Another PTO Generator question

scesnick · Feb 3, 2006

I posted a question about PTO Generators here a while back. While doing some more research I have been hearing that it is not recommended to run a PTO Genny with a 2 cylinder tractor because the engine does not run smooth enough.

I have a YM 2000 and I don't want to spend $1,500+ on something that will not work with my available equipment.
Any Ideas on this theory? has anyone ran a pto genny with a 2 cyl. tractor successfully? thanks.

Soundguy · Feb 3, 2006

I'm not sure where you heard that drivel.. but is sounds like a real bucket load to me. Ever seen a gas engine on a portable generator? ever count the number of cylinders? maybe 2 on an expensive unit.. 1 on many o fthe units 12.5hp and down..

Your pto is constantly spinning.. the tractor governor needs to be able to manage the load. A 1500$ pto gen sounds like a 10-15kw unit. The only issue is load capacity. In general, you want about 2ptohp per kw.. this number has some fat in it.. but it's a good rule of thumb. I'd guess a 2000 is gonna max out just under 10kw Still.. I'd rather own a 12kw genny and run it at 10kw, than own an 8,5kw and run it at max all the time.

Soundguy

billbill1 · Feb 3, 2006

Chris and I are on the same page on this one, your tractor will be fine.

Mickey_Fx · Feb 3, 2006

While there is some truth to what you heard, from a practicle standpoint there should be no issue.

The seed of truth is from a absolutest standpoint. With only one power pulse per revolution and depending upon what kind of rotating mass there is, if the generator's output was put on a scope you would likely see something other than a PERFECT sine wave. This is due to small variation in shaft volocity at any given point during a revolution.

AS for spenting $1500 for a genset, I've give serious thought on getting one of the stationary genset from China that are designed for 27/7 operation for yrs on end. They are very heavy, large rotating mass which helps with maintaining constant speed. Nothing but a set of brushes and ind std bearnings to wear out.

10kw gen should coast about $500 and a maybe a couple hundred more to make a mount and 3pt drive.

Might want to check here for some good info on these generators http://utterpower.com/ST.htm

flyers · Feb 3, 2006

I would like to know where I can buy a 10kw pto driven generator looking for new thanks for the help

FlashPoint · Feb 3, 2006

Anyone know what the fuel consumption would be on a lets say 50% load . Ive been kicking the idea around myself .

normde2001 · Feb 3, 2006

Why do you guys want PTO generators? They are roughly the same price as a self powered genset, and will put a ton of hours on your expensive tractor.

FlashPoint · Feb 3, 2006

Norm , I was considering one because the portable ones are mostly junk unless you spend a few grand . Plus there really noisy,Consume allot of fuel and my tractor will run on more types of fuel if need be like Bio home brew. Expensive ? I gave 1200 for my tractor and tiller. Hours mean little if there taken care they will last forever.

scesnick · Feb 3, 2006

I have a 5.5 kw portable generator now and I agree with FlashPiont, They are absolute JUNK. It never runs right and I have had it rebuilt twice, Besides i want more power and my wife can fire up the tractor much easier than handling the crappy portable unit. I also have 76 acres with a bunch of treestands around it and ponds with food plots around them and I want to be able to easily take a generator to the stands to fix them or the pump to the ponds to water , just general portability.
I don't forsee a ton of hours put on my tractor barring a major power outage, Besides I bought my tractor to use. If I put hours on it then so be it.

Soundguy,
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I have read a ton of posts on here about PTO gensets and I knew you would have the answer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif DO you think a 10kw would run my well pump, a small taco boiler pump and a 220V air handler ( I have a coal boiler with forced air) and the T.V. I need that or my 2 and 3 yr old would drive my wife nuts !!!

Soundguy · Feb 5, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Why do you guys want PTO generators? They are roughly the same price as a self powered genset )</font>

Perhaps on the units under 8kw.. but ont he larger units.. like the 12.5kw I have.. there is no price comparison. I paid 999$ for my 12.5kw unit... comperable unit at a box store was 1500 for a cheapy import, and close to 2000 for something I can rebuild the brigs carb on every year just so I can get it to start... Just one more engine to maintain. besides... I'm quite sure my tractor engine will last a whole lot longer than a maxed out one lung gas job...

Soundguy