PTO generator who has one??

[16valex]

I've been looking for a generator that would be driven off of my BX23 PTO. So far all the one I've seen are over $1200. I can't justify for this kind of money when 364 days of the year this thing will just sitting there and collecting dirt. Where do I go to get a used one?

There are a bunch of used gas generators forsale for $300-$500. But I don't want another engine sitting around and gum up the carburetor.

What would you do? A PTO generator or a used gas one? Again, I only need this in case of emergency lost of power....

 

[_RaT_]

You can always get a larger generator then your tractor could possibly run. You just can't load it as much. If you look at Noerthern tool, they have a 7800 watt pto generator for $799. On the flip side, I much prefer my portable Honda. Never have gumming up because I always run it dry and also run stabilizer in the large fuel tank.

 

[Zinno87]

I always used to run my machines dry too, but I've recently had two issues with dry seals and diaphragms. I wonder if running them dry could have caused that?

 

[_RaT_]

I always used to run my machines dry too, but I've recently had two issues with dry seals and diaphragms. I wonder if running them dry could have caused that?

Don't have a problem with either on my 1986 Honda 3500 watt generator. I don't think it has a diaphragm.

 

[Shimon]

I use a 13kW PTO generator I got from Northerntools which has served me well. Click here for some photos. It's mounted in my shop and I just back up to the shop and put the shaft through a small, removable panel. It can pretty much run the whole house. Have used it for 3 seasons now about 6-12 times a year...we loose power a lot. I got it because it was cheaper, easier, less stuff to maintain and I can give the tractor a little more exercise during the winter months. The generator itself is not top-shelf but it was cheap. It's got a simple voltage regulator (capacitor) as opposed to an electronic regulator but it hold frequency pretty good. I just check the frequency once in a while and sometimes need to bring it up or down a couple of Hz. The governor on the L3400 actually does a pretty good job keeping up with the generator loads.

 

[Jw5875]

If you spend the $1200.00 for a PTO unit, you never have to worry about the carb / fuel gumming issue, and it will run if your tractor does!!

Generator purchases have a lot of thought needed, frequency when needed. power out put (Watts) and portablity.

Generator's are like a Tow Truck -- WHEN YOU NEED ONE, YOU NEED ONE.

Survival thoughts (Me):

When I need it to work -- New is best! The yard sale never gave a Guarantee!

Recently purchased a Guardian home stand-by unit (Propane fuel) works great.


JW 5875

 

[Harry c]

My Miller gas powered welder is my back up generator. I weld just often enough to keep reasonably fresh gasoline in it. The last power outage, my son pointed out that we were eating a hot dinner and watching a DVD on the big screen in a nice warm house while most of our neighbors were sitting in the dark.

These welders run forever and can be found used at a pretty reasonable price if you keep your eyes open.

Since everyone needs a good welder anyway...

 

[GordNovo]

I use a 13kW PTO generator I got from Northerntools which has served me well. Click here for some photos. It's mounted in my shop and I just back up to the shop and put the shaft through a small, removable panel. It can pretty much run the whole house. Have used it for 3 seasons now about 6-12 times a year...we loose power a lot. I got it because it was cheaper, easier, less stuff to maintain and I can give the tractor a little more exercise during the winter months. The generator itself is not top-shelf but it was cheap. It's got a simple voltage regulator (capacitor) as opposed to an electronic regulator but it hold frequency pretty good. I just check the frequency once in a while and sometimes need to bring it up or down a couple of Hz. The governor on the L3400 actually does a pretty good job keeping up with the generator loads.

Say, I like that setup!! You got that baby hooked up to some kinda fancy transfer switch? Is it backfeeding into your mains?

GN

 

[16valex]

Thanks folks,

I'm leaning toward the PTO generator idea because. 1) love the Kubota diesel 2) less engine to take care.

Now, as I've been looking at Northern Tool PTO generators, there are two sizes a 13KW and a 7.2KW, the 13KW requires 24hp and the 7.2KW requires 13hp and as you all know I own a BX23. Which of the two should I get and what is the pros and cons? And first of all can my BX23 handle the 13KW?

 

[_RaT_]

Thanks folks,

I'm leaning toward the PTO generator idea because. 1) love the Kubota diesel 2) less engine to take care.

Now, as I've been looking at Northern Tool PTO generators, there are two sizes a 13KW and a 7.2KW, the 13KW requires 24hp and the 7.2KW requires 13hp and as you all know I own a BX23. Which of the two should I get and what is the pros and cons? And first of all can my BX23 handle the 13KW?

Your BX will turn it but probably not at full load. The solution to that is don't load to the point that the BX cannot handle it. As soon as the voltage starts dropping off dramatically and the BX loads up, you will know you have reached that point. With the 7.8kW you would probably trip the main breaker before you overload the BX.
Even though they want 24 PTO HP (or more) you can see from other non PTO driven 13KW generators that they get by on 20HP (gas). The main reason for this is the power loss in the gear drive to get the RPM up from the 540 on the tractor PTO as well as minor losses in the drive line.