Buying Advice PTO Generator

[WilliamBos]

After being without power for several days, i also have considered the pto generator for my gc2600. But I have to say I am a bit concerned about leaving my tractor running unattended for hours at a time. I may opt for a traditional portable generator. Does anyone else feel that way? Fred

Don't run it when you don't need it...

 

[Martian]

After being without power for several days, i also have considered the pto generator for my gc2600. But I have to say I am a bit concerned about leaving my tractor running unattended for hours at a time. I may opt for a traditional portable generator. Does anyone else feel that way? Fred

I was also looking into a PTO generator, after looking into them for only a couple hundred more you can get separate generate displacing the same power and then your not putting the useless hours on your tractor. I haven't gotten anything yet. Waiting till spring. But I wouldn't spend the money on a PTO generator when you can get a normal generator for about the same money.

 

[Mark Page]

I had a 20 kw being turned by a 45 HP Massey. It was more than I needed and in foul weather I didn't like leaving the tractor out in the weather.
I sold it and bought a 10kw Honda, which turns out to be more than I need. I can run the house, including air conditioning, washer dryer, well pump, hot water heater, TV and computers all at the same time.
It's a lot easier to set up and put away.

 

[Mark Page]

I had a 20 kw being turned by a 45 HP Massey. It was more than I needed and in foul weather I didn't like leaving the tractor out in the weather.
I sold it and bought a 10kw Honda, which turns out to be more than I need. I can run the house, including air conditioning, washer dryer, well pump, hot water heater, TV and computers all at the same time.
It's a lot easier to set up and put away. You just need keep a supply of fresh fuel handy for those times when the snow is too deep to get to a fuel station.

 

[tsteahr]

I need to buy the correct PTO generator for my Massey GC2400.
I want to ensure I have the correct match for the PTO rated HP of 18.7. Is a 10KW the correct size? I am looking at the IMD PTO10-2SAVR - 10kW Tractor-Driven PTO Generator w/ AVR (540 RPM) for $1429 online. Good choice ? suggest a better choice?

I'd perfer one that is mounted on wheels which I'd prefer. I'd also like to see one in a showroom anywhere in souther NH or MA.


thanks in advance for any suggetions

I have the same IMD 10kw AVR which I drive with a GC2410. I have found it to be a very good match. I am able to draw full power from the generator, up to tripping the 40 amp output breaker, without pulling the tractor down. I suspect the GC24xx PTO hp may be slightly under rated as the tractor has plenty of power for the 10kw unit. I posted a review of the generator here.

I bought my unit directly from IMD. When I bought the unit about 18 months ago, they did not have any retail outlets this far North (CT). I would suggest you call IMD directly and say you found out about them from TBN. I think you may get a more competitive price.

The IMD units are very good. Most of the components come from Europe (Italy I believe) and IMD assembles and tunes the units. While there are more expensive units available, I believe it is a good balance between cost and quality. I feel it is better made then the Made in China units like the Harbor Freight.

I would second the suggestion to get the 3ph mount unless you really need the ability to tow with something that does not have a 3ph. The reason I say this is I don't know if the power will be as clean when mounted tow hitch as when the 3ph is lowered and sitting directly on the ground. I have observed more noise in the power if I operate the generator with the 3ph raised. I found the generator tends to bounce and shake slightly when the 3ph is raised. When I lower the 3ph to the ground the generator is steady and vibration free. I would be concerned that the wheeled unit might bounce slightly on the tires and not be as steady as a frame resting directly on the ground. That said, I have never used the wheeled tow hitch so this is nothing more than speculation on my part.

If you lower the 3ph frame mount onto a low dolly, it is not difficult to roll the generator around and line up with the hitch arms.

 

[JB4310]

I have the same IMD 10kw AVR
it is not difficult to roll the generator around and line up with the hitch arms.

I modded the 3pt carrier to fit my quick hitch. just a pc of round stock welded in the right spot for the top hook on the QH.

I also made the legs higher, just so the shaft was straighter, probably unnecessary, but maybe it will run a little cleaner yet.

JB

 

[RoyJackson]

I modded the 3pt carrier to fit my quick hitch. just a pc of round stock welded in the right spot for the top hook on the QH.

I also made the legs higher, just so the shaft was straighter, probably unnecessary, but maybe it will run a little cleaner yet.

JB

Nice job, JB!!

I've pretty much determined I'm going to get an IMD with the AVR. Just have decided if I want a 10kW ot the 16kW. My 4400 has 30 PTO HP, so I should get 14 or 15 kiloWatts out of it.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

My BX 25 won't power as much as I need so I have a 17.5 KW Generac (gas engine) wish it was a diesel but portables like that do not come in diesel. My brother-in-law has a big farm and a 100HP tractor and he hooks up a 30KW PTO Gen Set, runs his whole house and out buildings. He uses it a lot as someome is always taking out power poles along the busy road he is on. It takes him almost a half hour to get every thing moved, hooked up, and properly balanced with voltage and frequency. Mine is hooked up all the time in winter and I have it going and switched over in 5 min. When I was researching I found the 17.5 is the largest portable made and only Generac makes them. There may be others but I did not find it. All the other brands now top out at 12KW. Looking at the big picture I would rather run a gas engine the 100 hours I have this last year than put 100 hours on my tractor, if I had one big enough. The 17.5 only cost me $1800.

Ron

 

[JB4310]

Nice job, JB!!

I've pretty much determined I'm going to get an IMD with the AVR. Just have decided if I want a 10kW ot the 16kW. My 4400 has 30 PTO HP, so I should get 14 or 15 kiloWatts out of it.

I would definitely get the 16KW, can't cost much, more does it?
Especially if you think you may need more than 10kw at times.

I wish I got more than 10 like I've mentioned before. Even if you never draw more than 10 off it, it's no big loss. Not like if you bought a motor driven generator that was bigger than you needed, since that would have a higher HP engine and would be using more fuel through all it's range of output.
I think it's worth it to have the reserve, plus it will always be worth more for resale, though that's probably the least reason for you now to consider.

Generators are like life insurance in a way, for those who don't often lose power. Yeah, you pay good money out, but hope you never need it.

JB

 

[JB4310]

My BX 25 won't power as much as I need so I have a 17.5 KW Generac (gas engine) wish it was a diesel but portables like that do not come in diesel. My brother-in-law has a big farm and a 100HP tractor and he hooks up a 30KW PTO Gen Set, runs his whole house and out buildings. He uses it a lot as someome is always taking out power poles along the busy road he is on. It takes him almost a half hour to get every thing moved, hooked up, and properly balanced with voltage and frequency. Mine is hooked up all the time in winter and I have it going and switched over in 5 min. When I was researching I found the 17.5 is the largest portable made and only Generac makes them. There may be others but I did not find it. All the other brands now top out at 12KW. Looking at the big picture I would rather run a gas engine the 100 hours I have this last year than put 100 hours on my tractor, if I had one big enough. The 17.5 only cost me $1800.

Ron

It's a close call using your numbers, which one is a better choice, I agree.
Especially for the first couple of years, I think the pto comes out on top after that though. (Only if your tractor were able to power it of course)

I think a PTO generator is the most durable and reliable generator there is, but they aren't perfect, and some factors make them not the right choice for everyone.

I looked up your genny to see what it's life expectancy was and was surprised that it's listed at 3000 hours. so I can't criticise that, but the fuel consumption it not that good. Fuel storage/ availability is a critical factor.
http://www.wolverinepower.com/GENERATORS/ResidentialHomeGenerators/GeneracPortableGenerators.aspx

JB