Generator PTO generator weather proofing

[Smokeydog]

Picked up a slightly used 10kW Winco pto generator. Cute little rascal. This will be a backup to a backup 240v option.

Going to mount on a to-be-built 3pt hitch. Have room in the barn for storage but when deployed for use at either cabin it and the tractor will be outside.

Couple of modifications. Weatherproof outlets and breakers. Easy cover boxes from HD. Have bees that love to mud up any little hole.

Need a hood and some side covering. Nothing air tight or rodent friendly. Going to have plenty of space and gaps around it. Just want it drip proof and some wind blown rain protection. Brainstorming ideas. Thinking of cutting the top section off a $50, 96gallon commercial trash can. The lid would be the hood and sloped away from the tractor. Hood would give easy access. Hood could even be propped up slightly for ventilation. Sides could have 6-10” gap at the bottom. Internal metal frame for support. Hood will also keep the generator cleaner in the barn storage. Propping up hood some during storage might discourage mice.

What have you done to be able to use a pto generator during inclement weather? Storage tips?

 

[RjCorazza]

I store my WinCo in a shed with a standard nylon generator cover over it. I haven't needed to use the generator in inclement weather yet, but my thought is to stake a 4' x 6' tarp over the generator head and outlets (perpendicular to the pto shaft).
I like the commercial trash can idea... I will give that some thought. If you fab up something, post back a photo. Maybe cut out the entire long dimension side panel, wheel it over the generator, and use the lid for access to the generator panel?

 

[bdhsfz6]

A guy I know in town uses a waterproof plastic deck box like this one:

Amazon.com

He took the bottom out and cut a slot in one end for the drive shaft. It's light enough so he just puts it over the generator wherever its set up. Just lift the lid for access.

I have a trailer mount Bomag 12KW generator that I store in back of the barn. I put a trolley wheel on the tongue so I can roll it up to the barn door. The tractor is parked outside but the generator stays in the barn. I partially close the overhead door to keep weather off the genny.

Won't help though if I need the generator elsewhere on the property.

 

[LouNY]

Well heck my old 25 KW unit sits on a trailer, out in the weather. This year I haven't even unhooked it from the tractor.
They are built to be weather resistant, I do have a piece of ag bag plastic covering mine. In the winter time I've been know to run it with the plastic still on.
She's well over 25 years old with several hundred hours on her.
It's had 5 or 6 week long or longer outages and lots of 1-3 day ones.

 

[Smokeydog]

LouNY that’s a good testament on durability and use. That’s the kind of “Live-Action “ experience I was looking for.

Bought a used good big trash can for potential cover. Wife came by the shop to check on me and said it was too good to cut up so I maybe be using a tarp or bin.

Working on installing casters on an old homemade carryall frame. Utilizing materials on hand. If my algebra is correct, this will split the difference in pto height between the two tractors to less than an inch to give straightest pto shaft to the generator.

 

[LouNY]

As I recall you are going to 3 point mount yours.
I prefer a trailer mount for a couple of reasons.
1) I can pull it anywheres with a pickup for someone else to use.
2) I have been know to just backup to the generator and hookup the pto,
and start using it, not even hooking the trailer to the drawbar.

Also I know of several that are on ground "platforms" that are just backed up too and pto's connected and run.

 

[RjCorazza]

I initially planned on a 3 point mount, but went with the trailer instead for storage in a small shed. I just get close to the shed then push it in where I want it.
When I have some time I'm going to roll a large trash can over to the generator and take some measurements. I really like that idea!

 

[Williy]

I will not purchase any electrical supplies from home depot.
HD price on a roll of 12/3 250ft $75 went to electrical supply
store $110 purchased 2 of the rolls for 500 ft

willy

 

[mrmikey]

I wish $75, here's what our HD charges for a 250' roll, works out to USD $350

 

[bdhsfz6]

As I recall you are going to 3 point mount yours.
I prefer a trailer mount for a couple of reasons.
1) I can pull it anywheres with a pickup for someone else to use.
2) I have been know to just backup to the generator and hookup the pto,
and start using it, not even hooking the trailer to the drawbar.

Also I know of several that are on ground "platforms" that are just backed up too and pto's connected and run.

Just make sure your trailer or platform is wide enough. If it's not connected to the tractor, torque from a sudden heavy electrical load can cause the generator to flip over.

 

[grsthegreat]

Here in idaho 12/3 nmb romex $167/250 ft roll at home depot, $145 for same at wholesale house. I havnt seen $75 a roll for a long, long time.

 

[Smokeydog]

Paint shop in between rain showers.

Both trailer or 3pt have pros and cons. Another factor is the KW size generator. Have a Miller Bobcat option on a trailer in the shop. Might sell it if the PTO unit proves workable and get some shop space back.

 

[Smokeydog]

Trying to decide metal grating or wood for the decking to mount generator?

 

[LouNY]

This won't help much;
wood will absorb some vibration and noise,
steel will not rot.

 

[Smokeydog]

Letting the paint dry a couple of days.

 

[Smokeydog]

Got the generator mounted. New driveshaft cut and fitted. Swapped 60amp 240v plug to 50amp to work with my cord. Clear plastic gear oil level plug cracked from over tightening. Added oil and replaced with metal plug. Perils of buying used.

Testing.
Increased rpm till voltage meter in the green about 240v. Without load checked with multimeter. 89v and 52hertz. Increased rpm to give 60hertz, 112v. Generator meter now out of green range at 275v. Multimeter 225v.

515 rpm input. Another confirmation from tractor tachometer reading 170rpm less than 540 pto mark. Hard to argue with math.

Checked voltage with two other multimeters to confirm. Call Winco tech support. Confirmed OEM meter bad and no way to adjust. Replacement $120. Said hertz a better way to monitor operation. 61-62hertz unloaded.

I’ll put tick marks on both the tachometer and OEM voltmeter to mark operating points. Ordered new digital voltage and hertz meters to install on generator panel $10. So cheap ordered extra for spare’s or maybe make a box with plug to easily check any receptacle or generator.

 

[ptsg]

Looking good.

On mine, I also added 3 of those Volt/Amp/Hz meters. One per phase. Works awesome and only cost like $4 each.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Great job!

What is the black pad made out of that the generator is sitting on?

 

[2manyrocks]

Depending on the actual dimensions, that sort of looks like you could cut a 55 gallon metal barrel along its length to make a quonset hut type cover to install over the top of the generator as a roof.

 

[LouNY]

Looks good, is it a bit tight getting to hookup the pto?
If long enough at times I'll hook up the pto's then back the rest of the way in some implements.