Would you prefer PTO generator on trailer or 3pt platform?

[olPete]

I'd get a 3-point one and build a small dolly with casters to set it on for storage mobility.

Great idea! That's my reservation with extra wheels on things that dont see much use, and hadn't thought of that approach. Thanks

 

[TractorGuy]

IF I were to get another PTO generator it would just be a 3pt type. I see no reason at all for a trailer for one.

Looks like you have a selection of high HP tractors to choose from so it may work well for you. I would suggest spending the bucks for an 1800 RPM unit if you can find one.

I tried a 3600 RPM unit a while back and my little JD had to be run wide open to make 60 hertz. My tractor was at the lowest rated HP to run it with but it would not make 60 hertz with no load at normal PTO speed. Had to run my engine at 3600 RPM to carry any kind of load and keep hertz in range. Between that and the noisy thing spewing oil out the vent I took it back.

One of my neighbors had one hooked to a 100HP JD that had some injector issues and he blew his tractor up running it. Another neighbor ran the same generator on his 50HP Kubota with no problems but after the power came back on they bought a whole hose LP unit. I could hear his tractor screaming from my place 100+ yards away.

I went another route and bought a military surplus diesel generator. I figured treated diesel will keep well enough and I use enough to keep it rotated. I added a couple of 55 gal drums to store extra fuel in. I ended up right at $2000 for the generator and parts to build a load bank and house connections. Just did my first monthly test and exercise and it ran like a dream under a full load. I put it under the shed behind my attached garage and I can't even hear it in the house with the TV on.

 

[RNeumann]

IF I were to get another PTO generator it would just be a 3pt type. I see no reason at all for a trailer for one.

Looks like you have a selection of high HP tractors to choose from so it may work well for you. I would suggest spending the bucks for an 1800 RPM unit if you can find one.

I tried a 3600 RPM unit a while back and my little JD had to be run wide open to make 60 hertz. My tractor was at the lowest rated HP to run it with but it would not make 60 hertz with no load at normal PTO speed. Had to run my engine at 3600 RPM to carry any kind of load and keep hertz in range. Between that and the noisy thing spewing oil out the vent I took it back.

One of my neighbors had one hooked to a 100HP JD that had some injector issues and he blew his tractor up running it. Another neighbor ran the same generator on his 50HP Kubota with no problems but after the power came back on they bought a whole hose LP unit. I could hear his tractor screaming from my place 100+ yards away.

I went another route and bought a military surplus diesel generator. I figured treated diesel will keep well enough and I use enough to keep it rotated. I added a couple of 55 gal drums to store extra fuel in. I ended up right at $2000 for the generator and parts to build a load bank and house connections. Just did my first monthly test and exercise and it ran like a dream under a full load. I put it under the shed behind my attached garage and I can't even hear it in the house with the TV on.

Good reminder about engines at high RPM and no load. It can severally shorten the life. If I recall it has to do with how the rings seat...or don't seat.

 

[Redneck in training]

I'd get a 3-point one and build a small dolly with casters to set it on for storage mobility.

Forget a dolly. Just weld the casters to the geny carrier. When in use the sacters are of the ground.

 

[joeyd]

I debated this issue before I built my house and decided on a stand alone portable generator. I finally had to use it last year for a few days due to wind storms that wrecked havoc with trees and above ground power lines. I couldn't see putting the hours on my tractor to run the generator and also being without the use of the tractor if I needed to use it at the same time as the generator. I also get to use the generator around the property to run power tools if I need to.

 

[3930dave]

I debated this issue before I built my house and decided on a stand alone portable generator. I finally had to use it last year for a few days due to wind storms that wrecked havoc with trees and above ground power lines. I couldn't see putting the hours on my tractor to run the generator and also being without the use of the tractor if I needed to use it at the same time as the generator. I also get to use the generator around the property to run power tools if I need to.

Lots of trade-offs in these decisions....

Portability is attractive. I bought my first portable gen in '98. I'd been looking for an excuse to buy one, and I had relatives 5 hours away who weren't going to have power back anytime soon, dead of Winter. Bought it and drove to their place that same day.

PTO units are movable too, but you either need a tractor at both ends, or have to float your tractor to where you need mobile power.

Both types have their + and - attributes.

Rgds, D.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I never heard of anyone with a quick 3p hitch arrangement for a generator. That might be a good compromise.

I had an Onan 15K 3ph. That was a major PITA. Mounted it to a trailer and it was far easier. Eventually scrapped all that in favor of slow running diesel standby system with 200 amp ASCO switch.

Anything trailer mounted is easier to steal as well.