Adding inverter to tractor?

[prof fate]

Found out my kioti has a 75 amp alternator...got me to thinking maybe it would be handy to add an inverter to get 120 vAC anyplace the tractor can go.



Seems easier than lugging a genset around in the carryall (my current solution). My 1700w genset has run saws, drills, elec chainsaw, hedge clippers, etc - so a 2000w one seems reasonable, maybe mount it under the seat, seems to be room there and out of the weather for the most part, and no heat from the engine.

See some on Amazon, under $150. Reviews folks are running space heaters, refridgerators and such for MONTHS with no issues.

Anyone done this?

 

[RNeumann]

You can get around 5 amps at 120v continuously from an inverter on the tractor. Not sure it’s worth the effort unless you have a specific tool or task.

 

[plowhog]

folks are running space heaters, refridgerators and such for MONTHS

Never seen a refrigerator on a tractor. Be sure to post pictures!

 

[thekkfan]

This is what I have instead. Use it to run 12v leds in remote barn with no electric where we store hay, and 120v fan while we are putting up hay in the summer. Run about 5 hours fully loaded. Picked mine up off craigslist. Guy wanted $100, when I got there would only run with choke on. told him carb needed to be cleaned so I gave him $75. And its NOT tied to my tractor.

generator - sporting goods - by owner - sale

 

[RjCorazza]

I put a 1750w inverter in a small motor home years ago. For intermittent use you could run a 2000w inverter off your tractor, but at full load it’s going to be pulling around 150 amps off the battery / alternator. That 12v load is going to require some serious cable to the battery, so be sure to do your homework, and put a catastrophic fuse at the battery.

 

[prof fate]

Never seen a refrigerator on a tractor. Be sure to post pictures!

To hold my beers while I brush hog 25 acres in the hot summer sun!

 

[sd455dan]

Found out my kioti has a 75 amp alternator...got me to thinking maybe it would be handy to add an inverter to get 120 vAC anyplace the tractor can go.



Seems easier than lugging a genset around in the carryall (my current solution). My 1700w genset has run saws, drills, elec chainsaw, hedge clippers, etc - so a 2000w one seems reasonable, maybe mount it under the seat, seems to be room there and out of the weather for the most part, and no heat from the engine.

See some on Amazon, under $150. Reviews folks are running space heaters, refridgerators and such for MONTHS with no issues.

Anyone done this?

Several members have ,

use mine for an electric 3/4 hp pole saw, drills and such.

picture was for a member who wanted to use the 120 vac starter on a front mounted snow blower, and needed to know if an inverter would work.

tested the idea with my 2000/4000 watt surge HF inverter and it worked fine.

Also used the tractor/ inverter to keep the fridge , lights and satellite TV on during a couple power outages before we got a good sized generator.

My tractor only has a 37 amp alternator- but has dual 12 volt batteries in parallel so it works ok for short term high inverter loads.
If the charging system ever gives a problem, a decent output delco 10si will be in its future.

ps I put a switch between the inverter and batteries.

IIRC the inverter has large electrolytic capacitors that are (in circuit) when the cables get connected, did not want a slow drain on the tractors system.

 

[nyone]

A cheap 1700w generator is going to be alot cheaper to replace than the alternator on your machine. Much less the hours your putting on it and useing next to nothing of its power.

Mabe you should look into a way to mount the generator and not the inverter.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Found out my kioti has a 75 amp alternator...got me to thinking maybe it would be handy to add an inverter to get 120 vAC anyplace the tractor can go.



Seems easier than lugging a genset around in the carryall (my current solution). My 1700w genset has run saws, drills, elec chainsaw, hedge clippers, etc - so a 2000w one seems reasonable, maybe mount it under the seat, seems to be room there and out of the weather for the most part, and no heat from the engine.

See some on Amazon, under $150. Reviews folks are running space heaters, refridgerators and such for MONTHS with no issues.

Anyone done this?

Yes. We have 1KW inverters on all our small tractors and a 1.5KW on the Mahindra. There has been no problem except one associated with vibration on the BX. - The old design Zantrex was durable, but none Iv found are tolerant of having the AC cord cut while operating. The following model Zantrex couldnt take vibes. - Under seat is a good location ... just so youre not too far from the battery. There is a lot of current in the DC feed wires and a corresponding voltage drop at connections and with wire length.

The inverters you speak of are modified sine wave judging by price. Brush motors as on most power tools are happy with this. Induction motors like in a refrigerator are not and run hotter. --- True sine wave inverters are more expensive.​

 

[mohead1]

Make a pto driven genset...not to hard