just tested my pto-genny on my ford 8n

EdwardB · Sep 14, 2004

Soundguy,

I've been following the recent generator threads closely. I am considering a unit for my Northern Michigan home which gets hard winters (ice) and lots of wind off Lake Michigan (downed trees). /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

In any event, the PTO route is apparently cheaper, as it leverages the motor on your tractor. I just have one question - it seems that running your tractor motor for long periods (or around the clock, for that matter) may cause alot of wear. Are tractor motors designed to run non-stop?

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

milkman · Sep 14, 2004

Yes /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Soundguy · Sep 14, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Are tractor motors designed to run non-stop? )</font>

I'd have to say yes.

Whenever I mow.. I may be out for hours. I know before I got my big tractor.. it would take me all day mowing.. that was just plain hours at pto speed, with minor variation in load.

Also.. at least for these old tractors.. there were deffinate provisions for 'stationary' power. For instance.. my JD-B has a belt pulley.. built in... And my Fords can accept a belt pulley that bolts right on the rear of the diffy, over the oem pto stub. The belt pullies were widely used for saw and gristmills, water pumping, etc. A sawmill operation might run all day, for many days in an area.. etc.

Also.. my old cub has a special grease fitting on the pto section, to lube the pto bearing, if the pto will be operated without the tranny in gear. ( the tranny oil slinger normally splash lubes the pto.. but if you are using the tractor with a belt pulley, and stationary.. the grease fitting lubes the pto ).

In another sub I read.. we have a few posters that are in australia, and are 'off the grid' and have been . The use a tractor to run a genny as their sole source of power.

Soundguy