Confused on PTO generator size

[Industrial Toys]

I run a Kobota/Onan genset operating at 1800rpm as my main genset. It did develop a rad leak during the big ice storm years ago. I leave that thing unattended but am still a bit nervous, even though it should shut down in an emergency situation.

I'm bearing the terrible Blizzard Conditions on our open station JD 6200, because I dare not use my Kutota Wheel Loader with Cab on account of some low RPM knocking that has me worried, I may do more damage, until I get to the bottom of it. Too bad, the Rad is inside the Cab of that Kubota and I generally don't close the doors in winter because it gets too warm! That would be a treat in these temperatures!

 

[Soundguy]

i deffinately wouldn't drive it if already knocking.

good luck on that one.

as for the open station machine.. in ontario.. I'm sending warm thoughts to ya as we speak!

 

[orangeandgreen]

I'm very pleased with my 15K stand-by generator sitting on a pad just outside my bedroom window, keeps the Kubota free for plowing the driveway or whatever other task is at hand.

 

[MacTractor]

I am completely with you here. I bought my tractor to use and will continue to find more ways I can utilize to fully recognize the value it can bring to me. I don't want a bunch of other engines to maintain when I maintain this tractor for the purpose of using it. If it were to fail running the PTO at the rated RPM, that would be a shame but that is what I have it for. I also have warranty on it for 3 years or a thousand hours and as of this day it only has 200 hours on it.

I had a brand new Briggs and Stratton Elite Series 8KW generator that failed by continued freezing of the crank case vent. It puked all of the oil through a rubber grommet 3 times in 5 days. PITA, if I just had the tractor I am fairly confident that it would have hummed along just fine.

In fact, if you look at the Yanmar 3TN76V engine it is used in a bunch of industrial applications including gensets, pumps, etc. I am not nervous one bit to hook it up and run it all day at 3000 RPM. Again, this is what I bought it for.

Again, I don't expect to have another outage for maybe a while, months maybe even years from now. What are the chances that I pull out a gas generator like my neighbor and could not get it going?

If I had the $$ and more outages, I would for sure have a propane powered standby unit, but for me the PTO Genset makes sense. To each his own.

I have absolutely no problem fireing up my NH 7610s tractor.. setting the throttle, and going inside. It's a good tractor. It will be fine. If not. it would have gone out running my batwing. Not much difference WHEN the tractor fails IF it is destin to fail.

Some people have IMHO odd opinions on running engines. It's no problem to have a standby genny.. or standalone genny ( water pump.. etc.. ), crank that sucker up to 3600governed rpm, and walk away.. and most of those are using 'lawnmower engine' technology.. yet.. add some rubber tires to it and all of a sudden it's failure prone., and not safe to walk away from. I simply wouldn't own a tractor i wasn't comfortable letting it run a genny or water pump, and then being somewhere else on my acerage NOT worrying about it.

walking around the box stores.. most gennies under 'house' size are run by essentially.. LAWNMOWER engines. I find those to be of LESS quality and durability than what is under my tractors hood.

I'd be more worried about walking away from my LAWNMOWER than my tractor. ( and I'm not real worried about the lawnmower either...... )

Lastly.

You seem to be mistaking me not being afraid to use my tractor, for me telling you to not be afraid to use your tractor. Nothing could be further from the truth! I fully support your personal opinion on how you want to use your machine. It's yours.. you paid for it. it's your dime to repair it.. so you can use it how you want to... property rights.. etc. I'm down with that. I just personally wouldn't own a machine that I didn't trust using... unless it was some sort of antique firearm.. or collector item that diminished in value with use. those things would be under glass.

good luck with your tractor. I hope it doesn't break down on you.. really.. because the way it sounds.. it may not be reliable? ( on the flip side.. if it does break down.. that's one of those 'opportunity' moments when you get to get your hands greasy. Don't get me wrong. Stuff DOES break down. It's a rare occasion that I bring home a tractor that does not need some wrenches waved over it.. and bottles of gooey stuff.. and boxes of paper and rubber and metal parts sprinkled over it.. that's life. I've had the heads off 2 tractors in the last 2 years to hammer out stuck valves.. both those tractors are now parked in 'work row' and waiting to do their tasks.. pushrods cost me about 17$ each on those.. and were bent so bad i had to cut them out of the block with bolt cutters! .. once you are that far in.. might as well do all new hoses and belts.. gaskets. head job if needed.. etc.. everything you can do as an in frame.. etc.. moral of the story is.. stuff happens. if stuff breaks while happening.. fix or replace it and keep going... can't stay inside constantly worrying about rain.. ( well.. you can.. but it's less fun and wears out your hands wringing them constantly

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. I can't see sinking so much money into a tractor and then being afraid to run it.

then rely on a few hundred dollar machine to provide power for me.. when I could rely on a many thousands of dollar machine to do so.

I have a feeling the tractor engine will outlast the lawnmower engines found on most home-owner grade gensets.

I am completely with you here. I bought my tractor to use and will continue to find more ways I can utilize to fully recognize the value it can bring to me. I don't want a bunch of other engines to maintain when I maintain this tractor for the purpose of using it. If it were to fail running the PTO at the rated RPM, that would be a shame but that is what I have it for. I also have warranty on it for 3 years or a thousand hours and as of this day it only has 200 hours on it.

I had a brand new Briggs and Stratton Elite Series 8KW generator that failed by continued freezing of the crank case vent. It puked all of the oil through a rubber grommet 3 times in 5 days. PITA, if I just had the tractor I am fairly confident that it would have hummed along just fine.

In fact, if you look at the Yanmar 3TN76V engine it is used in a bunch of industrial applications including gensets, pumps, etc. I am not nervous one bit to hook it up and run it all day at 3000 RPM. Again, this is what I bought it for.

Again, I don't expect to have another outage for maybe a while, months maybe even years from now. What are the chances that I pull out a gas generator like my neighbor and could not get it going?

If I had the $$ and more outages, I would for sure have a propane powered standby unit, but for me the PTO Genset makes sense. To each his own.

 

[RalphVa]

I agree with the person who said that your tractor would power a 12.5 kw unit, but a 15 kw unit is a better fit. It's good for a little over 13 kw (your tractor).

A friend had a standby generator installed, but they had its exhaust directed towards the house. They had to come out and rotate the generator. So, the comment about CO getting into the house is valid, if your tractor garage is attached.

I made up a spreadsheet of all our electrical needs and came up with 12.5 kw being okay for continuous use. However, starting loads are higher and required load management relays on 6 of the largest loads, and we had to install a relay to shut off the heat coil on the 2.5 ton heat pump that we wanted on the generator. On that same heat pump, I had our HVAC people install a starting condenser that considerable reduced its starting load. The Gen-Tran panels with transfer switch, etc. come with load management capability. They're an absolute ***** to program though. Fortunately once you get them programmed that one time and don't change any of the loads for life, they stay programmed.

Ralph

 

[MikePA]

This is the APC automatic transfer switch we're using with our 5kw portable Honda generator. It has load management, etc., which wasn't too bad to program and as Ralph said, once it's done, it stays programmed. Works great for our needs during the intermittent power outages we have and hands down beats what I used to do, i.e., extension cords.

 

[radioman]

first of all -- you need to realize on the BX's rated pto speed is 3200 rpm's and its a very flat torque line .

Quoted from the net : If you really examine the charts for the D 905 engine you will see the following "net" torque figures: 37.5 foot pounds at 1600 rpm (the chart starts at 1600) 39.5 foot pounds at 2600 rpm (everyones favorite rpm #) 37.5 foot pounds at 3200 rpm (the listed max rpm for BX's)

I wouldnt worry too much about dirty voltages as long you are not drawing too much power. Also, install a manual transfer switch breaker box. I got one and its easy to put in. You just move what you want to power. Just flip one breaker on at a time to let surge do it thing on ONE circuit at a time. Once everything is up and running, the running wattage you need will be below what you need for surge.
Look at it this way: In the winter, you want heat and water and few lights right? Your lights have those energy saving bulbs in it so you dont need as much so the power for lights is moot. Your fridge will have a certain surge rating and you can warm up a can of soup in microwave . the furnace would be running during this whole time. All you need really to run off the BX pto. 7k to 10k pto genny is all you need and capable on the BX pto. I know - I am running 5k running watt standalone genny and it powers more then what I stated here with no problem. It powers my tv, lights, cable modem, computers, fridge, furnace, microwave. I get town water pressure, and have a woodstove for cooking and heat .Never saw lights flicker or dim while on genny power. I dont need my electric stove. Since I am the cook in the family, I can cook a good meal on woodstove or camp stove with no issues and it doesnt matter if it summer or winter.

 

[gogojuice]

I think your right. 10 kw for MY use and MY tractor is about right. My little BX isn't a monster as some of you guys are running.

 

[gogojuice]

Update.

I had the electrical guys come out today. They are putting the interlock in. One of the problems we encountered and stopped the instillation was the outlet box. Apparently this has to be a 60 amp box, but the problem was that it was top mounted. Meaning the cord has to come out of the top and then go down my wall on the outside. To me.. this was pure ugly.

So... I am looking for one that comes out the back. Any help / links would be appreciated.

P.S also going to post this as a separate question.