PTO generator selection help

[Sawyer Rob]

I ran across an interesting PTO generator video on YouTube. This is an old IH PTO generator. I think it's rated 13.5 kw continuous 3 phase, or about 4k single phase. I have thought about shopping for a used 3 phase generator like this because 3 phase shop equipment is a lot cheaper than single phase.

Problem is, is the cost to run it!!

I went with a rotary phase converter, and it has worked out very well for me.

SR

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Problem is, is the cost to run it!!

I went with a rotary phase converter, and it has worked out very well for me.

SR

Good point, though you don't need 72 PTO HP to run a little 13.5 kw. generator.

 

[ponytug]

I would love to find one of those at a good price, but I haven't seen any locally. It works especially well if you have the option for 1000rpm PTO, and then slow the tractor down to get 540 shaft speed. Fuel economy goes way up.

For my small 3 phase devices, I just use VFDs as they have a number of other nice features like soft starting, and braking, but I always add snubbers to reduce the harmonics into the motor windings.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Popgadget]

For my small 3 phase devices, I just use VFDs as they have a number of other nice features like soft starting, and braking,

Agreed. I replaced the rotary converter on my Bridgeport with a VFD and added a remote potentiometer and fwd/rev control on the DRO arm. It’s worlds better than the big old rotary converter.

 

[Hughman]

Back to the original question... Winco W15PTOS vs IMD PTO16-SAVR. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger and find myself leaning towards winco. I need something bigger than my portable to run the well and pressure pumps.

 

[workinonit]

I have a 25 kW Winco that I have been running for years.

 

[LouNY]

Is either of them a 4 pole or are they both 2 pole units.
I believe the 4 pole will provide cleaner power with better recovery.

 

[Hughman]

I believe they are both brushless 2- pole

 

[zzvyb6]

I can run mine off my lawnmower. I bought a 3:1 reduction gearbox with a 540 spline output shaft and made a bracket to hold it. The JD935 is on 22 h.p. but serves all our needs. I use a Kill-A-Watt monitor to get frequency. The only 'problem' is that not everyone in the home is savvy enough to drag it out and hook it up. I'm considering a 3 cyl Shibaura or Yanmar diesel motor out of a junk mower to dedicate it to full time standby. Park it in a doghouse. I also just had to pay $1000 for a natural gas meter upgrade for a standby generator, but there weren't any available in the size I needed. The PTO option has other uses, too. Power out in the Way-Back for pumps, welder, air compressor, etc.

 

[ponytug]

@zzvyb6 nice work! Thanks for sharing it.

All the best,

Peter