 hours, though it tends to be on the short end of that spectrum.

Problem is all those loads are only using power a small fraction of the time. The majority of the time you would have the RPMs up on the tractor with no load on it. The tractor is great for big constant loads like an ag pump. Or to run for a few hours in the morning and evening to run the water heater, heat pump, refer etc. But the rest of the time a little gen is all that’s needed.

To put it in perspective- My thermostat sends me a monthly report with usage. In North Idaho my heater ran a total of 162 hours for the entire month of January 2019. That’s only 5-6 hours a day....

With some prudent gen usage I’m betting you only need to run the tractor a few hours a day to get things very comfortable- cold refer, hot shower and a warm house.