PTO Generator question...with a twist

[sea2summit]

So work relocated me to vic of Barstow, CA and it's very common to get some power outages here lasting 24-140ish hours (7 times last year).

I already decided on a PTO gen because I don't need another engine to maintain or teach the boss how to use so that's not the discussion.

I'll be using my BX 25D and the intent is running enough to keep the freezers frozen and phones charged perhaps help out a neighbor or two with their fridges. If I can find a window type AC unit that doesn't draw too much it may power that from time to time to keep one room of the house bearable.

So the question: What special steps can I start looking at to avoid over heating the tractor? Average summer temps can get up over 110.

-Erect some sort of shade for it obviously.
-Put a second fan on it (thinking some generic plug it type)?
-Obviously I'm not going to sit on it the whole time, is there an easy way to get some sort of remote temp monitor?
-Any concerns with the Generator over heating?

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Just a few common sense things might be in order.

* Make sure the tractor's cooling system is in good order.
* Size the generator (power wise) to the tractor.
* Size the generator to the load you expect to be typ drawing.

Shade can't hurt. And for the sizing you don't want to be running the generator or tractor at full load most of the time.

Remember for loads like the refrigeration equipment, that includes the AC, they will require several times their rated current during start-up. For sure you don't want all the high start-up loads to hit the genny at the same time.

 

[newbury]

A good synthetic oil.
Shade with a cross breeze.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

-Obviously I'm not going to sit on it the whole time, is there an easy way to get some sort of remote temp monitor?

Depending on what you consider "easy" and how much you are willing to spend here are things to consider:

1.) A wireless webcam pointed on your gauges/indicator lights. Of course, no alarming capabilities here. This is probably the easiest and quickest.
2.) There are a few different ways to you could tap into the temp sensor/switch on the tractor and wirelessly send that over a network (wirelessly if in range) using a spare laptop near the tractor. Below is a site that has software that allows data acquisition and alarming capabilities and so forth if you're intested in that approach. This is a little more involved but has a lot of flexibility and offers a lot of options. I'm sure there are a lot of similar applications and hardware out there to do these sort of things, this is just one I am familiar with. It wouldn't be a stretch to have this shut the tractor down in the case of high temp (if you have a solenoid shut-off installed) or at least set an alarm to get your attention. I would not recommend this option if you're not familiar with electronics and don't have a lot of time to spend on this.

USB Digital I/O Commander - Low as $39

 

[zzvyb6]

The more common sense and practical things (based on my own experience) are related to operational details not capacities. Fan belt(s), engine oil weight, fresh system coolant, clean radiator passages and screen, transmission oil level, clear exhaust stream, properly sized output cable and connectors, balanced 240 loads at the breakers, and weatherized fuel selection and additives, extra fuel filters on hand and all residents tuned into power using devices that should or could be turned off.

I'd also recommend a few practice runs so the emergency doesn't turn into it's own emergency: flashlights to enable a nighttime hookup, where to park the machinery, transfer switch or mains disconnection(s), power cable location, written procedure review with the family, fire extinguisher presence, location and proper storage of refueling equipment, tools for locating local downed wires and pet (i.e. dog) containment to prevent them from getting hurt (resulting in YOU getting hurt) and maybe a dependable chain saw ready to rock 'n roll.

Don't worry about the neighbors.

 

[bcp]

...tools for locating local downed wire...

What are those tools?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[zzvyb6]

What are those tools?

Thanks,

Bruce

A VERY powerful spotlight (1,000,000 candle) for use at night. The bright light will reflect off of the wires sufficiently to see them from many yards away (like 100 yds). When they go down around here, the bright light reflects off the aluminum wires. When snow or ice has collected on them, same thing. Its the night time I worry most because the dogs are used to roaming around the fields looking for things out of place. You also need to be able to check the poles, transformer and the knife-switch breakers on the pole(s) on your property. This helps the repair crews get you back up quickly by telling them the fuse/breaker is open. They can check the entire line for a cause (short, open, 1/2 circuit, lost neutral) but not the condition of breakers on my poles.

 

[Industrial Toys]

There is another thread going on here that should give you some good advice. You can get a Murphy gauge and if you have a solenoid controlled fuel system, I guess you could shut it down.

I said it in another thread. I didn't like to leave a tractor running at full tilt. Plus, after you go through all the hassle of unhooking an implement, getting the generator, hooking it up, sometimes by then the power came back on.

 

[farmer2009]

I would put a set of Murphy switches on the tractor. If it over heats or looses oil pressure it will automatically shut it down. The only draw back is to start it you have to hold the manual override button in for about 5 secs or so. But that deters theft unless they know about them. Former employer installed them on all irrigation tractors after putting a couple of motors in because someone messed with them. Although once they just shot the block. Not much to help there.