Dynamo vs. Alternator

[GlueGuy]

Randy,

Alternators, dynamos, and generators all perform the same function. I think the evolution started with generators, which are single phase, with a magnet in the rotor.

Dynamos came along next. They operate similar to an alternator, with (usually) three phases, and the magnet is replaced with a wound coil that is charged from the battery to create the rotating magnet. Principle difference is the multi-phase output from the dynamo is rectified externally, and often in the voltage regulator.

The main difference with an alternator is that the rectifiers were put _inside_ the alternator. Made a smaller package, took all the RF generated by the dynamo and kept it inside the unit. This is important if you have radios and/or electronics that can be affected by the RF.

The newest alternators have gone the next step and integrated the voltage regulator inside the alternator too. In fact, the newest voltage regulators have gone electronic as well. Old voltage regulators were simple on/off switches. They could generate prodigious amounts of noise as they switched on and off. The first electronic regulators were simple electronic switches as well. Still generated a lot of noise. Newest regulators are linear. Modulate the output according to demand, and are very quiet (electronically speaking).

I guess this is all progress. It also means the new alternator/rectifier/voltage regulator is going to cost more than a simple dynamo.

GlueGuy

 

[RJohnson]

Thanks GlueGuy,
That was what I was wanting to know. The sales guy looked the alternator up in the Kubota part manual and it was an add on option for both the B2710 and B2910. I just was not sure if it was worth the $130 list price they had.
After reading about the limitations of the Kubota electrical system, especially the lights, I was not sure to opt out for an alternator.

Randy

 

[Bird]

That's interesting, Al. I'd never looked for them on the Internet. I didn't know much about the meters when I bought mine, but did know I wanted a clamp on amp meter, and I liked the temperature probe (and I liked the guy who was selling them). I would guess mine is obsolete by now; don't see it on their web site, but the 38093 series "looks" more like mine.

You aroused my curiosity, so I had to go look at mine closer and it's a 38091 series, so I guess that accounts for it looking a lot like the 38093, but I don't find 38091 on their web site anymore.

Bird<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Bird on 02/03/01 01:15 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[bpence]

OOOOOPPPS! Maybe I overstated. Let me clarify. All of the B2410s and B2710s I've looked at over the past year or so had an alternator. I was at the dealer Saturday picking up some filters and asked about the electrical systems on these. The dealer said they only order the B2410-2910 with the alternator option. Many folks adding extra "stuff", so they just upgrade all of them.

Bob Pence

 

[Bird]

And I didn't even know it was an available option, Bob.

Bird

 

[lyon]

Hi all,
Christ has risen. Hallelujah!

I have a Kubota B1600DT (16 HP-pto output power, 20 HP-engine output
drive: 4WD, 3 cylinder, engine model: D950, in fact 927 cc, the latest year o manufacture 1982). The ball bearing ,-see attachment- inside the alternator ("dynamo"-in part manual book) body is broken and destroyed the permanent magnet. I've replaced the bearing, but I don't have a solution for the magnet. In fact this part is called "FLYWHEEL DYNAMO" -the rotor in fact- and has on interior side the permanent magnet (see pictures attached). Has anybody an idea how to replace this magnet inside the rotor ?. From my knowlwdge this electric generator give out 12V, and 18 Amp.
Thanks !

 

[JimP]

My 2410 had a dynamo. I never felt like I was underpowered even when plowing with factory lights and electric sander. Try the dynamo first. If you find that you need more power you can always add the alternator later. There are some older threads on this conversion in the Kubota B models.

 

[lyon]

Thank You Jim. The dynamo don't charge the battery. It is dead. As you can see in the pictures attached the magnet is destroyed. Please give me that older threads/links, or some an alternative solution... :thumbsup: