Voltmaster PTO generator

[dex3361]

I am considering getting a HF 15kw PTO generator if it goes on sale. I haven't seen anything negative about it...would you recommend it?

Here the same generator on a different frame from Rural King. Rural King 15KW PTO generator I would have bought this one but it was out of stock when I was ready to order and HF had it on sale for several hundred dollars off. Both include the PTO shaft.

 

[Redneck in training]

I should have added under a load but whatever. I'm not going to argue. Just stated my experience since 1984 with higher than 120 volts. Good luck finding a generator that will hold voltage and HZ within the guide your'e looking for with a varying load. I'll just keep running my Voltmaster when needed to stay warm or cool, clean and not go hungry. Have a good day.

That is true for real load (like light bulbs or electric heaters) but not for in example motors. Motor power consumption depends on its load therefore if the voltage goes down current goes up causing greater voltage drop on the feed and in motor winding and more heat generation. So Charolais is right.

 

[sdkubota]

Here the same generator on a different frame from Rural King. Rural King 15KW PTO generator I would have bought this one but it was out of stock when I was ready to order and HF had it on sale for several hundred dollars off. Both include the PTO shaft.

Thanks...just placed my order!:thumbsup:

 

[djradz]

Have you tried tightening the plugs? Have you contacted the manufacturer?
I'm guessing these are probably NPT plugs just vibrating loose...although that is, in my experience, rather uncommon.

The plugs are similar to "freeze plugs" on an engine, except these look to be filled with some sort of glue or epoxy. If you look at a picture, here, you can see the holes I am referring to. They are the two (on each side) that are about the diameter of a dime and appear to allow some sort of externl connection as they are part of a flange, again, on each side of the gearbox.


Google Image Result for http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/product-images/PTO1512_B_500.jpg

 

[sdkubota]

Looks like some type of connection no longer used. I would get a plate manufactured to fit that flange and bolt it with a gasket in between. The holes you are talking about must have been for oil flow but I can't believe they just tried epoxy or whatever to plug them....poor solution.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Now I am having second thoughts about the Voltmaster. I need something I can pull of the shelf in an emergency and rely on.

 

[RoyJackson]

The plugs are similar to "freeze plugs" on an engine, except these look to be filled with some sort of glue or epoxy. If you look at a picture, here, you can see the holes I am referring to. They are the two (on each side) that are about the diameter of a dime and appear to allow some sort of externl connection as they are part of a flange, again, on each side of the gearbox.


Google Image Result for http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/product-images/PTO1512_B_500.jpg

I agree with sdkubota that the holes may have been for a oil feed...or maybe an oil cooler.

You could manufacture a plate if the surface is flat (looks like a cast surface to me) or replace them with new plugs (suggest you contact the manufacturer first...although they're probably NPT, they could be another thread).

 

[Charolais]

The plugs are similar to "freeze plugs" on an engine, except these look to be filled with some sort of glue or epoxy. If you look at a picture, here, you can see the holes I am referring to. They are the two (on each side) that are about the diameter of a dime and appear to allow some sort of externl connection as they are part of a flange, again, on each side of the gearbox.


Google Image Result for http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/product-images/PTO1512_B_500.jpg

I bought mine in 98 and the picture is the same as what mine has on it. Never seen any leakage on it so far and I changed the oil to Synthetic the second year. I'd call and see what they have to say about that problem. On the other hand it shouldn't be hard to stop it from leaking either. Could take it apart and see how it's made from the inside and may be able to tap threads in it and just use some pipe plugs to take care of it, that is if it can be tapped.

 

[bubbacuse77]

do you guys cover them when they are running in the rain or snow?

 

[dex3361]

Thanks...just placed my order!:thumbsup:

Good deal. Let us know when you get it and what you think.

 

[bubbacuse77]

I bought mine in 98 and the picture is the same as what mine has on it. Never seen any leakage on it so far and I changed the oil to Synthetic the second year. I'd call and see what they have to say about that problem. On the other hand it shouldn't be hard to stop it from leaking either. Could take it apart and see how it's made from the inside and may be able to tap threads in it and just use some pipe plugs to take care of it, that is if it can be tapped.

Since you have had it since 98, how do you like it?

 

[stonypass]

do you guys cover them when they are running in the rain or snow?

I personally wouldn't want to run it in a downpour but probably wouldn't worry as much about snow.
My generator inlet is on the side of our garage and that's where I park a 5th wheel RV.
I'm planning on backing the carryall under the RV overhang when running, we put bag chairs there when camping and they stay dry enough.

 

[Soundguy]

if the plugs are like core plugs.. there are likely no threads hiding behind them.. use expanding plugs with or without sealer.

i agree.. may ahve been for some option that had oil flow in / out. perhaps a soft expanding plug like a boat uses.. that or remove nad clen out plug area nad put in a new expanding plug with a sealer.. though the idea of a bolt on plate with orings or a gasket may well work too.

if new.. i'd email the manufacturer first though.

post back what they say.

 

[djradz]

Maybe just some brake fluid. Swell everything and see for how long it holds. Crappy design on the gearbox!

As someone suggested, maybe contact the manufacturer, but mine is like 10 years or so old, so I don't expect much.

 

[Soundguy]

no way i'd use brake fluid on it. that's all he needs is for the input shaft seal to let go.. that would be bad enough.. but if the output shaft seal let go it would foul the gen head

 

[Charolais]

Since you have had it since 98, how do you like it?

I've had no problems with the Voltmaster. It's performed the same each time I've used it. If I needed another I'd buy a Voltmaster like the one I have. Not knocking other brands at all. But since I've used the one I have and it's given good service that speaks enough for me.

And to another post asking about a cover. I did make a cover to fit and left air space all around it a few inches. When I use it it's about 90 ft. from my house but not under a roof. Since we do have hurricanes here and get blowing rain, sleet, and snow I figured it might be best to cover it. Just used some galvanized sheet metal and made the bends where I work and bolted it to the 3 point frame I made.

 

[sdkubota]

Good deal. Let us know when you get it and what you think.

Received it today and it is the same HF sells at $340 less dollars. Very heavy frame surrounding generator but believe it came with Class 2 or 3 hitch pins.

A few days after I placed my order I called them to cancel it because I said I would pick it up at one of their stores in the future. They called back and offered me free shipping ($116):thumbsup:

Now I have to get the hookup pieces to the electric panel. I plan on using an Interlock Device on a soon to be added 50 amp, 240V circuit. If anyone has advice or experince with the interlock device I would appreciate any comments.

 

[jimgerken]

All the other discussion aside.

I DO agree that if they claim their machine shoul run in a certain voltage range, at correct freq, within rated load.. then it SHOULD do that. No argumens there whatsoever.

I'm guessing the ones ith an adjustable regulator might be an active andoe precis ystem, vs passive capictance regulation. I have an oler northentol chinese model.. I have the manual around her somewhere.. but 130v is withing their stated range.. guess they ween't raising the bar too muc..

Soundguy: Not trying to rip on you here, but could you please spend just a minute and proofread your replies before sending? Your information is worth reading, but frankly a note with more than 10 typos gets very little respect. Quantity is no substitute for quality. Thanks.

 

[jimgerken]

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.

The gearbox is filled with oil (probably hypoid gear oil). Even if it looks clean and it has no water and it is full enough, you need to change it out every year or two, or every 100--200 operating hours approx. Additives in the oil lose effectiveness. One of the additives is seal swelling additive, to keep the seals from leaking. If changing does not cure the leaks, change again to a different type oil. Different brands and types have different seal swelling additive amounts and formulations. You may just cure it. It has worked this way for me, so worth a try. Even if it doesn't have enough hours on it, change it now. While the box is drained go ahead and reseal every port with Rectorseal or Locktite pipe dope, or similar non-hardening pipe sealant. Your problems will diminish.

 

[RoyJackson]

Soundguy: Not trying to rip on you here, but could you please spend just a minute and proofread your replies before sending? Your information is worth reading, but frankly a note with more than 10 typos gets very little respect. Quantity is no substitute for quality. Thanks.

Sound Guy types some of his replies on a smartphone...like some others of us (me, for example), we'll all thumbs.

You know, before he explained about the cell phone replies, I used to think he was just in the midst of getting drunk. Of course, some of my posts are typed in the midst of getting drunk...so who am I to complain!!!???