Increasing fuel capacity

[smartascii]

So, here痴 the deal: I have an LS XG3140, which is a 40-horse CUT, for those of you who don稚 keep up with LS model numbers. I bought a PTO-driven generator from the cheap tool store (which, for $1199 w/ coupon at 15kw is an incredibly cheap way to get generator power). It痴 enough to keep the whole house running when the power goes out here in the sticks. My question is this: the tractor has a 7.4 gallon tank, and sometimes, the power goes out overnight. Running at PTO speeds with the house heat pump going, it burns right around a gallon per hour. What I知 wondering is whether there痴 an easy way to increase the fuel capacity, because I知 always super cautious about letting a diesel run dry, so I tend to fret after it痴 been going for 5-6 hours, and then I run out and fill it up. The tank is mounted above the top link on the 3- point, if that makes a difference. Any suggestions or education would be appreciated!

 

[WranglerX]

If you get a three way valve (manual/electric?) like used in pickups with dual tanks, you can possibly (??) put it between tank outlet and booster pump and maybe connect line to 25 to 55 gallon drum beside tractor... Real question is will booster pump pick up prime and can it lift it to mechanical pump.... Anyway its just a concept worth looking at. it may not be feasible...

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Fuel-Three-Way-Valve-Brass/dp/B000MTB7QA

Probably put a quick disconnect (fuel certified) on auxiliary tank line at valve so it can be removed for normal tractor operation...

Dale

 

[RNeumann]

My little Honda has an aftermarket cap that allows for the use of a bigger aftermarket tank. But like stated above I don’t know how that would work on your model.

If it was me I’d find a tank I could hang from the ROPS or bucket and gravity to the engine like the factory tank.

Tee in etc as suggested above.

 

[shooterdon]

I would not run a tractor all night at near full throttle for a variety of reasons.

Consider buying 2000 watt inverter gas unit. They will run for 8 hours on a gallon of gas and have enough power for essential items (except well pump) overnight.

 

[smartascii]

I had wondered about extended runtime. Do you mind expanding on why you would not want to do that?

 

[RNeumann]

I had wondered about extended runtime. Do you mind expanding on why you would not want to do that?

If that’s the case I agree with above- it’s hard on the engine to run at that RPM with no load for extended periods. A little generator that will run a room heater for the bedroom with the door closed is all you need. Everything else will be fine overnight.

If you insist on using the tractor consider a little PTO gearbox that gets the gen to the right phase with less RPM. While not ideal, it’s better.

 

[WranglerX]

I agree with the economics of buying small gasoline/propane (dual fuel) powered generator seems a lot more practical than running a very big expensive tractor for extended periods of time.... I have a 6500 watt genny that runs my pump, refrigerator and TV and satellite dish... For heat I use fireplace....

IF you have severe and reoccurring power shortages, get a propane power system with auto transfer with and all the good stuff... Longest you will be without power is maybe 10 minutes...

I been lucky this year, been only 1 power loss and only for about 6 hours and it was storming so I was to lazy and did not want to get wet hooking up generator, so we just toughed it out...

Dale

 

[smartascii]

My thinking was, a whole house generator is about $20-25k, after you factor in the fact that I have neither natural gas nor propane, so you have to install a propane tank. The tractor costs me diesel and maintenance. But if I’m going to ruin a $20k tractor doing this, maybe I need to rethink. I assume it’s running under some load, between the heat pump and water heaters and air handler and so on, even when the lights are out. Am I harming the tractor by doing this? The power goes out maybe once every 2-3 months for between 2 and 15 hours, though it tends to be on the short end of that spectrum.

 

[Hunter29]

My thinking was, a whole house generator is about $20-25k, after you factor in the fact that I have neither natural gas nor propane, so you have to install a propane tank. The tractor costs me diesel and maintenance. But if I知 going to ruin a $20k tractor doing this, maybe I need to rethink. I assume it痴 running under some load, between the heat pump and water heaters and air handler and so on, even when the lights are out. Am I harming the tractor by doing this? The power goes out maybe once every 2-3 months for between 2 and 15 hours, though it tends to be on the short end of that spectrum.

Not that much, look here.. get yourself a 1800rpm diesel


Diesel Generators for Home Power or Off-Grid Electricity

 

[RNeumann]

My thinking was, a whole house generator is about $20-25k, after you factor in the fact that I have neither natural gas nor propane, so you have to install a propane tank. The tractor costs me diesel and maintenance. But if I’m going to ruin a $20k tractor doing this, maybe I need to rethink. I assume it’s running under some load, between the heat pump and water heaters and air handler and so on, even when the lights are out. Am I harming the tractor by doing this? The power goes out maybe once every 2-3 months for between 2 and 15 hours, though it tends to be on the short end of that spectrum.

Problem is all those loads are only using power a small fraction of the time. The majority of the time you would have the RPMs up on the tractor with no load on it. The tractor is great for big constant loads like an ag pump. Or to run for a few hours in the morning and evening to run the water heater, heat pump, refer etc. But the rest of the time a little gen is all that’s needed.

To put it in perspective- My thermostat sends me a monthly report with usage. In North Idaho my heater ran a total of 162 hours for the entire month of January 2019. That’s only 5-6 hours a day....

With some prudent gen usage I’m betting you only need to run the tractor a few hours a day to get things very comfortable- cold refer, hot shower and a warm house.

 

[Diggin It]

Thing is, do you really need 15Kw to run your house? Most don't. I've seen 10Kw dual fuel (Gas/LP) units for under $1,000.00 that have longer run times than you're reporting. And those fuels tend to be less expensive than diesel unless you're getting a special bulk off-road rate.

 

[mykleh]

I have a 7.5Kv briggs stand by I fuel it with two 100# cylinders sitting next to it.. runs the well pump, fridge, lights, fan on the fireplace insert. As long as you heat, running water, no spoilage issues you can "rough it" for a couple days..

 

[SPYDERLK]

I had wondered about extended runtime. Do you mind expanding on why you would not want to do that?

There is no reason other than having the confidence in your cooling system and oil level. Diesels have no problem at PTO rpm forever regardless of load. Your engine, just turning the unloaded gen through the PTO has to put out a couple HP. Not to mention the parasitic loads from hydraulic pump and alternator and fan. There is never a no load condition - not that it would matter to the engine as long as operating temperature can be maintained.

 

[Professor Marvel]

Thing is, do you really need 15Kw to run your house? Most don't. I've seen 10Kw dual fuel (Gas/LP) units for under $1,000.00 that have longer run times than you're reporting. And those fuels tend to be less expensive than diesel unless you're getting a special bulk off-road rate.

This is what I would suggest. Also the way I have gone. Gas could also be easier to find than diesel in power outage situation. I considered a PTO generator but besides from the cautions already brought up here I keep thinking that when my power is out it is likely due to bad weather. That is the time I would most want to actually use my tractor as a tractor. Either moving snow or dealing with downed trees etc.

 

[LouNY]

There is no reason other than having the confidence in your cooling system and oil level. Diesels have no problem at PTO rpm forever regardless of load. Your engine, just turning the unloaded gen through the PTO has to put out a couple HP. Not to mention the parasitic loads from hydraulic pump and alternator and fan. There is never a no load condition - not that it would matter to the engine as long as operating temperature can be maintained.

I have a pto generator, if I was concerned about the fueling interval I think I would outfit a 55 gallon drum with a 12 volt pump.
Just a small inline auto type that I could switch on for an or so at a time to refill my tank.
I have enough tractor tank to go 24 hours so I just shut down once a day and fill up, when that wasn't practical for me I had a hand pump
on a 55 gallon barrel I'd fill from my bulk tank with it in the loader bucket or the back of the pickup,
pull up next to the tractor and refill it.
On my Oliver I had marked the dipstick with a full when running mark so I could check the oil level without shutting down.
Would a small generator be less expensive to run at night with lower power demand, probably, do I want to shut down repeatedly
to switch back and forth, NO.
Can a person get by with less then whole house, certainly, but why.
It is up to the individual and their situation to decide how much power and what method to acquire that power.
The ones that can get by with a 2000 watt inverter and want to good for them.
It would not work for me, large house, deep well etc.
On top of that as has been mentioned who knows what else is going on while the power is out.
I can and have worked in my shop including using the welder during a power outage.
I have enough generator (25 kw) that my generated power is cleaner with less dips then
Ni-Mo (National Grid ) provides me.
The last time I was tractor shopping a 540 economy was on my list of desired options,
I have also used adapters to run my 540 on a 1000 rpm output, the success of that
depends on the tractor and the ability of its governor some can do quite well some can't depending on the loads.
Any tractor in decent shape that can't run at pto speed continuously needs to be repaired.

 

[WranglerX]

I guess your problem is in all electric home... IN my backwoods everything is PROPANE.... Gas stove in kitchen, gas water heater, gas furnace (but needs power from genny).... And electric for well (again Genny).... But Like I said previously a 6,500 watt generator serves all my needs....Fire place that burn wood....

Might look at concepts of "off grid" living.... You can have your comforts but also not be held captive by electrical need for basic survival.... If you are warm, dry and food does not spoil in your fridge, what else is needed....

You might want to look at your actual electrical needs.... We have the those "blanity- blank" electric meter the show actual electric usage, IF you drop down to minimalist needs and look a power consumption you might be surprised how small a generator you can get by with...

The biggest (negative) issue I can see with tractor PTO generator is you have no regulation/throttle control for engine speed there for frequency and voltage variation are going to change every time high amperage appliance (well pump- heat pump) switches on and off..... Generally stand alone generators whether stationary or portable have throttle controls to maintain voltage/frequency with changing electrical loads....

Dale

 

[shooterdon]

I have two Generac contractors coming in next week to quote. I am confident that I can meet my needs with a 9-11 KW LP unit. I still want to be able to use a standard gas generator in cased I have a long outage or I am home and do not need the automatic start feature. I am expecting the cost to be well under $10,000, including adding another 500 gal propane tank (I bought one two years ago for just over $1000)...but will report back. I have supplied all my needs for 3 days with a 5000 watt gas generator running part time. I have a 300 gal fuel tank on site and keep 100-250 gallons in it with fuel stabilizer. I use the gas up in my vehicles after a year and refill.

BTW, I know a guy who works for a power company. We can expect to see further deterioration in service as power companies reduce costs. Even simple things like trimming back trees are being affected.

Only a fool would not do something to prepare.

BTW, having one system is great but look at some kind of backup to it. I had a gas generator that would not start when I needed it. It really sucks when you think you are prepared and the equipment fails.

 

[LouNY]

I guess your problem is in all electric home... IN my backwoods everything is PROPANE.... Gas stove in kitchen, gas water heater, gas furnace (but needs power from genny).... And electric for well (again Genny).... But Like I said previously a 6,500 watt generator serves all my needs....Fire place that burn wood....

The biggest (negative) issue I can see with tractor PTO generator is you have no regulation/throttle control for engine speed there for frequency and voltage variation are going to change every time high amperage appliance (well pump- heat pump) switches on and off..... Generally stand alone generators whether stationary or portable have throttle controls to maintain voltage/frequency with changing electrical loads....

Dale

I have no propane, oil boiler, coal insert.
I am not concerned about basic survival, I prefer comfort. If it may be a short outage I may not even start a generator
I have a couple of kerosene lamps etc.
But when it comes up to several hours, I want my hot shower, flush toilet, computer or TV, lights and refrigeration and ice in my water to drink.
Takes a pretty good sized generator to start and run a 3/4 hp deep well pump especially if any thing else is running.
To me it would have to be a pretty poor tractor that doesn't have a governor to maintain engine speed with varying load.
My tractors have no trouble handling varying loads such as heat pumps and water pumps, the frequency and voltage is
very stable.

 

[WranglerX]

I have a 1 hp pump in a 468 foot well... My 6.5 k genny does not even bog when pump starts....

Dale

 

[farmalldx33]

Just keep using what you have and doing what you are doing. Go out every 5-6 hours and refuel, check temp guage and anything else. We have run tractors continuously for 100 hours on generator and swapped out tractors so we could change oil and such.