PTO Generator

[lincmercguy]

I'm thinking about getting a PTO generator for backup power for our place. I already have a manual transfer switch that was installed before we bought the place.

I have a Champion dual fuel generator that would be enough to run the well pump and keep the fridge and freezer going if needed. However, I'd like to get one that is PTO powered since I have two tractors and some diesel. I'd also like to make sure it can run my AC as well. Furnace and water heater are gas. I'm not expecting it to run everything at once. I'd also want to make sure it has good power that is okay for electronics and air conditioners.

My tractors are a JD 5105 (45hp) and a JD 5055e. The 5105 is good on fuel. The 5055e has the economy PTO mode. I haven't tried it too much because I usually run my brush hog in the regular mode. The 5055e does use more fuel running the brush hog, so maybe the 5105 would make more sense. The 5055e is definitely my snow moving tractor has it has front wheel assist and a cab. I installed the cold weather start kit on my 5105 when I rebuilt it after the fire.

I've been looking at the Winco W15PTOS, it seems appropriate for what I need. I need to check the wiring on the transfer switch to make sure it can handle 60 amps.

I see they have some three point frames as well. I'd prefer that so I can mount it to the tractor in the shop if the weather is bad.

I don't have anything that has to be powered immediately like medical equipment. So this would be brought out if we're looking at more than six hours or so without power.

 

[ptsg]

I'm sure you'll get a lot of debate between a genset vs PTO generator but there are some good PTO setups in the forum. I'm sure you'll get a lot more info as people start seeing this post.

I remember a nice one, where the PTO generator is mounted inside the shop, the that person poked a hole in the wall for the PTO shaft. So when it's needed, he just backs up to the PTO Gen and hooks up the PTO shaft.

 

[RjCorazza]

I have a Winco 15k pto generator for my home backup. It it hooked up to one 200a panel through a 60a breaker and interlock, so I have to use some common sense in what I power with it. We've only had a few greater than 4 hour outages over the past several years, but so far I like the setup. It will run the whole house, but only one AC zone during the summer.

I only have one tractor, so I do have the disadvantage of not having the tractor available. I plow snow in the immediate area, so I may have to leave the wife without power for several hours while I complete my plow run. The other disadvantage is that the wife refuses to learn how to hook the tractor up for power, but being retired that's not such a big deal.
I opted to set the generator on a trailer (the one from WinCo) so I could wheel it out of a storage shed near where it gets hooked up. There is a poster here on TBN that made a very simple but effective all weather cover out of a trash bin for his pto generator. I'm going to use his idea and make one myself eventually.

 

[Smokeydog]

Bought a Winco 10K used. Surprised the voltage gauge was off, reading high than actual. Talking with tech support the gauge was bad, no adjustment and replacement was $130. Discussed that hertz was really more important parameter to monitor and control. Bought several meters, volt, amps, hertz on Amazon and installed on generator and couple extension cords at about $5 each. Monitor on the generator and in the house.


PTO generator produce clean, steady power. Like you have two tractor options and fuel for many days if needed. Did build 3pt wheeled platform and trashcan enclosure. Helps keeping it clean during storage in shed and dry when using in inclement weather. Does also reduce the sound coming from gearbox and generator.

Only tested a couple times and have refined the enclosure to suit. Only two outages the little gas inverter generator could handle. Added a meter to its’ connecting cord that also monitors power factor, watts and Resetable kilowatt hours.

 

[Like Tractors]

I'm thinking about getting a PTO generator for backup power for our place. I already have a manual transfer switch that was installed before we bought the place.

I have a Champion dual fuel generator that would be enough to run the well pump and keep the fridge and freezer going if needed. However, I'd like to get one that is PTO powered since I have two tractors and some diesel. I'd also like to make sure it can run my AC as well. Furnace and water heater are gas. I'm not expecting it to run everything at once. I'd also want to make sure it has good power that is okay for electronics and air conditioners.

My tractors are a JD 5105 (45hp) and a JD 5055e. The 5105 is good on fuel. The 5055e has the economy PTO mode. I haven't tried it too much because I usually run my brush hog in the regular mode. The 5055e does use more fuel running the brush hog, so maybe the 5105 would make more sense. The 5055e is definitely my snow moving tractor has it has front wheel assist and a cab. I installed the cold weather start kit on my 5105 when I rebuilt it after the fire.

I've been looking at the Winco W15PTOS, it seems appropriate for what I need. I need to check the wiring on the transfer switch to make sure it can handle 60 amps.

I see they have some three point frames as well. I'd prefer that so I can mount it to the tractor in the shop if the weather is bad.

I don't have anything that has to be powered immediately like medical equipment. So this would be brought out if we're looking at more than six hours or so without power.

I decided to upgrade from a Winpower 10/15 KW to the Winco 27KW, it will power everything without a problem. My L6060 works great, my M5-091 works even better with the EPTO, less fuel use. My B2650 will run it, but I wouldn't try to start the Air Conditioner, that might be a little much for that tractor. A couple of the pictures are from an outage in July, about 9 hours.

 

[nybirdman]

Have a 10K PTO powered for my L4240 Kubota.Mounted on a trailer,correct disconnect/switch.Works well the few times it has been used.Disadvantage is that the wife would have no idea how to hook up.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have a Baumalight 12KW PTO generator mounted on a trailer. I put a caster wheel on the trailer tongue so it can be rolled around in the barn. It's easier to hook up a trailer than it is to mount a 3pt genny.

My only complaint is, I have to remove the implement on the tractor to hook up the genny. I have 2 tractors but there are always implements on both.

During an outage, I don't run the PTO genny 24/7, just during peak use times. I use a Honda 2K gas model overnight for lights, fridge & furnace.

I like having 2 fuel sources. My 1000 gal fuel oil tank will run the tractor for a month if necessary and can be used when gas is in short supply.

I am thinking of getting a larger gas model with electric start. Maybe a 5 to 7 KW unit that will run everything but the Oven & AC. The older I get, the less likely I am to go through the effort of hooking up the PTO.

 

[Smokeydog]

With any pto generator it is important to have the driveline straight with either trailer or 3pt hitch to prevent fluctuations of voltage. Always good to have a good meter to check voltage and hertz. From what I have gleaned from people more knowledgeable than I is to keep the hertz steady at 60. The little Winco does that very well under varying loads up to rated continuous service of 10Kw with only a slight drop voltage. The cheap digital meters from Amazon are remarkably accurate compared to my Fluke multimeter. 1-2%. Have voltage, amps and hertz meters reading normal power to TV, ham radio, router, fan, led light 24/7 since November of last year. Nice to monitor hertz and one line voltage while on normal or backup power without having to do anything extra.

 

[workinonit]

I have a 25 kW Winco that I bought new for 1100 bucks. I have run it on my old 5310 and my 5090 both on EPTO. I never take my tractors out of EPTO regardless of what I'm spinning.

 

[5030]

I contemplated buying a PTO driven genny but went the other way instead. When we loose power, it's usually in the dead of winter and I didn't want to be fiddling with a PTO unit when it's below freezing anyway.

I actually have 2 standby gen sets, a diesel powered Generac that is plumbed into my bulk diesel tank next to the shop that provides essentially 220 3 phase power and a propane fired Generac 17 KW unit for the farmhouse.

Both are very convenient and totally turn key. Have had them both for 15 years now with no issues other than regular maintenance and no power interruptions except for the 45 seconds it takes for them to fire up and assume the load and both are on vacuum isolated transfer switches and 100% hands off.

I don't want to fiddle with a PTO driven unit and having to hook it up plus I don't need to be running either one of the tractors 24-7 for who knows how long and stopping to fuel them back up and checking the fluid levels. Out here, when the utility fails, it's never a quick deal, usually days at a time.

JMO. What works for me, may not work for you.