Auxillary Power

[Darren]

Compressors can be difficult loads to start. See if you can try out that compressor on the generator before you buy.

The Honda EU2000 easily runs full size freezers and refrigerators. Would a portable air compressor be more difficult to start and run?

 

[Ted Summey]

A compressor draws more amperage than a refrigerator or freezer.

A run of the mill pancake compressor will draw 8 amps or so (looking at Lowes) At 120 volts, that's 960 watts. So a healthy inverter and the honda generator as previously posted would power a portable compressor based on wattage alone. You always want a cushion above the highest amperage draw because motors especially draw the greatest current at start up. To carry 960 watts something in the 2000 watt rage or above would be advisable. Plus you can run lights or other tools without exceeding the generator's capacity.

Be sure to check the specs on a generator or inverter because some have limits on "inductive loads" aka motors and transformers.

 

[weedpharma]

I have a small (700VA) non invertor generator that I found to be better than a Honda EU10 with high start current load. The invertor simply went into overload and I had to restat the generator. The older generator had inertia enough to keep going and built up to run the load. Make sure you check the generator with your load before purchasing.

Weedpharma

 

[jim_wilson]

Thanks. I don't actually own either yet but am beginning to think through a few projects I need to do further out on my property. The air compressor would be something along the lines of the porter cable 6 Gal pancake compressor. Any opinions on a PTO powered generator vs. a carry-all mounted gasoline generator?

If you're looking for compressed air on the tractor - why not hook up some sort of 12V compressor and a holding tank. There are a number of on-vehicle 12V systems available that will pump up to pretty high pressure (just not a lot of flow) - and there's even compact tanks available that you might even be able to find space for on the tractor for permanent mounting.

I've thought about doing something like this - add the small compressor and then have a tank just to store enough air to get some small jobs done. I've run impact guns off of a 15 gallon air tank before - you can remove and install a couple of tires on a car before the tank is depleted enough and low on pressure that the gun doesnt' function well any more.