hp needed for genny?

[dangerdoc]

That's really useful info. So you need to run 2100 RPM to get the tiger power to run at max output? You have the driveshaft run through the wall of your shop to the gen? The gen is then hardwired to your breaker panel?

Thanks.

I'm sure someone else has already responded but NEVER hardware a generator to your breaker panel.

1. You will kill some lineman out trying to repair the lines.
2. You will ruin your generator when the power comes back on.

You need a transfer switch that will guarantee that the line and generator will never connect. Do not DIY, the liability is too high both financially and the risk that you will go to jail for manslaughter. You can find manual transfer switches for about $300.

 

[dangerdoc]

General question.

Do they make a PTO generator that is designed to run slower that 540?

Out where I live, there are alot of bigger tractors that don't have to run at PTO speed to get adequate power.

I've been reluctant to buy a PTO generator because of the wear on the tractor and the noise it makes at PTO speed.

 

[RonMar]

I'm sure someone else has already responded but NEVER hardware a generator to your breaker panel.

1. You will kill some lineman out trying to repair the lines.
2. You will ruin your generator when the power comes back on.

You need a transfer switch that will guarantee that the line and generator will never connect. Do not DIY, the liability is too high both financially and the risk that you will go to jail for manslaughter. You can find manual transfer switches for about $300.

Have you seen this link? Generator InterLock Kit With an interlocked main-backfeed breaker(only one can physically be on at a time), yes you can wire your generator to your main panel safely...

 

[RFB]

Hi Ron,

I also recently came across this while looking for manual tfer switches.

StormSwitch™ (Manual Transfer Switch)

 

[RonMar]

Hi Ron,

I also recently came across this while looking for manual tfer switches.

StormSwitch™ (Manual Transfer Switch)

Yep, there are a few ways to do this safely, but anything that breaks the line between meter and panel for installation is going to cost quite a lot to install and will most likley require the meter to be pulled and then inspected/re-installed by the utility. And since the switch is in the mainline, it has to be rated to whatever the maximum service capacity is(200-400A), and that is a pretty big and expensive switch to install a 10KW backup generator. The interlock kit is only a little bit more difficult than putting in a new circuit breaker in the main panel. I would guess an electrician could do it in an hour(or less?).

Probably not suitable for a monster generator, but very cost effective for a smaller backup generator to provide basic services in an outtage.

 

[Soundguy]

I've been reluctant to buy a PTO generator because of the wear on the tractor ...

That's a funny one!

A tractor is designed to operate for extended periods at PTO speeds at rated HP. Kinda like saying you bought a pair of walking shoes because you don't want to wear out your car going to work, and the grocery store,. and.. and... etc..

Why own a tractor if you are afraid to use it?

soundguy

 

[daTeacha]

Which brings up the question of how many hours a compact tractor engine can reasonably be expected to run without a major rebuild. I suspect it's less than a big ag tractor or OTR diesel, but does anyone out there in TBN land have any kind of number -- 2000 hours, 4000 hours, what? And yes, we all know that depends on maintainence and such, but there must be some designed in expectation for engine life. Does anyone know what we can expect from our little diesels presuming we give them lots of TLC?

 

[Soundguy]

Just from what i see.. but I consider anything 1K and less to be break in.

I'd expect servicable life from cut's and lower to somewhere at least in the 3k if not 4k range. I see hours inthe 6-8-10-12k range on the larger diesels.

I have 'vintage' gassers making it into the 3k range on 50's technology engines.. that are just now getting some blowby and reduced but quite fine oil pressures.. etc..

Anything new made today that can't match that is 100% junk. ( And I lump whizz-bang lawnmower engines into that category as well.. )

just my 2 cents..

soundguy

 

[JB4310]

That interlock device that Ron linked to is a simple ingenious way to to transfer power source, I found that before, unfortunately my box is in a remote location (further than 10 feet from the entrance) which means my main breaker is on the outside, I haven't gotten a clear answer on whether I could have had another 200 amp breaker on the inside as well when I did the upgrade 5 years ago, but now there's a new code that the main breaker can only be 80 % of the service??? not sure of the particulars exactly, but that's what was told to me by an electrician, that I can't put a 200 amp breaker in my 200 amp panel, if that makes any sense.

I also looked into the 200 amp 2 pole switch (I think that's what it is called), the thing is like $800.00 and is the size of a small refrigerator, way bigger than the quite large 200 amp panel. The only good thing is that I do have enough extra service entrance wire to put in the huge switch next to the panel and having the main breaker outside I can deenergize the service line, making it much easier to pull it out of the panel and swap into the new switch, no need to have the power company involved.

 

[JB4310]

General question.

Do they make a PTO generator that is designed to run slower that 540?

Out where I live, there are alot of bigger tractors that don't have to run at PTO speed to get adequate power.

I've been reluctant to buy a PTO generator because of the wear on the tractor and the noise it makes at PTO speed.

Everyone wants to know the answer to that question related slower rpm speed on the tractor, almost all commercially available Pto generator gear boxes that I've heard of are going to be 540 rpm input, even if the genny spins at 1800 for 4 pole heads or 3600 rpm for the 2 pole heads.

One way is with a 2 speed pto, 1000 rpm pto output on the tractor, but guessing by what I've learned lately on the subject that would probably take twice the normal HP rating of 2 hp/KW to work, and maybe not even then, One guy has a three speed pto and he said at 750 rpm he could pull smaller loads off the gen. but not capacity loads. that to me would be a nice option to have running the tractor lower than normal pto speed for lighter loads.