PTO generator, anyone using one?

[wdn]

I have seen a few references to the PTO generator as one reason to go with a BX2200 versus a BX1800.

Does anyone actually use the PTO generator with the BX series or another Kubota? If so, how many kW output are you using and what brand. Did you have to buy anything else for example the shaft to connect the PTO to the generator head?

The cost equation is the big thing. I am not sure whether a PTO generator is much cheaper than a standalone generator of the same capacity (that comes with it's own engine).

I would appreciate any insight on this issue, as I am also looking at the G2160 which of course could not run a generator but I can get the G2160 for $7750 and the price I was quoted locally for BX1800 with just the 54" MMM was $10,500 at the same dealer (which I know is not a good price, but $7,750 for the G seems quite good).

I am looking for mowing 7 months of the year spring/fall cleanup 1 month and 4 months of snow removal here in New Hampshire! So that is the primary use and so far the G2160 is still in the running, but now I am also thinking about the generator issue which further clouds the decision.

Another issue, is running a PTO generator going to put an unusual strain on the drivetrain of the BX? It is for home backup only so would only run 1-2 days a year with the generator.

Thanks, I appreciate the good advice I am getting here so far, this forum was quite a lucky find.

 

[RPM]

Since I was responsible for at least one of the references I should probably respond. I'm not using one, but am considering the purchase - it's on the short list. Where I live we get several power outages a year - and I'm not too excited about this during the winter.

When I bought my BX I kept this at the back of my mind and hence went with the 2200. It doesn't have the PTO output (around 17hp) that's required for the bigger PTO generators, but I figure it's good for about 8kW. That would be enough to run the furnace and pumps for a couple of hours each day to stop pipes freezing and toilets stinking.

It's a close call on price and convenience though - I still haven't made the final decision. I am also evaluating the different wiring options needed for the house. The other alternative is a propane powered generator - that way I can work on clearing the road while not worrying about pipes freezing!!

I don't know of anyone with a BX running one ... has anyone with a B7100 or other small tractor done it?

Patrick

 

[hayden]

I haven't used one myself, but from what I've seen they are not cheap. I think they are more targetted at dairy farmers who are in deep dodo (perhaps literally) if they lose power, and need lots of it to run the milking machines etc.

You could check out Knoxland Equipment in Weare NH (Hillsborough county). They had several of them in their yard last time I was there including a used one.

Keep in mind that the PTO power required is only as great as the electric load placed on the generator. Even with a PTO generator rated at 15KW or something like that, you'll only be loading the tractor by 8HP or so for every 5KW of actual load. Keep the load down and even a small tractor can drive a big generator.

 

[radman]

I have a 27,000kw pto generator. It is 3pt mounted. I usually run it off my old Allis-Chalmers D19 (72 hp). A rule of thumb I use is two hp/1000kw. Frankly, mine is so big I have never seen it even pull the tractor down slightly. The generator has two 20amp outlets and one 220 outlet. I have used it with a 220 welder and didn't even affect the tractor. A 4000-5000 watt generator will operate most tools. I purchased mine used for $700 and it came with a pto shaft. I havn't tried it but I suspect I could run my entire farm off the generator. Its one of those things I don't use often but extremely handy when electricity is not available. I'm currently building a pole barn and using the generator for electricity. I will continue to use the generator until I get wired for electric next year.

 

[fractal]

I own a kubota b7200 and had similar thoughs of a pto generator myself. Then I realized that to make it worthwhile I would need to wire the house with a transfer switch, otherwise I was going to be running extension cords through the house for applicances like I currently do with the gasoline powered coleman 5kw I bought after the loma preata quake. I then did the math and realized that a natural gas generator with auto-transfer from costo was cheaper than the pto generator alone and came to the conclusion that, for me, a pto generator was not a good investment. I still have the coleman gasoline powered generator that will run the fridge/freezer/microwave for a couple of hours per run. If I were do drop the cash on a backup generator, realizing that between vehicles and cans I keep an average of 50 gallons of gasoline on hand, compared to the 5-10 gallons of diesel I keep in tractor/can and the frequency that natural gas has failed (never around here) I would probably go natural gas. But, for now, I stay with gasoline powered for the bare essential appliances. I definately would not buy a bigger tractor than I needed just on the hopes of running a pto generator.

ymmv.

 

[RPM]

I'm with you on the hassle of transfer switches etc. I have been hearing ball-park figures of $1000 or more to get one installed. I figure that I'd wire separate outlets next to the furnace, hot water heater (propane - but has a fan), septic & well pumps - and use an extension cord for anything else.

I have to do some research now and see if that complies with the National Electrical Code - some day I'll want to sell my house after all!

Patrick