Inverter on CUT?

[FritzWH]

In thinking of installing an inverter on my NH TC40DA so I can run shall power tools like a sawzall or power drill out in the field. Any advice or lessons from those who have done this and would do it differently next time?

 

[Mendonsy]

The first thing you need to do is check on the alternator and battery specs on your tractor. Many of them don't have enough output to handle an inverter.

 

[aczlan]

The first thing you need to do is check on the alternator and battery specs on your tractor. Many of them don't have enough output to handle an inverter.

Per ALTERNATOR NEW HOLLAND TRACTOR COMPACT TC40DA TC45 TC45A TC45D 40-45HP : Amazon.com : Automotive the OEM alternator is a 50 amp alternator. Should be enough to run an inverter for at least short bursts of time.

Aaron Z

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The battery really needs to be heavy enough to handle the short bursts. 50 amps at 12 volts vs 13 amp at 120 volts for an electrical saw are very different animals.

 

[aczlan]

The battery really needs to be heavy enough to handle the short bursts. 50 amps at 12 volts vs 13 amp at 120 volts for an electrical saw are very different animals.

50 amps at 12v is 600 watts. 13 amps at 120v is 1560 watts. That means that the saw would pull ~3x what the alternator can put out (factoring in an 80% efficient inverter). Ok for 1-3 mins at a time with 5-7 mins for the alternator to catch up and recharge between, but not something that I would do long term. If planning to do much work needing 13 amps long term, I would probbaly drop in a 1 wire 150+ amp in place of the stock alternator.
However it could work if you were pulling 5-7 amps (@ 120 VAC) for 5-10 minutes at a time.

Aaron Z

 

[jlewis457]

I would suggest getting some battery operated tools and use lithium batteries in them and not run the risk of hurting your alt. I prefer sears 19.2 and after I switched to lithium batteries I rarely ever use a corded drill or sawzall now I even have a grinder and 1/2" impact that I use with batteries dont use nicad spen a little more and go to lithium IMHO

 

[Gale Hawkins]

2x on lithium. We got the Lowes house brand that had both the circle saw and sawzall and I find the circular saw is just a good at the 120 volt saw for making a few cuts of 2x8 lumber with out the hassle of a cord or getting the lumber near AC power.

 

[rmorey]

In thinking of installing an inverter on my NH TC40DA so I can run shall power tools like a sawzall or power drill out in the field. Any advice or lessons from those who have done this and would do it differently next time?

What about picking up a small generator, either a cheapy for $200, say a 2,000 watt from Tractor Supply, or a better one like a Honda for $500 about the same size. Should run any power tools wherever you happen to be. And you can take it in the truck if you want.

 

[SPYDERLK]

A previous thread:
Adding inverter

 

[aczlan]

What about picking up a small generator, either a cheapy for $200, say a 2,000 watt from Tractor Supply, or a better one like a Honda for $500 about the same size. Should run any power tools wherever you happen to be. And you can take it in the truck if you want.

That would be the simpler route. If willing to spend a little more, I have used a 1600 running watt inverter type generator (this one: 73531i - Champion Power Equipment) when working away from power and it was nice as it throttled back as soon as you stopped using power.

Aaron Z

 

[CliffordK]

I think it would depend on what you're doing with it.

If you occasionally have to punch a couple of holes with a drill, I don't see how you would have a problem. Perhaps get a little bigger Deep Cycle battery.

If you're wanting to weld non-stop for hours at a time, it would be suboptimal.

I put a 300A alternator on my Blazer. Not too expensive off of E-Bay. It had a tiny pulley to run about 2x the speed of a normal alternator, and it still sometimes doesn't kick in at idle. So, on your tractor, with a low speed Diesel engine, you would have to verify the high power alternators would be effective, especially if you wish to idle it while you are working.

I had a 4000/8000W inverter that I was experimenting with earlier (not on a tractor). The biggest issue I had with it was that it would pull down the battery voltage under load, then hit an auto-shutoff. Cheap Chinese Stuff, the only way to keep it from hitting the auto-shutoff was to use a 14V battery.

I assume you've seen the Raven threads.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/general-lawn-garden/272033-anybody-got-one-these-yet.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/related-topics/274656-raven-46-mower-generator-go.html

 

[Xfaxman]

In thinking of installing an inverter on my NH TC40DA so I can run shall power tools like a sawzall or power drill out in the field. Any advice or lessons from those who have done this and would do it differently next time?

I didn't install it, just used it.



Jumper cable clamps on the battery.



Cut these limbs, with the TORO idling.



Later upgraded to a 1500W and mounted it on a board that slid into the receiver hitch on the front of the tractor. Used the same type cable connector that the receiver mounted winch used.

You can see the cable and the red connector between the headlight and the toolbox.



Worked good for me, I didn't have any cordless tools at the time.

 

[High Compression]

I've gone through 5 inverters. Get a generator. I haven't gone through any of them yet.

 

[FritzWH]

Thanks for all the input. I don't really want to drag my 4000w generator into the bush, but that might be my best option.

 

[CliffordK]

Many "modern" generators have a generator coupled with an inverter.
Perhaps a little heavier duty inverter than the Chinese stuff.

It never hurts to oversize your inverter somewhat, although the sub 1000W inverters are very cheap.

 

[petegoud]

Just put out the money for a Honda EU200i, and don't look back. You'll then have a nice little generator you can take anywhere. Top that off with it's dependency and quiet running. You won't regret it.

 

[Travelover]

I just bought the $89 Harbor Freight 900 watt generator for my field duty use. For the money, you can't beat it. No, it isn't a Honda, but it does what I need.

 

[SPYDERLK]

In thinking of installing an inverter on my NH TC40DA so I can run shall power tools like a sawzall or power drill out in the field. Any advice or lessons from those who have done this and would do it differently next time?

Thanks for all the input. I don't really want to drag my 4000w generator into the bush, but that might be my best option.

Your initial conditions are idea for std modified sine inverter in the 1 to 1.5KW range. These will run up to circ saw and small chainsaw. Any tractor with an automotive sized battery would handle them for use on a non continuous basis.
larry

 

[4570Man]

My first suggestion would be battery tools. Although the tractor alternator would be inadequate for prolonged use it should work fine for a quick cuts.

 

[WranglerX]

Quick take on inverters, they convert 12 VDC to 120 VAC... That is a X10 upwards voltage jump, and the amperage on 12 DC side will be 10 times more than power tool draw is on AC side (ohms law) ....

Lets say power tool draws 4 amps at 120 VAC, the means the inverter will draw at least 40 amps on DC input side to inverter at 12 volts to supply the 120V at 4 amps.......

A 1200 watt inverter will only supply up to 10 amps full out, but DC draw on input side will be almost 100 amps... Besure your DC power source is adequate to supply enough power to operate whatever tool is plugged in...

Dale