Voltmaster PTO generator

[bubbacuse77]

Not sure if it has been asked yet, but does anyone have the 12K/15KW surge Voltmaster PTO genny and what do you think.
Also can anyone who already has a PTO genny let me know if you constantly have to adjust the throttle on the tractor when loads kick on and off?

:thumbsup:

 

[dex3361]

I have a 15KW pto generator and have only tested it with a few varying loads. I set the throttle to get 61hertz and let it run with different loads. The hertz would drop down to 60hz at the lowest and I did not have to touch the throttle. My generator is the Harbor Freight 15KW generator.

 

[sdkubota]

I have a 15KW pto generator and have only tested it with a few varying loads. I set the throttle to get 61hertz and let it run with different loads. The hertz would drop down to 60hz at the lowest and I did not have to touch the throttle. My generator is the Harbor Freight 15KW generator.

I am waiting for them to put it on sale and then will buy something else I don't need.:laughing:

 

[Redneck in training]

Not sure if it has been asked yet, but does anyone have the 12K/15KW surge Voltmaster PTO genny and what do you think.
Also can anyone who already has a PTO genny let me know if you constantly have to adjust the throttle on the tractor when loads kick on and off?

:thumbsup:

It depends on a tractor. Most newer tractors have a speed governor that will keep the rpm constant withing quite large load range.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Anybody with a 3x20 series JD run a PTO genny that can speak to the auto throttle to keep RPM adjustments?

really no one has the Voltmaster genny? Price looks good, American Made, and looks of high quality.

I like all the bells and whistles on the Harbor Freight 15KW but I am Leary of all that stuff failing since it is Harbor Freight.

Then there is the debate of Brushless vs Brush? I only plan on using it for emergencies currently and wonder. If it would be a big deal.

 

[dex3361]

I looked at the Voltmaster but it was close to 2 times the cost of the HF. Didnt realize it was made in the USA. I like the looks of the Winco generators.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Yeah but the Winco is real pricey.

Dex, how do you like your genny, did you get it from HF or Rural King?

 

[stonypass]

Not sure if it has been asked yet, but does anyone have the 12K/15KW surge Voltmaster PTO genny and what do you think.
Also can anyone who already has a PTO genny let me know if you constantly have to adjust the throttle on the tractor when loads kick on and off?

Recently bought a used Dayton 12/15kw PTO generator which is a re-badged Voltmaster and I'm very happy with it.
I run it with a Kubota L4200 which has a bit more power than your JD, but at 30hp at the PTO you should have plenty as well.
Setting the throttle to obtain 62hz with no load, I never saw it go below 60hz even with a 4ton A/C unit, a 1.5hp well pump and lights drawing power.

If your interested, I have a thread where I discussed re-wiring the generator from Bonded Neutral to Floating Neutral. (Which I ultimately did)
I also discussed my mounting, inlet and breaker box setup and how I tested it.

The generator is brushless, has sealed bearings and capacitor voltage regulation.
My understanding is this doesn't control voltage quite as closely as an AVR, but is simple/reliable and all my electronics function fine.
If you look around you can get the Voltmaster delivered new for under $1,300.

Hope this helps

 

[bubbacuse77]

Thanks stoney, I like the voltmaster but just wasn't sure because I haven't seen anybody post anything about them yet or at least that I can find. My main concern is that I don't have to go out and adjust throttle everytime a large load kick on and off.

 

[dex3361]

Yeah but the Winco is real pricey.

Dex, how do you like your genny, did you get it from HF or Rural King?

I ended up getting the generator from HF because Rural King was out of stock (and had been for quite a while). I have only run the generator for about an hour to check the operation and to see if it would start my 3 ton heat pump(no problem).

 

[stonypass]

My main concern is that I don't have to go out and adjust throttle everytime a large load kick on and off.

From my testing that seems to be a non issue with the Voltmaster and my tractor, probably yours as well.

 

[dex3361]

Thanks stoney, I like the voltmaster but just wasn't sure because I haven't seen anybody post anything about them yet or at least that I can find. My main concern is that I don't have to go out and adjust throttle everytime a large load kick on and off.

Nothing to worry about. If your governor is working correctly you will have no problem at all.

 

[Soundguy]

i have a northern tools 12.5k pto genset ( chinese ).. I've run it fine on 50-60 year old gasser fords with -0- issues.

just have a good governor and you are good to go..

 

[Charolais]

Not sure if it has been asked yet, but does anyone have the 12K/15KW surge Voltmaster PTO genny and what do you think.
Also can anyone who already has a PTO genny let me know if you constantly have to adjust the throttle on the tractor when loads kick on and off?

:thumbsup:

I own the generator you're asking about. Bought it in 1998. Use to have major power outages here before I bought the Voltmaster but I have used it a few times. Longest I've ran it was 6 hours and was in the summer. I heat my hot water with a outdoor wood boiler so I was able to run anything I needed in the house since I wasn't pulling 25+ amps heating hot water. I used the generator on several tractors. First one was a Long 2610 and it did great. Next was a Agrofarm 87 by Deutz Fahr and same results. I've tested it on the last tractor I bought which is a Agrofarm 100 by Deutz Fahr and shifted in to 1000 rpm with a regular 540 output shaft and ran the engine at 1200 rpms. I would turn on the highest loads I had in the house and never hear any change in the tractor engine so that has worked great.Will save fuel and is quiet. But the tractor is 96 HP and that's what I expected. I have a Fluke meter that shows HZ so I always hook that up when I start and get everything up to speed watching the meter and then turn on the main breaker on the generator when I have things set correct. I've never had the throttle to vary with a load on the generator and again have run up to 6 hours. I've been very pleased with the Voltmaster. It's brushless and have never hesitated to run anything I needed, even sensitive equipment. It has a very steady output of volts and HZ.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Thanks for the input fellas, I think I will order the Voltmaster this week.

 

[Soundguy]

good luck on it.

when you get it.. tell us what you find.

 

[slotoro]

If any of you PTO generator generator users need a frequency meter, there is a $20 one available on ebay or from Hardy Diesel. I found a small plastic box to mount it in and ended up spending $30 on the whole setup. It is very accurate and at that price you can afford to have one at the tractor and another one in the house.

 

[bubbacuse77]

View attachment 283596If any of you PTO generator generator users need a frequency meter, there is a $20 one available on ebay or from Hardy Diesel. I found a small plastic box to mount it in and ended up spending $30 on the whole setup. It is very accurate and at that price you can afford to have one at the tractor and another one in the house.

Sweet advice. I like the way you think

 

[stonypass]

I installed a remote outlet on the carry-all facing the tractor seat and use one of these to set frequency.

Found one on fleabay for about $20, these will show frequency, volts, amps and after you input your power companies charges per kw will show you operating costs for a day, week, month or year.
It's interesting to plug it into various home items and see what they are costing to operate.

 

[djradz]

I have the Voltmaster 12/15 and I have not been entirely happy with it. My problems have been:

1) To keep the Hz at 60, voltage is always a little to high, usually 125-130, 250-260.
2) My tractor governor doesn't seem to sense the increase in load unless it is significant and so HZ and voltage drop a little more than desired. (Probaby not the generator's fault)
3) After a couple of years, the hole plugs on the side of the generator gear reduction box started to leak. Every year since, it seems to get worse.