Generator PTO generator problem

[JHTFarmer]

I had just gotten this new WinPower 15kw PTO generator last weekend.
The tractor is a Case DX40.

I followed the start up directions perfectly. That is, ensuring the PTO shaft is in a straight line and that the PTO is engaged at a slow speed and then gradually brought up to speed. When the PTO is engaged at idle speed ---> something very dramatic happens.

An obviously powerful force is applied to the PTO shaft, then to the generator, and then on to the ground through the trailer. The trailer is the weak link and folded under the impulse. The opposite wheel rim was bent by the bounce back force. The tire had no tube and collapsed.

To me, the trailer seems underengineered for this size generator. It is made from pressed steel, each axel is about six inches long and held together with two u bolts, and the wheels seem very lightly made.

I contacted the company, and they said the trailer is fine, but I should get my tractor checked out right away because something had to be wrong with my PTO. I told them the machine has about 200hrs on the clock with multiple PTO implments: brush cutter, finish mower, and tiller without any problems whatsoever.

Anyone have thoughts on what could be wrong or what I should do next? I plan to let my implement/tractor dealer take it from here.

 

[3RRL]

Did you happen to try to rotate the generator shaft either by hand or some other way first? Maybe the generator shaft was "stuck"? I have unpackaged some motorized tools and somtimes there's packing or stuff that gets into the motor housing? If not removed it could "jamb" the armature from rotating? I doubt that was the problem, but it sure seems the generator shaft should turn.
BTW...did it turn at all when you engaged the PTO? Or did it just crush the trailer and not turn?

 

[Slamfire]

I have seen Radio Flyer wagons that looked sturdier than that trailer. The amount of energy required to start the generator and bring it up to speed would be dependant on the field control of the generator itself. There would be a tremendous amount of torque involved if the field was on full at startup.

 

[JHTFarmer]

Did you happen to try to rotate the generator shaft either by hand or some other way first? BTW...did it turn at all when you engaged the PTO? Or did it just crush the trailer and not turn?

Thanks for the reply. I disconnected the PTO shaft at the generator and I can rotate it slow and smoothly with a gloved hand. The gear case on the device is 6X for each PTO shaft revolution The generator itself weighs about 275 pounds so I assume the rotating mass is significant. When I engage the PTO (at idle speed), it shakes the trailer violently for a split second as the generator speeds up. The generator works fine when I have it up to operating speed.

 

[JHTFarmer]

I have seen Radio Flyer wagons that looked sturdier than that trailer. The amount of energy required to start the generator and bring it up to speed would be dependant on the field control of the generator itself. There would be a tremendous amount of torque involved if the field was on full at startup.

Nice analogy with the Radio Flyer. I'd have to agree.
as far as "field control" of the generator, I'm not familiar with the term. There was no load applied to the generator at startup other than mechanically from the PTO shaft.

 

[3RRL]

Well, I agree that is a crappy trailer. Have you thought about (especially now, haha) a 3pt cary-all to have the genny sit on? If they replace the trailer, use it for something else?

 

[JHTFarmer]

The manufacturer's options for carrying this generator are this trailer or a 3pt hitch mount. I hope they will trade me for the 3pt hitch and deduct the cost of the trailer for it. Unfortunately, their parts man was denying my claim over the phone. He was insistant that my DX40 had to be broken for this to happen. I will assume for the time being that he had my best interests in mind and wasn't blowing me off.

 

[3RRL]

I'd call him to tell him the generator works just fine, but the trailer doesn't! Don't let him bully you and go after his boss. Show him that picture.

 

[CDsdad]

If I may ask, what brand generator is that? And I agree about the radio flyer comment.

 

[CDsdad]

Sorry, should've paid attention to first line of post.