Yet another generator quandary

[dieselsmoke1]

I'll begin by explaining I've long been wanting a better yard mowing solution, something 4WD. Most of my yard is fairly steep. My 48" Craftsman has done the job for 8 years and probably could for several more, just have to be aware of where you are and where you're going. The little sealed hydro unit will be the first casualty I expect. Mowing it with my 2810HST isn't a good solution either as it requires great finesse and dry conditions to avoid tearing up the grass.

Back to the generator question. Been pondering getting a backup for some time. I've no objection to a PTO unit as far as the tractor itself is concerned, however seems a stand alone may be more convenient since I do not have a power source (spare tractor) to dedicate to it for extended periods, at least not now.

Was seriously pondering which way to go, PTO or small diesel, either way in the $1300 catagory when I came upon this hairbrain idea.

If I get a little 'Bota or some such for mowing, I find myself with a perfectly good Kohler Command Pro twin cylinder 25. Vertical shaft, cast iron sleeves, easy starting, strong running, 400 hrs, has never asked for anything but maintenance.

Harbor Freight has a belt drive 10,000/7200 watt belt driven generator head for $300. It would be relatively easy to fab up a frame mounting the engine and genny side by side with an idler pulley for tensioning. The engine has a fuel pump so the tank can be simple like a 3 gallon boat tank or something similar mounted low. I think the engine tachs at around 3700 so pullys would be one to one. The 25 should have plenty on power to spin the genny.

A thousand bucks would make a nice dent in a decent used BX. Is there anything obvious I'm missing in this fantasy?

 

[ModMech]

10kw is close to 13 HP so you have all the HP required to make it work plus a good reserve.

Double belting would be a good idea but at least have a spare around.

Most ppl have a golf cart where we live, I am using it and a 36v inverter for back-up power but I too want a generator for longer runs.

 

[JB4310]

Are you saying you already have the motor? and can you couple it to a genny head? That's what they are made for so don't see a problem.

The vert shaft may be something to deal with, not sure if the gen head is designed to run out of typical horizontal position.

Since you have more HP than needed, 2 hp/KW then you could gear down the motor a little. spin the motor slower for less wear and tear. the hard part is gonna be to spin that genny at 3600 rpm's consistently across all your load applications.

Good luck, JB.

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Yes I'd take the motor from the old mower and can the frame. Probably not much market for an 8 yr old used Craftsman mower with a busted hood held together with pop rivets.

HF site recommends a 20 hp engine for the genny. I'd thought of possibly dropping the rpm's on the engine a little.

The horizontal aspect and potential issues is an unknown.

 

[JB4310]

Yes I'd take the motor from the old mower and can the frame. Probably not much market for an 8 yr old used Craftsman mower with a busted hood held together with pop rivets.

HF site recommends a 20 hp engine for the genny. I'd thought of possibly dropping the rpm's on the engine a little.

The horizontal aspect and potential issues is an unknown.

You might want to keep the frame as is for a solid starting point for your project, plus with the wheels, could make for easy mobility

As far as the vert vs horz position, might have to change the plane with some type of gear box etc.

JB.

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Good thoughts. I recently got a golf cart and had not thought about it as a short term power source.

 

[ModMech]

You might want to keep the frame as is for a solid starting point for your project, plus with the wheels, could make for easy mobility

Oh, VERY good idea!!!!!!

As far as the vert vs horz position, might have to change the plane with some type of gear box etc.

Or just put a twist in the belt

 

[BobRip]

You could keep the mower transmission hooked up and then the system could be moved easily. A drive around generator. How cool is that?

 

[LBrown59]

You could keep the mower transmission hooked up and then the system could be moved easily.

A drive around generator. How cool is that?

VERY

 

[dieselsmoke1]

That possibly could really work!!

Mount the genny on the frame where the seat is, add the seat back on a flip down hinge. Nice!