Generator PTO generator

   / PTO generator #52  
Having experienced an extended outage, I was quite happy for the link to the dual fuel carb conversion. I have sent them an order, you never know when the next ice storm will arrive here in E. TN. We seem to get more than number we got in PA where I grew up.
 
   / PTO generator #53  
Glad you found the link useful. I've got the gas conversion on my list of things to get done. I have Natural Gas available, however it's a little more complicated to tap into the low pressure side of the existing gas piping (licensed plumber needed).

It seems to me that power outages are becoming MORE frequent. On the last outage (3 days during a fierce snowstorm dumping literally 6' of snow in 36 hours), I needed to siphon gas out of my Silverado. It has a 34 gal tank and luckily was nearly full.

For those who live at altitude, naturally aspirated generator engines (and tractor engines as well) lose power at higher altitudes. I'm at 8000' and guess I lose about 25-30% engine power (and lose corresponding generation power).

I've used and like the Gen-Tran switches because 1. Provide positive mechanical interlock 2. Have load meters to balance the load 3. Only powers the items I can safely handle (low voltage/high amperage can burn-out things) 4. Meets NEC code 5. Circuits not on generator provide indication when grid power has returned 6. My wife can easily/safely switch to generator power when I'm not around.

Please let us know how the conversion kit works out. Thanks.
 
   / PTO generator #55  
In my opinion, a natural gas generator with automatic transfer switch is the preferred solution for people who's wife does not change implements on the tractor and when natural gas is available.

A friend of mine lives in upstate NY and has one. He swears by it. He has had power outages ranging from hours to days and it has worked flawlessly. It has worked when he was there, and it has worked when he was out of town on business. The electricity may fail, and fail often, but he has never had his gas go out. I have seen coleman brand units at costco for less than what I would pay for a pto genset.

Everything I have read, and makes sense when you think about it, suggest that PTO gensets are an essential piece of equipment for dairy farmers, chicken farmers and basically anyone who has one or more tractors and stands to loose BIG bucks if they can not run the automatic milking equipment or maintain the lighting / cooling on their chick coups or any other such routine operations. Most such applications are not 24x7 operation and power needs, when required, are both large and transient. A pto genset is a cost effective solution for these people who have the 65+hp tractors and need 30kw of power.

I use a 2 1/2 kw portable gasoline generator myself. Danged thing is loud and running extension cords is a pain, but frankly, imho, anything more than that and less than a natural gas whole house generator is a waste of money.
 
   / PTO generator #56  
i have a 10 kw portable and a gentran transfer swich, al the family can set it up and run the whole house for about 8 hours befor it needs to refuel, by that time i am home and can handle the rest. a 2.5 kw wont even run my well pump much less the rest of the house, so i guess it depends on where you live and what you need to make your home livable during power outage. the portable also allows me to go to the neighbors and run their necessities for them, during a prolonged outage.

alex

alex
 
   / PTO generator #57  
accordianman:

I beat the pants off your price.

I just bought a Generac 15KW propane fired standby generator from Norwall.com

I paid $2888.00, freight included, delivered to my door. I ordered the genset last Sunday over the internet. The genset was delivered Wednesday afternoon by Holland Motor Freight.

That's faster delivery than even UPS and the unit weighs 500 pounds. The 15KW is a complete unit including transfer switch and all wiring.

Norwall carries the complete line including diesel gensets up to 45KW

I try not to buy from Northern Tool. I compare their prices to local merchants as well as other internet providers and their prices are ALWAYS higher. Plus you have to pay shipping.

If you look at the Generac units that Northern has in their catalog, the 15KW unit is $3200.00 and that is not freight included /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

www.norwall.com
 
   / PTO generator #58  
MossRoad:

I have a Yamaha 2800 Inverter portable generator.

It has the idle down feature and does not have a battery. The inverter technology is relatively new to portable generators. Only Honda and Yamaha has it and Yamaha makes the generator heads for Honda so I bought the Yamaha.

Basically, an inverter generator controls the waveform and maintains 60 hertz electronically. Most generators are either 2 pole or 4 pole. A 2 pole generator must turn at a constant 3600 rpm to make 60 cps, while a 4 pole must turn at 1800 rpm. Most generators, even those with skewed armatures produce a modified sine waveform which can be detrimental to sensitive electronic equipment like computers.

Inverter generators on the other hand produce true sine wave 60 hertz power no matter what speed the generator is turning at. An added plus is the generator is very efficient and can be made lightweight and compact.

My Yamaha 2800 I weighs about 55 pounds full of fuel and runs 11 hours on 3.5 gallons. It is very compact and fits in my camper. I like to use it when I need power around the farm too. It idles until there is a demand from say a circular saw, then it adjusts it's speed to provide the amperage to run the tool I am using.

It's also very quiet. The down side to all this is the inverter generator is more expensive than the Lowes type. I paid $1200.00 for the Yamaha, but it's worth every penny. Honda makes a 3200 watt unit with electric start, but the battery adds some weight. I believe the Honda weighs about 80 pounds.

The Yamaha is extremely easy to start. It has a automatic compression release and will start with two fingers on the recoil so even your "better half" can start it!!

If you are interested in one, or the Honda for that matter, do a Google search for Yamaha Inverter generators or Honda Inverter generators. There are quite a few dealers selling them.
 
   / PTO generator #59  
This is the generator I picked up yesterday with my friend.

Read the side of the box. My friends said 15kw if you use the FREE boost kit from them otherwise 12kw. Both figures are with LP gas. There is an 800 number on the box and they will ship and send it free. I guess maybe it's a jet kit for use with the LP?

Perhaps yours is different?
 
   / PTO generator #60  
F350Lawman:

Same generator.

I am having an licensed electrician do the electrical hookup. Generac's are very popular here. Our propane supplier has a 15KW unit on their property for standby power when the utility power fails there.

I am having them install another propane tank to run in tandem with my existing 500. Ron, the owner came out and gave me some pointers for the install. He told me that Generac prefers having one of their authorized electricians install the electrical end. Ron told me that for the warranty to be valid on the unit, the electrician must complete the warranty card and sign it and list their license number.

If you go to Generac's website: www.generac.com it will list qualified/certified electrical contractors in your area.

The electricial contractor that I am using said he has installed at least 10 15KW units and has never had to do the upgrade to a full 15KW. Remember, that continuous residential draw is not usually more than 30 amps. The only time you get a surge draw is when you start a motor like your well pump or your refrigerator. Starting amperage is usually 3 times running amperage as a rule.

I think at this point I am going to leave it at 13KW and see if it will handle the house. My electrician thinks it will.

I think it's 13KW not 12KW.

I have to go and build the foundation and set the unit. Ron suggested that I raise the unit on a gravel pad surrounded by treated 4x4's. I will follow his advice.

To keep the install cost down, I am going to do the physical install. The electrician will only have to do the final wiring.

By the way, what did you pay for yours?
 
 

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