Alternator or Dynamo?

hagman · Apr 6, 2007

Hello TBNers,

I'm getting ready to wire in a 12 volt outlet and some work lights on my B7610. I'm looking at a parts manual that I downloaded and see references to both a dynamo and an alternator. I'm familiar with alternators but must confess I have little knowledge about dynamos. How do I identify which one I have and how does it effect adding additional circuits to the tractor? I'm not going to proceed any further until I get some replies back educating me about the differences between the two and how to tell the apart.

Hagman
B7610 W/FEL, MMM & Box Scraper

techman · Apr 6, 2007

Kubota uses alternators. The reference to dynamo is from the translation and the term does not have any real significance. All modern charging devices used today are alternators.

paul

hagman · Apr 6, 2007

Paul,

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. I do have one other question however. Where can I find out what the amperage is of the alternator on my B7610?

Hagman

FrogLick · Apr 6, 2007

Actually most Kubotas come standard with a dynamo but they sell an optional alternator kit. If I remember correctly, a dynamo has limited output based upon RPMs, provides little overhead, but is sufficient for keeping the battery charged & headlights. The alternator has relatively constant output, significantly higher output and is better if one anticipates adding accessories (multiple work lights, etc.). The alternator kit is not real expensive ($200 or so). I had one installed by the dealer as part of my original B3030 purchase, but it's not a real complicated install.

hagman · Apr 6, 2007

Froglick,

Do you know how I can tell which one I have?

Hagman

Jimbrown · Apr 6, 2007

The dynamo looks very simialr to a computer cooling fan The alternator looks like a real alternator as used on cars ect.

Jimbrown · Apr 6, 2007

Just do a search for dynamo and you willget all kinds of stuff.

George2615 · Apr 6, 2007

Your owners manual should have a spec page that lists the amp rating of your alternator. I tried a search on various sites but came up empty on any electrical specs pertaining to the charging system.

Taiser · Apr 6, 2007

Dynamo will be painted the exact same color of the engine is small and no cooling vents. The alternator is bigger, looks just like the one in an import car and is a shiny aluminum color 99% chance you have a dynamo as it's standard. The alternator is a 200$ option (if you install it yourself)

Here's a picture of my dynamo

but soon to be upgraded to an alternator

hagman · Apr 7, 2007

Thanks to all that replied to this thread. Taiser, you were really helpful with the picture of the dynamo on your tractor. Apparently that's what I have also so at some point I'll need to upgrade.

Hagman

Sully2 · Apr 7, 2007

FrogLick said:
Actually most Kubotas come standard with a dynamo but they sell an optional alternator kit. If I remember correctly, a dynamo has limited output based upon RPMs, provides little overhead, but is sufficient for keeping the battery charged & headlights. The alternator has relatively constant output, significantly higher output and is better if one anticipates adding accessories (multiple work lights, etc.). The alternator kit is not real expensive ($200 or so). I had one installed by the dealer as part of my original B3030 purchase, but it's not a real complicated install.

Correct all the way around. I FINALLY got mine installed 2 weeks ago when it was WARM (instead of being 20 degrees!!)

rdsaustintx · Apr 8, 2007

Alternator is easy upgrade if you ignore the dang instructions (who writes those things??)

herringchoker · Apr 8, 2007

rdsaustintx said:
Alternator is easy upgrade if you ignore the dang instructions (who writes those things??)

Amen to that!

Bob_Young · Apr 8, 2007

I'm familiar with alternators and I'm familiar with generators. What's a dynamo? A reduced cost version of one of these old standbys?

Does it generate AC power that must be converted to DC by a rectifier bank? Does it require a seperate voltage regulator or does it incorporate it's own? Does it generate power at idle RPMs? Are solid state electronics involved? If it acts up, what do I tinker with?

These questions and more beset my addled brain whenever the term 'Dynamo' comes up.
Bob

Sully2 · Apr 8, 2007

Bottom line? Its a "generator". Other countrys refer to them as "dynamo's". ( Transfers mechanical energy ( twisting) to electrical energy)
In summary....Its a "POS".....

Taiser · Apr 8, 2007

Sully2 said:
Bottom line? Its a "generator". Other countrys refer to them as "dynamo's". ( Transfers mechanical energy ( twisting) to electrical energy)
In summary....Its a "POS".....

Heh Heh, I agree but that's kinda harsh. Dynamo is a cheap, low (zero) maintenance thing, few parts and puts out straight DC current if I recall. It does in the tractor what the tractor needs and no more. Us tractor buffs just like to add a bunch of christmas lights and such to our tractors so we complain at the low output, but the basic dynamo does what it's suppose to I guess and works fine for 90% of buyers!

chrisjbell · Apr 8, 2007

The dynamo provides just enough power to keep the tractor running and the battery charged. It handles the standard headlights, but doesn't have enough oomph to power much more. It is a real bummer for those of us that have one. On the other hand, it does work and mine hasn't given me a lick of trouble.

Don't get me started on the Kubota "literature"...

Sully2 · Apr 9, 2007

Taiser said:
Heh Heh, I agree but that's kinda harsh. Dynamo is a cheap, low (zero) maintenance thing, few parts and puts out straight DC current if I recall. It does in the tractor what the tractor needs and no more. Us tractor buffs just like to add a bunch of christmas lights and such to our tractors so we complain at the low output, but the basic dynamo does what it's suppose to I guess and works fine for 90% of buyers!

As long as that 90% of buyers use their equipment as "grass cutters"!

I want to install a power outlet on the rear of my B3030..so I can plug in a magnetic base flashing yellow light attached to the top of my ROPS for when I travel on the road (draws 6 amps) also wish to install a cigarette lighter...and it comes with a 25 amp fuse. Those two items alone make it rough on a 14 amp output dynamo...forget the 4 way flashers...etc.

For the $$ we have to shell out for these rigs..the 40 amp alternator should be std equipment. It cant cost Kubota that much $$...when the after purchase kit only set me back about $200...but then again...when a replacment headlight cost me $150...I guess Kubota has the attitude they will get me somehow...someway??

Sully2 · Apr 9, 2007

chrisjbell said:
The dynamo provides just enough power to keep the tractor running and the battery charged. It handles the standard headlights, but doesn't have enough oomph to power much more. It is a real bummer for those of us that have one. On the other hand, it does work and mine hasn't given me a lick of trouble.

Don't get me started on the Kubota "literature"...

YET! Generators have "permanent field magnets"! You ever seen ANYTHING that was "permanent"? Except death I mean. I have a friend with a Kub thats "about"??..6 years old. Guess what died on his Kubota? (he plugs his in all the time to a small battery charger now)

Ace Power Equipment · Apr 9, 2007

Guys,

For what it's worth. All Kubota B series have dynamos as standard equipment except B3030 cab models. Obvious reasons extra output required to run Heat/AC, defroster, rear wiper and lights. Kit is 175 plus shipping and installation. Kubota kit B7311 is the high capacity alternator that fit B7510/7610. B7324 fits B2630/B3030.

Hope this helps
Brian