Dynamo vs Alternator

[FrogLick]

Can someone clue me in on the Kubota "dynamo" vs an alternator /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Seems that the dynamo lacks sufficient amp output to be all but useless especially if one wants to add some auxillary work lights.

 

[Av8r3400]

The Dynamo is a small AC generator (alternator), with (I think) something like 15 amps of output.

The OEM unit on my BX was plenty to run the 2 35 watt axillary lights I was using. BTW, these were plenty enough light for night snow-blowing and FEL work.

 

[FrogLick]

I think that you are correct in that the dynamo output is about 15 amps total; it's probably the same one Kubota uses on the B3030. To the best of my knowledge though a dynamo is a generator but not really the same thing as an alternator. It appears that Kubota offers an optional alternator with about 3x the output (45 amps); I think it would also require heavier wiring and the requsite time/expense in the shop to install. I've emailed Kubota for a clarification and will post their response if I get one. Dynamos have not been used on cars and other power equipment for a very long time. Maybe Kubota engineers made a serious design choice error or they just decided to save a few pennies on otherwise well designed tractors /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif? Then again, I may be mistaken and way off base on this issue. In any case, it's good to know you're not having any problem with 2 35 watt aux lights which would draw about 5.84 amps I believe.

 

[Sully2]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think that you are correct in that the dynamo output is about 15 amps total; it's probably the same one Kubota uses on the B3030. To the best of my knowledge though a dynamo is a generator but not really the same thing as an alternator. It appears that Kubota offers an optional alternator with about 3x the output (45 amps); I think it would also require heavier wiring and the requsite time/expense in the shop to install. I've emailed Kubota for a clarification and will post their response if I get one. Dynamos have not been used on cars and other power equipment for a very long time. Maybe Kubota engineers made a serious design choice error or they just decided to save a few pennies on otherwise well designed tractors /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif? Then again, I may be mistaken and way off base on this issue. In any case, it's good to know you're not having any problem with 2 35 watt aux lights which would draw about 5.84 amps I believe. )</font>

CORRECTO!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. As a generator..the fastr you spin it..the more power it puts out ( Up to its max.) As an alternator..that makes 120V AC..and then rectifiers change it to 12V DC)..its output is more "constant" regardless of RPM.

Along with the alternator kit..comes a new wiring hardness to replace the "default" setup.

IMHO..the default..doesnt have enough power to pull the hat off your head...and a winter project for ME..will be installig the Alternator Kit... ( IF its not TOO difficutlt job to do ??)

 

[Toolguy]

I installed the optional Alternator kit on my B3030. My dealer made a great deal for my by selling it to me for $150. List is like $179 or so. It is not too hard to put on. Took me an hour or so. It really make a difference in output. The stock dynamo put out about 13 amps. The alternator puts out about 43. That is more than enough to run the three 55 watt lights I added.

 

[Mike_Lipke]

If Big Orange made an error, so did John Deere, as they use them also.

 

[AceDeuce]

It seems to me the most likely reason for using a dynamo over an alternator is simply that a dynamo is all that is needed. There is no computer or other sophisticated electronics. Just a fuel pump, a starter motor, lights, solenoids and a few safety interlocks. It's really a very simple electrical system. Now, if you want to wire up your tractor for enough lighting to turn night into day you might need a little more output than the stocker can handle. An alternator is definitely a good choice for that, but the primary reason for an alternator system over a generator is constant voltage.

 

[MadReferee]

AceDuece got it correct. It is just not cost effective on the lower end machines to put an alternator when a much less expensive dynamo (generator) setup will work just as well. Be happy that the upgrade option is available. It's not all that expensive for those that need the extra oomph of an alternator but it's really cost prohibitive when you figure putting them on hundreds of thousands of units being built.

 

[Charliebrn]

I posted a project on this some time back, complete with pictures. It wasn't a bad job at all, took me a couple hours, beers and all. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The docs that come with the alternator kit were awful, so I think you'll find my docs quite a bit better.

 

[techman]

In spite of Kubota's naming conventions, the Kubotas have an alternator, although a small one. I don't believe anybody is using a brushed DC generator anywhere, mainly due to cost alone.

paul