AC/DC inverter for a tractor?

   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #1  

blackrams

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2017
Messages
263
Location
Frankfort, KY
Tractor
Ford 1210
I have a snow blower that uses a 120 Volt electric starter. I'd like to put an inverter on my tractor with the snow blower riding on my home made platform on the rear while I push snow with the front blade but, that means I won't be near a 120 volt plug in. Anyone installed an inverter on their tractors? Mine is a Ford 1210 with a Ford 702a blade. Three cylinder diesel. I'm concerned the alternator might not handle the load.
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #2  
The inverter won't draw much power except for the few seconds that the starter is operating. Almost all of that load will come off of the battery.
My concern would be the current draw from that 120 volt starter. You will need to be sure that the inverter is large enough to handle it.
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
The inverter won't draw much power except for the few seconds that the starter is operating. Almost all of that load will come off of the battery.
My concern would be the current draw from that 120 volt starter. You will need to be sure that the inverter is large enough to handle it.

True. :duh: Hmmm, something to think about.

Not much room to mount a inverter on my 1210 tractor. Had to wiggle the battery around some to put a small maintenance trickle charger on it. Hmmmm............. :confused3:
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #4  
How long does it take you to plow? You could start it up and just let it idle. Or let it warm up for a few minutes then shut it off. Even cold my snow blower is pretty easy to start. Once it's been ran for a few minutes it'll start on the first pull.
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
How long does it take you to plow? You could start it up and just let it idle. Or let it warm up for a few minutes then shut it off. Even cold my snow blower is pretty easy to start. Once it's been ran for a few minutes it'll start on the first pull.

Well, it doesn't take that long (maybe 20 to 30 minutes) to do my own two concrete driveways but, I also take care of 5 other household driveways. I take care of the folks on both sides of me and the neighbors across the street plus a couple of elderly folk's driveways that live near me. I don't charge, the closest neighbors allow me to use their driveways when I bring in one of my 3 goosenecks. Due to the property lines and local laws, it's much easier for me to use their driveways when backing my different goosenecks into my own parking areas without tracking up their or my lawns. They allow me to use their driveways so, it's the least I can do when it snows to clear their driveways while I'm out doing mine.I do the two elderly folks driveways just cause they aren't able to. While I'm at it, I like to do the sidewalks with the snow blower.

That makes several starts and pulling that dang pull rope starter. My old shoulders are wearing out. I guess I could just snow blow them all first and then get on the tractor and do the driveways. Being this is central Kentucky, we don't normally get too much snow but, my toes get cold. ;)
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #6  
Would one of those "starter packs" work. I have a Black & Decker that has an inverter built in, but I don't know how much power it will actually supply.
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #7  
Usually the 120 portion of those is pretty small. Is it possible to convert/swap the starter with a 12v one? I have never heard of a 120v starter, but I have never used a snow blower either. I always had to use shovels when I was a kid.
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #8  
Usually the 120 portion of those is pretty small. Is it possible to convert/swap the starter with a 12v one? I have never heard of a 120v starter, but I have never used a snow blower either. I always had to use shovels when I was a kid.
Ya, unusual, except for on snowblowers. Saves needing to haul & maintain a battery. They correctly figure snowblowers are really only going to be stored & started in a garage, shed or what not that usually has power. So why not just just skip the battery & use an extension cord.

My cheap used blower had 120v starting & it worked great until we moved rural & I got the Kubota.
 
   / AC/DC inverter for a tractor? #9  
Yea that makes sense. I left cold country at 18 so never had experience with them.
 

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