Hard wired inverters

Justaplain · Aug 14, 2003

Is there a place for these on CUT's. If not, why not.? Sounds reasonable to me. Pro's and con's please. bcs

slowrev · Aug 14, 2003

Whatcha wantin to run with them ?

DavidJ · Aug 14, 2003

The major problem with putting one on a CUT is that it would need to be weather proof and those can be hard to find and a bit expensive. If you put an open model on it would surely get wet from somewhere.

Joe1 · Aug 15, 2003

What you want to run is most important. Remember, you're converting 12 volts to 110, therefore, a 1,000 watt inverter will produce about 9 amps at 110 volts, but will require a 12 volt battery draw of 80+ amps. My alternator on my 25 gross HP tractor only puts out 20 amps, and the battery is a relatively small 450 cca battery. To run a 15 amp circular saw would require a 2000 wat inverter and you could only get a limited amount of usage on it. Even a 1,000 watt inverter would be tough on your battery and not give you much power.

A portable generator would not cost a whole lot more and give you 3,500 - 5,000 watts CONTINUOUS power and would be far more versatile.

If you just want to run some tools, once in a while, you can invest in an 18 amp RYOBI package for a few hundred dollars. An inverter will cost that much.

Justaplain · Aug 15, 2003

Thank you gents, that saved me some money. Iwas thinking of hedge trimmers, limb saws and maybe a drill. bcs

GaryM · Aug 15, 2003

One of the JD lawn tractors has a built in AC alternator or inverter. Not sure which one it has.

slowrev · Aug 15, 2003

I guess that is so you can set a little tv on the hood and watch the game while you mow /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

ns_in_tex · Aug 15, 2003

I have had a 1200 watt Tripp Lite inverter on my service truck for the past 7 years. Wouldn't want to do without it. Run grinder, wire brush, sawzall, portable band saw, & skill saw and 1 HP air compressor. Does a good job on all except the skill saw. If you let the blade bind a little, fuses blow.

This is not for continous use, but pays for itself shortly in my business. Weighs 38 lb & cost me 559.00

Just bought Coleman PowerMate PMP1200 this week. Weighs 7 lb, 1200/2400 continous/surge. 120.00

Broke it in drilling 1-1/4" holes 14" deep in pine stumps with a Milwalkee hole hawg drill. 5 holes per stump. After drilling 25 holes, it was not warm enough for the cooling fan to come on.

I think it is going to be alright.

PS: I do have 2 batteries in my truck.

F350Lawman · Aug 15, 2003

BJ's wholesale has 1000watt /2000 surge watt and 800watt /1600 surge watt inverters for $89 and $55 respectively.

I have the 800/1600 Coleman Powermate and it says it will run drills, 1/4 hp pumps, small saws, bench grinders etc. All I can say is I tested it and it ran my 35" bigscreen TV and cable box, a light and a radio. All at once. I don't think hedgeclippers, trimmers or your drill would be any problem at all.

I would not hardwire it o atractor because of moisture issues I would just use the alligator clips on the battery terminals and bungee cord it on the FEL or weight rack

Spencer · Aug 18, 2003

Neal, I just ordered a Coleman Powermate PMP 2000 inverter (actually bid on it and won). Among other things I also planned on being able to use it to recharge the batteries for my cordless tools. I thought to check my owners manual for one of my cordless tools tonight (I don't have the inverter yet). I probably should have thought to check the manual before I bid on the inverter /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Anyway the manual says "Do not attempt to use a step-up transformer, an engine generator or DC power receptacle". I'm not sure if the inverter falls into any of those catagories or not. I am wondering if you or anyone else has recharged their cordless tool batteries this way?

Spence