15-20k watt PTO emergency generator recommendations?

[Fallon]

I have a 3 or 4kw Coleman gas generator I got at a garage sale a few years ago for under $100. If push came to shove I could do the extension cord thing. It probably wouldn't run the well pump.

Looking for a longer term whole house system even if I have to manage the load a bit.

 

[katoomed00]

17kw will run my entire all electric home, AC, Lights, induction cooktop, hot water heater, water well and so on. Now I'm not saying it will handle everything coming on at the same time. You can always turn off breakers as well.

Rural King is what I own.

 

[BAP]

I would look at a quality PTO generator like Winpower, WINCO PTO Generators, who has been around a long time, or Baumalight, BaumaLight - PTO Generators. I have a Baumalight TX-12 that I run with my Kubota B2920. The thing with generators is that it takes x-amount of HP to run them at full output. If you only draw off a certain amount of power that is less than the full rated output, you can get by with lesser HP.

 

[Soundguy]

I have that north star 13k unit. Run it behind mostly old tractors, works good for mobile welding or power tools or well pump on the farm. I mounted mine on a palate and that to a carry all for 3pt hookup

 

[JRL305]

When we built our place, we put in a 200 gal propane tank then only put in a gas range. Since we experience a couple of outages a year, some lasting hours, I put in a Generac 20k propane unit with the automatic transfer switch. I runs literally everything. I didn't have my tractor then so I really didn't have a choice. Even now, I'd go with the current setup. I have a 5500 portable gas unit and it's really a pain with all the extension cords and having to fill it up every 10 hours or so if the outage is for days, not hours. Even then, I don't think it would handle the well, fridges and hot water heater. Everyone has different needs and resources. I'd say, PLAN CAREFULLY.

 

[ns_in_tex]

about 14 years ago we purchased a 17 KW/35KW surge capacity pto generator from "The Power Connection"
It came on its own trailer with PTO shaft, delivered to us for 2500.00
It is a 1800 RPM, brushless generator, with large surge capacity for starting motors.

The Power Connection, Inc. - Generator solutions for home and agriculture

 

[daybreak1998]

Howdy,
Your tractor can turn a 60kw unit if you wanted. The amount of power produced will be limited by the smallest link in the chain. If your tractor is 24hp at the pto shaft, your theoretical maximum power would be approx. 13.10kw. Having a larger than needed PTO generator will help with power surges, motor starts, and power demand changes. The larger PTO generators also can be quieter because they can be found with a 1800 RPM internal rotation speed. That means 1800 RPM for a 4 pole generator or 3600 RPM for a 2 pole generator. The power requirement changes will be smoothed out by a larger rotating mass. Plus you would be prepared for a larger tractor in the future. The future changes would need to be kept in mind when making a connection to your house. You obviously would not want a 30amp twist lock, and would miss out on the full power from your unit you decide to buy. I made a post which list a few ways to connect. The things you will need to think about when you decide on what to buy. Some PTO generator are designed better than others. Look at the specs of the PTO generators with constant full power output, and surge output. 1800rpm internal generators will cost more. They run quieter. They will last longer. No matter which you select, the PTO shaft need to spin at 540rpm. It is not a matter of only needing a little amount of power. The power output needs to be 240volts @ 60Hz cycle.
generator transfer switch connection choices

Some items to ponder.
pros;
do not have another engine to maintain
larger power options
cheaper
can be re-sold at a good price if needed
does not need to be maintenance run monthly
portable to where you need it
cons;
not automatic
have to connect

Some will chime in stating that after a storm you need your tractor. Sure, you might need it, but will you be using your tractor around the clock? Some might say they don't want to put hours on their tractor... I dunno, diesel tractors are meant to work.

 

[Dave M7040]

The one consideration I have not heard in this thread is the ability of other members of the household to run the complicated arrangements such as starting the tractor, connecting the pto shaft and making the electrical connections. I am 68 and until I was badly injured never gave dealing with emergencies a second thought. Suddenly my wife of 45 years was faced with equipment she could not handle to keep us both safe and warm. A Generac 20 kw running on propane gives us both a big piece of mind. I do have a new Kubota M7040 but feel it is an impractical way to provide power in a hurry on a dark stormy night. I remember being young and on very limited funds. My suggestion is to try and get a setup that a neighbor or friend could get up and running without a big instruction book. Simple things like not running the tractor at the correct pto speed to produce the proper 60 cycle power can cause a lot of damage to your home electronics and appliances. A small portable unit with electric start and a Generlink connection at your utility meter would be my low cost recommendation.
Dave M7040

 

[MikePA]

The one consideration I have not heard in this thread is the ability of other members of the household to run the complicated arrangements such as starting the tractor, connecting the pto shaft and making the electrical connections.

You're right on both counts; It was not mentioned in this thread but was mentioned in this thread, Post #26. In addition to all the considerations people normally take into account, when they think they have a solution, they should ask the question, "If we lose power and I'm not available, can my spouse implement my solution?" And by 'not available' I mean just that. Your spouse can't call you, can't email you, can't ask you questions, etc. Write down all the steps they'd need to do from the time power goes out to the time power is restored. Is there anything they can't do, or need trained to do? Are there things they shouldn't do? Breakers that need to be turned on/off?