10kw PTO generator vs 16kw

[ColoradoBound]

I don't even have my tractor yet so I am looking for sage advise from those who may know.

On the same 40hp tractor with the same light load on each would a 16w PTO generator use more fuel than a 10kw? I have been thinking about getting a 16kw PTO generator but looking at my normal proposed loads I could probably get away with 10kw. I would probably get the 16kw for future expansion if it would not use more fuel loaded to same level as the 10kw.

The house I am going to be moving to is 100% off grid solar so I will be using the generator to top up/equalize the batteries but I am also going to be using it to power my woodworking shop (hobby) so having the larger generator would let me get more toys in the future

 

[davesl708]

Under the same load the difference in fuel consumption would be negligible.
You might want to rethink using a tractor as a generator. Especially when you plan to use the generator on a regular basis.
That is a lot of engine to run a 16kw generator and the tractor will be unavailable for other uses.
With total solar you may be running the tractor for days during prolonged cloudiness.

 

[RalphVa]

Think it depends on whether you have to run it @ PTO speed to get the cycles right. You probably do. Think a big tractor like that would use a lot of fuel @ PTO speed whether fully loaded or not.

My Isuzu 12.5 kw diesel generator uses 0.2 gph. Figure its average required output is 2 kw, as that was our average over the years.

Ralph

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Will use the same amount of fuel with the same load, but the bigger generator will run cooler and more than likely last longer...

Personally, I really like pto generators...

SR

 

[nybirdman]

I have a PTO 10K generator powered by a 44HP tractor;emergency use only.So about a gallon per hour to run at PTO speed.I don't think to cost effective for more than emergency use.
I have friends that are total solar;they installed a propane fueled generator;I would think this would make more sense in your application or a stand-alone diesel unit.

 

[orangeandgreen]

My tractor sits in the shed waiting for the opportunity to do tractor things. My generator is mounted on a concrete pad and plumbed/ wired to the house.
Take a look at the stand by generators before you buy a pro model.

 

[Mendonsy]

A 10kw generator takes about 13hp at full load, a 16kw takes about 21 hp. That size tractor is not really even going to notice them at PTO speed. It will take more fuel to run the tractor at PTO speed than the generators.

 

[ColoradoBound]

You might want to rethink using a tractor as a generator. Especially when you plan to use the generator on a regular basis.
That is a lot of engine to run a 16kw generator and the tractor will be unavailable for other uses.
With total solar you may be running the tractor for days during prolonged cloudiness.

I have friends that are total solar;they installed a propane fueled generator;I would think this would make more sense in your application or a stand-alone diesel unit.

I have thought about having a propane standby generator but the house is at 8000' and pretty cold in the winter. So not only is it another engine to maintain but it also gets derated due to the altitude. But the tractor I am looking at has a turbo so loses no power due to altitude. The tractor is not going to get that much use so having it hooked up to the generator every now and then is not going to be a problem. Plus the solar system is going to have 3 days of reserve capacity for those cloudy days so I would only need to hook up the generator for a few hours every few days if there was no sun for an extended period, unless I wanted to use the shop. I don't use my shop all that often so running it off of the generator does not bother me on the fuel usage front and it keeps me from having to greatly increase the size of the solar system and associated cost.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

With all the loss' to run one, it will take 20 pto hp to max out a 10kw genset. And a 16kw will take 32 pto hp...

But of course, you can run a big genset on a smaller tractor, you just can't pull max out of it.

SR

 

[zzvyb6]

If you are only going to top off batteries with it, you might not have to run at pto speed. Your inverter may be happy at reduced frequency and voltage similar to using it as a pure heat source. My Honda EU6500IS would be my recommendation.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have thought about having a propane standby generator but the house is at 8000' and pretty cold in the winter. So not only is it another engine to maintain but it also gets derated due to the altitude. But the tractor I am looking at has a turbo so loses no power due to altitude. The tractor is not going to get that much use so having it hooked up to the generator every now and then is not going to be a problem. Plus the solar system is going to have 3 days of reserve capacity for those cloudy days so I would only need to hook up the generator for a few hours every few days if there was no sun for an extended period, unless I wanted to use the shop. I don't use my shop all that often so running it off of the generator does not bother me on the fuel usage front and it keeps me from having to greatly increase the size of the solar system and associated cost.

Might want to consider a 3 phase Winco generator available in 540 or 1000 rpm models. While larger you can still use the same tractorif you don't overload it. This would allow you to meet your single phase loads you mention and still have three phase available for wood shop motors. Lots of good deals on used wood working equipment that is three phase since most hobby shops don't have it available. Winco has a 40 or 45kw three phase model around $4000.

 

[fried1765]

Might want to consider a 3 phase Winco generator available in 540 or 1000 rpm models. While larger you can still use the same tractorif you don't overload it. This would allow you to meet your single phase loads you mention and still have three phase available for wood shop motors. Lots of good deals on used wood working equipment that is three phase since most hobby shops don't have it available. Winco has a 40 or 45kw three phase model around $4000.

If you should later decide that you do not want to keep your $4000 3 phase generator, there is always the other potential use for it.
You can truck it to either coast, add some chain, and use it as a boat mooring.
"Lots of good deals on used wood working equipment that is three phase".... because virtually nobody wants 3 phase power for residential use.

 

[buickanddeere]

As previously stated the fuel difference is of no significance. The larger generator will start motor loads with less frequency drop and less voltage drop. The larger generator is also more tolerant of unbalanced load.
For consumer grade generators . Good practice is to not continuously load the current beyond 80% of the nameplate maximum.

 

[ColoradoBound]

As previously stated the fuel difference is of no significance. The larger generator will start motor loads with less frequency drop and less voltage drop. The larger generator is also more tolerant of unbalanced load.
For consumer grade generators . Good practice is to not continuously load the current beyond 80% of the nameplate maximum.

I think I will end up with the larger generator since that is what I had already put in the budget anyway.

 

[jenkinsph]

If you should later decide that you do not want to keep your $4000 3 phase generator, there is always the other potential use for it.
You can truck it to either coast, add some chain, and use it as a boat mooring.
"Lots of good deals on used wood working equipment that is three phase".... because virtually nobody wants 3 phase power for residential use.

What is your point? Kind of a worthless comment you posted. Whether the OP would want the option of three phase equipment in his shop should be up to him. That would be an option he can consider based on his needs. In a small shop with only homeowner tools he won't need three phase, if he has larger plans in mind three phase could be a benefit. It all depends on your needs and circumstances.

 

[ColoradoBound]

Might want to consider a 3 phase Winco generator available in 540 or 1000 rpm models. While larger you can still use the same tractorif you don't overload it. This would allow you to meet your single phase loads you mention and still have three phase available for wood shop motors. Lots of good deals on used wood working equipment that is three phase since most hobby shops don't have it available. Winco has a 40 or 45kw three phase model around $4000.

I don't want or need a 3 phase generator since I have most of my shop tools already and they are all single phase. So the extra expense of a 3 phase generator would be wasted.

 

[ttriff]

Living at 8400' in the Colo mountains I recommend the following since you're off grid.

If you can get regular deliveries of propane go with a 500 gal tank and the largest back-up style genny you can afford. Much less hassle than any other type. If you can't get propane delivered go with diesel and invest in a bulk fuel storage system

Then get a 12-15 kV PTO powered genny as back-up. I have one from Harbor Freight and they work well for running bigger tools in the field (think welder)

Lastly get a smaller portable gas powered unit.

This gives you redundancy and you're not having to fire up your tractor to run the table saw.

FWIW, unless you're going to be farming large plots, I don't see the need for a turbo tractor. Due to altitude people on TBN recommended a turbo when I made inquiries here. Instead I opted for a 45 hp CT445 over the 40 hp CT440. After 5+ years of use I can say the CT450 has more than enough power for any chores needed on our 40+ acres.

 

[fried1765]

What is your point? Kind of a worthless comment you posted. Whether the OP would want the option of three phase equipment in his shop should be up to him. That would be an option he can consider based on his needs. In a small shop with only homeowner tools he won't need three phase, if he has larger plans in mind three phase could be a benefit. It all depends on your needs and circumstances.

My point ("worthless comment") is that 3 phase tools, and a 3 phase power source for homeowner use is not a wise investment.
Of course, that choice "should be up to him".
The OP concurs that 3 phase power would not be an appropriate choice for him.

 

[larboc]

I can't for the life of me understand the appeal of buying a PTO generator.

A stand alone gasoline genset is cheaper, uses less fuel, and won't rack up hours on an expensive machine.

 

[ColoradoBound]

I can't for the life of me understand the appeal of buying a PTO generator.

A stand alone gasoline genset is cheaper, uses less fuel, and won't rack up hours on an expensive machine.

I have a few reasons that I think a PTO generator is worth it.

1. I do not want a gasoline generator because gasoline goes bad too quickly.
2. The good propane generators I was looking at were more expensive than the PTO generator I am looking at
3. I do not want another engine to maintain
4. The tractor is not going to get that much use so I will need to put some hours on it. Why not do that with a generator
5. I am currently a lowlander but in all the reading about derating engines at altitude I don't want to take a chance on a non-turbo engine.
6. If I need power out in the field it is easier to just hook up the 3pt generator and to find some way to carry the "regular" generator out to where I need it.

I will give you the "uses less fuel" point.