Sawyer Rob
Super Member
My 15kw Winco pto generator starts my 5hp compressor, no problem at all, and it pulls 24.5 amps on 220V, so the start load must be pretty good.
SR
SR
I don't understand why their TX12 can't start a 3 hp motor. 12,000 watts is about 5 times the running wattage of your 3 HP motor. But what really matters is the current draw when starting. Depending on the motor and the mechanical load on the motor when it starts the starting current can be more, much more, than 5 times the running current. I think Baumalight is just trying to cover their butt because they don't know what the starting current of your motor is going to be.I was looking at Baumalight's site at the TX12 specifically, and it had a warning in the manual to not use for over 2HP motors or the generator could be damaged. I emailed Baumalight and they confirmed, none of the TX series are rated for more than 2HP regardless of watts, and they recommend the 4 pole KR or QC series. I have a 3HP well pump and need something to power it.
If Baumalight says this, do other manufacturers - Winco, Northstar, IMD, HF- have a similar requirement? I have looked at some of them but have never come across this type of warning.
For those with PTO generators, do you run motors larger than 2 HP and if so, are there any problems or issues?
I wonder if being a two pole unit the stability and recovery of the unit is the limiting factor for high starting loads. The two pole design is going to have twice the hz drop as the four pole for the same tractor rpm drop with the initial load, and it may have more trouble recovering to a stable load situation.Thank you for the replies. I have not bought one yet, but I’m getting very close to pulling the trigger. I like the Baumalight, but the warning may be a dealbreaker.
Here is what the response was from them, it could be a CYA statement or some deep electrical reason as mentioned above.
”The info is indeed correct & the TX series is a 2 pole unit & is not capable of handling the start up requirements of motors beyond 2 Horsepower. The KR or QC series are 4 pole winding units delivering a more consistent supply & are capable of handling such high start loads of larger motors”.
Looking at the 10KW and 16KW IMD, they’re on sale for the next week. I really like the AVR, although a Sense Flex or similar could do they same. However they don’t have surge ratings, just continuous.
I am also considering the 12k Northstar, it gets good reviews, with surge to 13kw. And the 15KW Winco.
On a slightly different question, for those with 60Amp plugs, how did you connect it to your house? I haven’t found a premade cord and manufacturers want you to buy the plug to install on #4/4 section of cord. That’s fine but what about the other end? Is it wired to the breaker or do you have an external plug?
Keep in mind that a 2 pole head has to spin at 3600 rpm to produce 60hz, where as a 4 pole head spins at half that speed. My diesel Generac is a 4 pole head, direct coupled to the JD turbo diesel engine.
Also, keep in mind that the larger generator you purchase, the bigger the tractor has to be to drive it.