PTO Generator

[lincmercguy]

I don't know exactly what your draw is on that unit. I'm...pretty old - an AC compressor "bump" from start up might be 3X the running load in the past. Newer technology (aka "soft start") might not need that capability. Probably need to zero in on that math, though.

And, not at all trying to be flippant, but could not a fan(s) get you through an emergency? I have been out in cold temps for over a week, but I don't worry about air conditioning as much. Again, it's what you and your family will accept for a short time. And, frankly, a cheap window ac unit would cool you in one room in an emergency.

Just thoughts - what you want and do is up to you...

My in-laws were without power for over a week in the humid summer from a storm this year. It gets hot here and I don't like it, so I'd like to have the option.

As far as a window unit, we have casement windows that are horizontal in all of the bedrooms. It would have to be portable AC units. I figure if I'm going to spend money on it, I'd rather get more capacity than I need rather than less. I do agree that a winter extended power outage is more likely than a summer one. We had a bad storm last winter and power was only out for around six hours at the longest stretch.

I do need to do more load homework, but thought I would start here.

 

[5030]

Actually, they make casement ac units, I have casement style windows in the back of my shop and a window unit in one of them as a supplement to the climate control in the shop itself.

 

[Catchthedig]

Problem for me is uniform pto gen output. House has 240 V electric resistance baseboard heat, which cycles on and off per house thermostat guidance. Heat, not well, fridge, stove etc, is the largest load. When the demand on the generator changes the tractor throttle speed must be adjusted. There's no governor on tractor speed except the hand or foot throttle, which requires a manual visit to the tractor. Otherwise house voltage and/or frequency vary unacceptably. How do you guys with pto gens handle this ?

 

[LouNY]

The "governor" is built into your tractors throttle control.
It should correspond to load changes and keep a steady engine rpm.
Is the whole house on one thermostat so it is a major load change to the generator.
How much does the power frequency drop when the heat cycles on.
Many pto generators have adjustable voltage regulators.

 

[lincmercguy]

Problem for me is uniform pto gen output. House has 240 V electric resistance baseboard heat, which cycles on and off per house thermostat guidance. Heat, not well, fridge, stove etc, is the largest load. When the demand on the generator changes the tractor throttle speed must be adjusted. There's no governor on tractor speed except the hand or foot throttle, which requires a manual visit to the tractor. Otherwise house voltage and/or frequency vary unacceptably. How do you guys with pto gens handle this ?

In your case, I might consider shutting off the baseboard electric heat when running the PTO generator unless you have a very large one. My last place had baseboard electric and a 200amp panel to support it. If I were to run this on that house, I'd probably shut off all of the baseboard breakers and allow them to run one at a time. That place had a very effective wood stove in the basement and underground power, which I why I bought the small 240V generator so I could run the well.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Problem for me is uniform pto gen output. House has 240 V electric resistance baseboard heat, which cycles on and off per house thermostat guidance. Heat, not well, fridge, stove etc, is the largest load. When the demand on the generator changes the tractor throttle speed must be adjusted. There's no governor on tractor speed except the hand or foot throttle, which requires a manual visit to the tractor. Otherwise house voltage and/or frequency vary unacceptably. How do you guys with pto gens handle this ?

Are you sure your tractor does not have a governor? Most modern brands do. As long as it is working properly, a governor maintains RPM as the load varies. It does not increase or decrease it.

What tractor / PTO generator combination are you using?

 

[Catchthedig]

My tractor is a 28 hp 1984 John Deere 950 and does not (so far as I know) have a governor. It also has an annoying "throttle creep" when working stationary. I override the creep with a velcro strap on the hand throttle. The generator is a Winpower 14 kW (now Winco ?) at least 10 years old. It does not seem to have any other regulation than PTO input speed. The generator body itself was made in France. Until recently I also regulated electrical consumption by switching on and off breakers to various loads. But this is getting tiresome, as is supplemental heating (after 15+ years) with a woodstove.

 

[bdhsfz6]

This is the parts diagram for the governor on the JD 950. You might check to see if they are all in place.

Here's the link to the Weingartz parts lookup page:

https://www.weingartz.com/assembly-diagram/john-deere-parts-lookup/model-950-tractor-pc1876-governor-fuel-air/4275-35272-524988

Unfortunately, most parts are no longer available.

Part of the problem might be the fact that the PTO on a 950 is rated at 27HP. Allowing for age and losses in the driveline, it may not be enough to allow your genny to produce full output. The rule of thumb is 2 HP per KW.

 

[Hughman]

I've been looking at the Winco W15PTOS, it seems appropriate for what I need. I need to check the wiring on the transfer switch to make sure it can handle 60 amps.

I see they have some three point frames as well.

I just got this very setup. The 3 point frame comes with four rubber feet but is pre-drilled so you can replace the rubber feet with caster wheels which is very nice to roll it around the garage floor.

The bracket for the lower 3 pt pins is pretty weak and will bend as I found out.

 

[CalG]

Problem for me is uniform pto gen output. House has 240 V electric resistance baseboard heat, which cycles on and off per house thermostat guidance. Heat, not well, fridge, stove etc, is the largest load. When the demand on the generator changes the tractor throttle speed must be adjusted. There's no governor on tractor speed except the hand or foot throttle, which requires a manual visit to the tractor. Otherwise house voltage and/or frequency vary unacceptably. How do you guys with pto gens handle this ?

Any tractor with a pto has a governor.

If yours doesn't, get another tractor.

 

[lincmercguy]

I just got this very setup. The 3 point frame comes with four rubber feet but is pre-drilled so you can replace the rubber feet with caster wheels which is very nice to roll it around the garage floor.

The bracket for the lower 3 pt pins is pretty weak and will bend as I found out.

Yeah, the bracket they recommend looks pretty flimsy and their heavy duty one is discontinued. I think I'd probably just grab a three point carry-all, put some PT 2x boards on it and bolt the generator to that. I could bolt on some casters for the shop floor too.

 

[CalG]

a distraction from this thread, but......

I have a very nice WIN POWER 3 phase AC generator , around 30 amps 240V (plus a 24volt supply) that would be a sweet setup pto driven. ex military for sure.

But to balance the legs in a domestic situation just seems like a lot of work.

I've considered putting a electric resistance space heater on the unused leg. But... Oh well, another time, if the need arises.

 

[rockinbbar]

I went through Hurricane Harvey and decided it was time to backup with a PTO generator.

The one I got will run the whole ranch... both houses with ac/heat going, and everything in them, including my water well.

It operates with my 75hp tractor. I put it on a 3 point hitch setup, and set it on the ground to have the drive line level when running.

Finished PTO generator with rain cover.

 

[lincmercguy]

I went through Hurricane Harvey and decided it was time to backup with a PTO generator.

The one I got will run the whole ranch... both houses with ac/heat going, and everything in them, including my water well.

It operates with my 75hp tractor. I put it on a 3 point hitch setup, and set it on the ground to have the drive line level when running.

Finished PTO generator with rain cover.

Nice. Which model is that?

 

[rockinbbar]

Nice. Which model is that?

I'd have to go look, but off the top of my head, it's a 27kw generator.

May be this one, I'm pretty sure.

They have increased in price pretty much since I got mine a couple years ago. (I was on a waiting list for a year to get it..)

Winco 202754-031 27PTOC4-03 - 27 kW Tractor-Driven PTO Generator 540 RPM

Buy Winco 202754-031 Direct. Free Shipping. Check the Winco 27PTOC4-03 - 27 kW Tractor-Driven PTO Generator (540 RPM) ratings before checking out.

www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I can easily run my whole house with my Winco 15kw pto gen set, it works perfectly.

BTW, ALL tractors have a governor...

SR

 

[Too many Kubotas]

OP, if you're in Colorado we can't be too far apart, and I have a 10K Winco that I have never used, or finished welding up the 3-point mount for.

I bought that one because I liked that it's geared to run at a bit less than 540 rpm, but ended up getting a standby generator so it's for sale. Please PM me if interested.

 

[lincmercguy]

OP, if you're in Colorado we can't be too far apart, and I have a 10K Winco that I have never used, or finished welding up the 3-point mount for.

I bought that one because I liked that it's geared to run at a bit less than 540 rpm, but ended up getting a standby generator so it's for sale. Please PM me if interested.

I need to update my profile, I moved back to Nebraska. I think I want to go with the 15k.

 

[lincmercguy]

For those with 60a or higher generators, what did you use for a generator inlet? My transfer switch has a CS6364, which is 50A. I don't see an equivalent for 60A or an inlet-style box/plug for a 14-60.

 

[LouNY]

My 25 Kw uses Anderson type connectors, it uses two 2 poles bolted together to make a 4 pole connector;
The 45 and 60 Kw at the farm use the same type of connector. They are two 2 pole connectors with a handle bolted together and hard wired in. I have also seen power cables made up from those connectors and mating units.