Generator PTO generator problem

[JHTFarmer]

There is (was), nothing wrong with that trailer, that gen head should not be that hard to turn. You should be able to easily turn it with your bare hands just like any electric motor of that size. Did there happen to be any SHIPPING BOLTS OR BRACKETS holding the shaft that needed to be removed before operation? It should not be anywhere near as hard to turn as a rotary mower.

The Generator is not that hard to turn. I can slowly spin it with a gloved hand. However, it has a fairly hefty rotating mass. The generator itself weighs 275 pounds. So I would guess that the rotating parts probably weigh 100 pounds or more. On top of this is a gearbox that spins the rotor six times for every PTO shaft revolution.

There were no shipping bolts or brackets that I could find and there is no mention of any such things in the operation manual.

I have shown the trailer to my implement dealer (who had obtained this for me). He inspected it, the generator, and my tractor and is to follow through with the manufacturer. I suspect it may take some time....

 

[Ronbo]

Not to hijack your thread, but, are there any markings on the gearbox? I need a gearbox, but am unable to find them anywhere.


Ron

 

[Soundguy]

Norme...I disagree... in part.

The Gen head should turn as easilly as an electric motor.

However.. just ahead of the genny head is a step up gearbox. it will probably be a 6.66:1 ( 3600 rpm ) or 3.33:1 (1800 rpm ) depending on the number of poles.

My 12.5kw northstart pto gen can be turned by hand.. but you have to grab it, and there is significant resistance as it breaks over all of the gear inertia.. then once it starts to spin.. you have a decent amount of metal acting like a flywheel.. and speeding up isn't that big of deal. It is just that initial moment when you go from no motion.. to 0 motion, and have that (step-up) gear mass to spin up plus the gen head.. etc.

My guess is the inertial shock and torque fromt he downward spin is what the trailer couldn't take.

besides.. in the pics.. it looks like it is paper thin metal.. like something you would see on a barn roof.

The gear box looks identical to the gearbox on my gen head.

FWIW.. my stepfather has a 24kw northstar genny.. a 3600rpm unit.. it is very difficult to start it by hand.. unless you put a screwdriver thru the pto stub shaft hole and use both hands to start it spinning. It's step up gearbox is significantly larger.

Soundguy

 

[JHTFarmer]

Late entry...

I eventually had to drag my tractor and generator down to my
implement dealer for them to inspect the tractor to ensure the
PTO was indeed working properly. They had the same problem
and one of the wheels even fell of the trailer when they started it.

The company has denied the warrenty claim on this trailer.
They refused even to give a discount on the 3pt mount for the genny.
My dealer is going to purchase this 3pt mount from them for $400 (shipping included) and will then split the difference with me.

For some reason, I don't think he'll be selling anymore products from
this company. Anyone know of a good reputable generator manufacturer?

 

[Soundguy]

Around here you see winco ( spendy ) .. and northstar pto gens..

soundguy

 

[IslandTractor]

Late entry...

I eventually had to drag my tractor and generator down to my
implement dealer for them to inspect the tractor to ensure the
PTO was indeed working properly. They had the same problem
and one of the wheels even fell of the trailer when they started it.

The company has denied the warrenty claim on this trailer.
They refused even to give a discount on the 3pt mount for the genny.
My dealer is going to purchase this 3pt mount from them for $400 (shipping included) and will then split the difference with me.

For some reason, I don't think he'll be selling anymore products from
this company. Anyone know of a good reputable generator manufacturer?

That sort of product support and customer service belongs in the TBN Hall of Shame. To bad we don't have one. I hope people looking for PTO generators will see this thread and give their business to someone other than WinPower.

 

[schmism]

do the class 3 boomers not come with clutches?

my TC33 comes with one... on the left... thats how i engage my PTO's... push clutch in... move pto lever to "on" slowly let out clutch and let the item get up to speed.

i think your dealer should work with you to supply a carry-all or some other item that would be a sufficent replacement for that sorry excuse of a "trailer" they sent you.

let the dealer fight it out with the supplyer of the unit. (thats what hes there for, else you could have saved $$ and bought it right over the internet) least thats my opininon of why there are there....

 

[IslandTractor]

i think your dealer should work with you to supply a carry-all or some other item that would be a sufficent replacement for that sorry excuse of a "trailer" they sent you.....

Sounds like the dealer is not the problem and that he's going halvesies on a 3pt hitch adapter for the generator. I've often thought that the 3pt hitch set up for a generator was better anyway although it makes it impossible to move the thing around without the tractor.

 

[schmism]

so they supply you with a single 50 amp 220v plug on the back?

i guess they expect you to be running that into some sort of transfer switch/distibution pannel....

 

[IslandTractor]

I haven't looked at the specs for this particular generator but usually they give you at least a couple of 120v outlets and at least one 220 v outlet. The box to hook up to your household electrical system is an entirely separate purchase/installation (usually by a qualified electrician).