Dealer upgraded alternator

[plowhog]

While shopping for a SCUT, I sometimes saw an option for a dealer upgraded alternator. I presume this would only be needed for a tractor used a lot at night, running many lights?

Is there any such option for the massey models, such as a GC1710?

 

[Clipse3GT]

While shopping for a SCUT, I sometimes saw an option for a dealer upgraded alternator. I presume this would only be needed for a tractor used a lot at night, running many lights?

Is there any such option for the massey models, such as a GC1710?

With the advent of LED to the mass market you can get much more lighting using fewer amps vs. incandescent bulbs. The GC 1700 series has 40 amp alternator. I run nearly 18 amps of lighting using over 240 watts of LED power and the alternator has no issue charging the system or running the lights.

No need to upgrade is the point. The GC's come with stout alternator capable of running a 12v sprayer pump, 12v outlets, USB chargers, and all your lighting. I would not be concerned with the output.

Maybe if you add some 12" subwoofers and full blown radio system it might need a upgrade

 

[cglaser104]

I think folks are using DC A/C units now that demand the extra power. Its an alternative method to using engine power on this smaller tractor to cool cabs.

 

[herm0016]

I think folks are using DC A/C units now that demand the extra power. Its an alternative method to using engine power on this smaller tractor to cool cabs.

the alternator uses engine power as well. . . increasing the load on the electrical system will use about the same amount of power as the compressor.

 

[cglaser104]

the alternator uses engine power as well. . . increasing the load on the electrical system will use about the same amount of power as the compressor.

It does, yes. But there's always an alternator for the electrical system but not necessarily a compressor bolted on. Increased capacity on an alternator simply opens up the possibility of adding more electrical options to your machine. Given the limited space of a subcompact an all in one solution drawing hard on 1 bolted on alternator is far more feasible than more parts and plumbing under the hood. I actually was looking this up recently due to some building their own cab and wanting all the creature comforts on a small machine.

 

[cdaigle430]

In the winter I have a cab heater (portable one), 3 extra LED lights, and my defector actuator and chute motor are also electricity. My tractor is a 2010 and has the original battery so I know the tractor electrical is pretty robust.

 

[Jaylegger]

Here's a post from 2010 with a breakdown of the specific amp draw of stock systems of the GC2600. I see cdaigle430 responded to it. cheers cdaigle430.

If you wish to get more precise on how many watts or amps are available here's the break-down.

Alternator 40amp

Fuel pump 1.5
Oil pressure display .28
Battery charge display .28
Turn signal 3.5
Tail lamps 1.75
Headlamps 4.3

Total worst case draw = 10.11 amps, take out the turn signal draw and you're using 6.11 amps which leaves you with 33.89 amps available or about 400 watts to maintain battery charge.

 

[buickanddeere]

Depends on the operator . Some people start and stops the tractor 10-20 times in an hour depending on what they are doing .

 

[radios1]

the alternator uses engine power as well. . . increasing the load on the electrical system will use about the same amount of power as the compressor.

the A/C units on tractor trailers use the 3 phase terminals on the back of the leece neville alternators to power the A/C units, which saves space, compared to having an A/C pump mounted on the engine, also, you wouldn't want A/C lines going to the trailer, since they'd have to be disconnected/reconnected when the trailer is changed.. the compressors on those units are self-contained..