Generator Electric power (PTO generator) on a moving tractor?

[PaulTI]

Hey all,

Is there a way to safely operate a PTO generator on a moving tractor? Or is my best bet to fix a gas generator to my implement?

Apologies for my ignorance, I'm new to tractors and here to learn from you all if I can.

Any input appreciated!
Paul

 

[darmstrong2319]

I think you need to give more information for what you are trying to do. That way you'll get better suggestions once folks get the idea what your trying to accomplish. Good luck

 

[zzvyb6]

I do it all the time. I run a 120v electric pressure washer off my WinPower pto alternator to spray trees. I feed the solution to the washer pump from a farm tank sitting in my front loader bucket.

 

[PaulTI]

Thanks darmstrong, here are some detais:

- Devices to be powered are fairly sensitive electronics (computer, industrial actuators), ~5kW - 10kW power required
- Tractor will be Category 2
- The implement that carries electronics is attached via 3-pt hitch, and weights ~300lbs in tube steel

I'm currently looking at the NorthStar PTO 7800W/7200W generator, which depicts the grounding situation on page 20 of the manual.

Per the manual, the generator should be grounded (to "moist earth") prior to use. Does this mean I should strictly rule out using a PTO generator for mobile electric power on a tractor? Or are there circumstances where this will still safely work (e.g. grounding to steel frame or tractor chassis)?

 

[PaulTI]

I do it all the time. I run a 120v electric pressure washer off my WinPower pto alternator to spray trees. I feed the solution to the washer pump from a farm tank sitting in my front loader bucket.

Thanks for the reply, zzvyb6! How is your PTO alternator attached, if I may ask? I was thinking of mounting our PTO generator to a tube-steel frame (mounted to the 3-pt hitch), and then connecting them with a driveline (something like this). Any thoughts?

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks darmstrong, here are some detais:

- Devices to be powered are fairly sensitive electronics (computer, industrial actuators), ~5kW - 10kW power required
- Tractor will be Category 2
- The implement that carries electronics is attached via 3-pt hitch, and weights ~300lbs in tube steel

I'm currently looking at the NorthStar PTO 7800W/7200W generator, which depicts the grounding situation on page 20 of the manual.

Per the manual, the generator should be grounded (to "moist earth") prior to use. Does this mean I should strictly rule out using a PTO generator for mobile electric power on a tractor? Or are there circumstances where this will still safely work (e.g. grounding to steel frame or tractor chassis)?

I would really have to consider using a gear drive tractor including reverser transmissions to power a genset at the same time. It would be very difficult to maintain 60 cycle power with changes in tractor movement and loading. Generators really need to hold rpms at a constant speed.

 

[AmericanByBirth]

Have you considering an inverter?

 

[PaulTI]

I would really have to consider using a gear drive tractor including reverser transmissions to power a genset at the same time. It would be very difficult to maintain 60 cycle power with changes in tractor movement and loading. Generators really need to hold rpms at a constant speed.

Thanks for the insight, jenkinsph! If I understand correctly, you're saying that the PTO drive should be independent of the tractor movement drive (separate clutch) to guarantee sustained mechanical power to the generator? I believe these tractor models have independent PTO drives: JD 5100MH, Kubota M96SHDM MUDDER per this comparison chart. With one of these tractors, do you think a moving PTO setup could work?

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks for the insight, jenkinsph! If I understand correctly, you're saying that the PTO drive should be independent of the tractor movement drive (separate clutch) to guarantee sustained mechanical power to the generator? I believe these tractor models have independent PTO drives: JD 5100MH, Kubota M96SHDM MUDDER per this comparison chart. With one of these tractors, do you think a moving PTO setup could work?

No, what I am saying is that the pto shaft will vary in speed with the engine rpm and is a problem since you can not hold a fix engine speed while driving the tractor. All the tractors in this size will have independent engagement of the pto drive but this does not fix the problem.

I feel your best bet is something like an Cummins Onan Quiet Diesel package genset in the size you need. A cheaper alternative would be a gas genset without all the noise cancelling shields.

 

[jenkinsph]

Have you considering an inverter?

An inverter generator could be a solution but do you know of any pto inverter generator in the 5 to 10kw output range? I haven't seen any thing close so far.


Running a stand alone Cummins genset will burn less fuel than running the tractor at pto speed full time too