Alternator or Dynamo?

[Sully2]

Actually most Kubotas come standard with a dynamo but they sell an optional alternator kit. If I remember correctly, a dynamo has limited output based upon RPMs, provides little overhead, but is sufficient for keeping the battery charged & headlights. The alternator has relatively constant output, significantly higher output and is better if one anticipates adding accessories (multiple work lights, etc.). The alternator kit is not real expensive ($200 or so). I had one installed by the dealer as part of my original B3030 purchase, but it's not a real complicated install.

Correct all the way around. I FINALLY got mine installed 2 weeks ago when it was WARM (instead of being 20 degrees!!)

 

[rdsaustintx]

Alternator is easy upgrade if you ignore the dang instructions (who writes those things??)

 

[herringchoker]

Alternator is easy upgrade if you ignore the dang instructions (who writes those things??)

Amen to that!

 

[Bob_Young]

I'm familiar with alternators and I'm familiar with generators. What's a dynamo? A reduced cost version of one of these old standbys?

Does it generate AC power that must be converted to DC by a rectifier bank? Does it require a seperate voltage regulator or does it incorporate it's own? Does it generate power at idle RPMs? Are solid state electronics involved? If it acts up, what do I tinker with?

These questions and more beset my addled brain whenever the term 'Dynamo' comes up.
Bob

 

[Sully2]

Bottom line? Its a "generator". Other countrys refer to them as "dynamo's". ( Transfers mechanical energy ( twisting) to electrical energy)
In summary....Its a "POS".....

 

[Taiser]

Bottom line? Its a "generator". Other countrys refer to them as "dynamo's". ( Transfers mechanical energy ( twisting) to electrical energy)
In summary....Its a "POS".....

Heh Heh, I agree but that's kinda harsh. Dynamo is a cheap, low (zero) maintenance thing, few parts and puts out straight DC current if I recall. It does in the tractor what the tractor needs and no more. Us tractor buffs just like to add a bunch of christmas lights and such to our tractors so we complain at the low output, but the basic dynamo does what it's suppose to I guess and works fine for 90% of buyers!

 

[chrisjbell]

The dynamo provides just enough power to keep the tractor running and the battery charged. It handles the standard headlights, but doesn't have enough oomph to power much more. It is a real bummer for those of us that have one. On the other hand, it does work and mine hasn't given me a lick of trouble.

Don't get me started on the Kubota "literature"...

 

[Sully2]

Heh Heh, I agree but that's kinda harsh. Dynamo is a cheap, low (zero) maintenance thing, few parts and puts out straight DC current if I recall. It does in the tractor what the tractor needs and no more. Us tractor buffs just like to add a bunch of christmas lights and such to our tractors so we complain at the low output, but the basic dynamo does what it's suppose to I guess and works fine for 90% of buyers!

As long as that 90% of buyers use their equipment as "grass cutters"!

I want to install a power outlet on the rear of my B3030..so I can plug in a magnetic base flashing yellow light attached to the top of my ROPS for when I travel on the road (draws 6 amps) also wish to install a cigarette lighter...and it comes with a 25 amp fuse. Those two items alone make it rough on a 14 amp output dynamo...forget the 4 way flashers...etc.

For the $$ we have to shell out for these rigs..the 40 amp alternator should be std equipment. It cant cost Kubota that much $$...when the after purchase kit only set me back about $200...but then again...when a replacment headlight cost me $150...I guess Kubota has the attitude they will get me somehow...someway??

 

[Sully2]

The dynamo provides just enough power to keep the tractor running and the battery charged. It handles the standard headlights, but doesn't have enough oomph to power much more. It is a real bummer for those of us that have one. On the other hand, it does work and mine hasn't given me a lick of trouble.

Don't get me started on the Kubota "literature"...

YET! Generators have "permanent field magnets"! You ever seen ANYTHING that was "permanent"? Except death I mean. I have a friend with a Kub thats "about"??..6 years old. Guess what died on his Kubota? (he plugs his in all the time to a small battery charger now)

 

[Ace Power Equipment]

Guys,

For what it's worth. All Kubota B series have dynamos as standard equipment except B3030 cab models. Obvious reasons extra output required to run Heat/AC, defroster, rear wiper and lights. Kit is 175 plus shipping and installation. Kubota kit B7311 is the high capacity alternator that fit B7510/7610. B7324 fits B2630/B3030.

Hope this helps
Brian