PTO generator selection help

[grsthegreat]

I bought this house 3 yrs ago and there is a main panel that feeds the well pump shed, sun room and another breaker panel (that used to be the main panel before the previous owners added a sun room).

View attachment 682594

The other breaker panel (that use to be the main panel) is located in the laundry room and I have a spare double pole breaker that I could use. My thought is to put a 50 amp double pole breaker in the spare spot and then install the 14-50R receptacle panel on the outside of the house by the laundry room and wire that straight to the 50 amp breaker.

When I need to use the generator I shut the main power switch off at the main breaker panel and at the breaker panel in the laundry room, fire up the generator and then open the generator main breaker.

do it easy, do it right Generator Interlock Kit Eaton / Cutler Hammer Vertical Throw 15 and 2 Amp Panels | GenInterlock

 

[RjCorazza]

I wasn't going to write this but here goes;

At a minimum you should install an interlock device on your main power panel;
Generator Interlock Kits Archives | GenInterlock

This is an inexpensive alternative to a whole house transfer switch which is a neater and cleaner way to do it.

Your material list sounds good, just the location and the method of having to manual turn breakers off to isolate power with no interlock

I understand your reluctance. I will add that the choice of the house input plug will require a double male power cord. The house inlet box needs to be male, like this one :

 

[Popgadget]

I’ve got a 50kw surge, 25kw continuous Dayton mounted on a trailer. It’s a 4 pole 1800 RPM generator with a 540 PT0 input.
It’s the backup to my 22kw stationary automatic standby, so the connection is through the automatic transfer switch.


To the OP, having an interlocked, approved transfer device is of utmost importance. As has been stated by others and myself, a simple mechanical breaker interlock for your service panel is probably the easiest and least expensive way to accomplish that.

 

[CobyRupert]

The IMP and Winco PTO generators have a 14-60R receptacle which surprised me as the Harbor Freight generator has a 50 amp receptacle.

Wouldn't the 50 amp double pole breaker at the main panel in the house protect everything?

Yes, in practice, the 50A DP breaker at the panel would limit the wires and receptacle UPSTREAM from the breaker from overloading.
Not sure if it’s to Code. Typically, downstream devices don’t protect upstream conductors and receptacles, but there are allowances; it might be allowed as a feeder.

 

[Katahdin]

I have the Rural King version of the Harbor Freight PTO generator. The difference is the 3-point hitch mount. I do not see this version on sale presently.



I got a really good deal on it, it was about $1000 after rebate. I have about 30 hours on it.

It is a 3600 RPM Brushed Unit with AVR. The brushes and AVR parts appear easy to buy and replace.

Fuel consumption is .6-1.4 gallon per hour, depending how hard I load it. (45hp engine with HST transmission)

Initially I thought I would convert it to 60amp, but I've decided 50amp completely fulfills my home needs. Also, the 50 amp outlet came in handy the day this was pictured, I had someone doing a welding job and his gas generator would not start, so I hooked him up with my PTO generator.

Light Flicker Tip: When I set the PTO generator on the ground at an angle I notice light flicker due to the oscillating vibration in the driveline. To eliminate the flicker, I raise the unit until the PTO shaft is horizontal and then set it down on jackstands at the appropriate height.

 

[tradosaurus]

After thinking about the PTO generator, costs, and potential usage I am leaning toward a 13kW propane driven generator and a 100 gal propane tank.

Should get it done for less than $1800.00

 

[Sawyer Rob]

How long do you expect a 100 pound tank to last??

SR

 

[LouNY]

Here is a very interesting page on generators and propane tanks and what they can deliver at various temps.
You will be dismayed to see how small a generator a 100 pound cylinder can run especially if you look a zero degrees,
but even 40F is pretty dismal.
Propane Á natural gas consumption rates

 

[Popgadget]

13kw at full load will burn over 2gph of propane. Figure about 23 gallons in a full 100lb tank.
However at that rate of consumption, even on a 70 degree day, you probably can’t get a good enough vaporization rate to actually empty the tank.

So.... my guess is around 8 hours, less if it’s below freezing out.

 

[grsthegreat]

A 13 kw standby has a minimum 250 gal tank due to the amount of vapor it pulls. I have seen alot of issues with shut down on 100 gal tanks