Do's and Don'ts and recommendation for buying a PTO driven electricity generator?

[LouNY]

That's a nice setup my trailer has room for my welders and I have used them a few times with it.
Never got around to putting a panel on it.
I went with a clevis hitch so it fits the tractors easily, they can get places the truck can't.
The bigger tractors are hard to put a trailer ball on the drawbars are to thick for the balls to mount too.

 

[Diggin It]

If you're not home, or are sick or for whatever other reason YOU can't do it, can any other member of your household move things into place and make the connections?

 

[workinonit]

I made a heavy hitch kind of deal that fits the quickhitch and has a 2" receiver. I can back up to my trailers, lift them with the 3 PH, move them and not have to get off until i'm ready to fasten the hitch permanently or just move the trailer and set it back down. I just built it for the hitch and not weights. Yea, I never pull it with a truck unless I'm going on the highway with it. I also built a cover that I can protect the gen from the elements, even when running if I need to.

 

[workinonit]

Sure. It sits in place in my shop all the time and it's just one cable to attach it to the welding plug on both ends. I have instructions printed on how to line up the panels but that's pretty simple with the main disconnect. And I have an indicator light wired in the hose that lets me know when the power is back on. It's wired to the top of the disconnect.

 

[JethroB]

Are there reasonably available devices that would shut off the tractor if the engine begins to overheat or oil pressure drops when leaving the tractor & pto generator unattended?

Edit: also a low fuel warning would be nice while I wishing. If you are going to dream, dream BIG.

 

[oldnslo]

If you have more than one tractor a PTO generator tying up a tractor is not as critical as only a single tractor.

Some things to consider
1) how clean is the electrical output especially if going to be running electronic equipment
2) Fuel supply- ability to refuel tractor. Do you have a large enough fuel barrel to run your tractor for days Non-stop?
3) if you are not home would another family member know how to connect and operate the tractor and generator?
4) if in cold environment will the tractor start?
5) is your tractor big enough to run a generator to power your whole house?

 

[Steppenwolfe]

There are a bunch of current threads on this (no pun intended). There really is no one single right answer that fits all people, just like tractors and cars and trucks.

Speaking of trucks... Now you can use your F150 to power up your house...
I Powered My House with the F-15 PowerBoost Pro Power Onboard Generator [Car and Driver] | F15gen14.com -- 221+ Ford F-15 and Raptor Forum (14th Gen)

 

[DrRobM]

Speaking of trucks... Now you can use your F150 to power up your house...
I Powered My House with the F-15 PowerBoost Pro Power Onboard Generator [Car and Driver] | F15gen14.com -- 221+ Ford F-15 and Raptor Forum (14th Gen)

My F-150 with the 7.2kw generator comes in on the 27th. I was hoping to use it as my backup energy source with a manual transfer switch. I’m trying to figure out how difficult/costly it will be to install the exhaust system that fire stations and auto shops use so I can run it with the garage door closed. We are building a home this spring and I’m hoping to plan for it rather than trying to make it work later. We’re building with ICF, so just punching a hole in the exterior wall won’t be too easy if I don’t plan for it.

 

[workinonit]

If you have more than one tractor a PTO generator tying up a tractor is not as critical as only a single tractor.

Some things to consider
1) how clean is the electrical output especially if going to be running electronic equipment
2) Fuel supply- ability to refuel tractor. Do you have a large enough fuel barrel to run your tractor for days Non-stop?
3) if you are not home would another family member know how to connect and operate the tractor and generator?
4) if in cold environment will the tractor start?
5) is your tractor big enough to run a generator to power your whole house?

Having a single tractor is no big issue. Simply disconnect the PTO shaft and do what you need to do. Your house will be okay for that long.

1. The power is as clean as any other generator. None of them are really good. I scope mine from time to time and it's actually not too bad.
2. I have 800+ gallons on hand all the time.
3. Easy peasy to hook up.
4. It better or it's going back to the JD place to figure out why it won't start. No issues so far.
5. I ran my generator with my old 5310, 55 HP, my 5090 is 80 HP.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Some things to consider
1) how clean is the electrical output especially if going to be running electronic equipment
2) Fuel supply- ability to refuel tractor. Do you have a large enough fuel barrel to run your tractor for days Non-stop?
3) if you are not home would another family member know how to connect and operate the tractor and generator?
4) if in cold environment will the tractor start?
5) is your tractor big enough to run a generator to power your whole house?

Aren't those questions the same, no matter what generator you own that isn't an expensive auto start setup???

SR