JD Generator
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ACKBill
Bronze Member
The only dowside that comes to mind (and I've seen posted in other forums too) is that if you're using it during a storm, you wont be able to use your tractor for snow removal or anything else without shutting down your temporary power supply.
jeffinsgf
Veteran Member
My dealer didn't even know it was available.
It is a little pricey, at around 2,000 -- that's on the high side per KW of available PTO generators.
After evaluating the options last Fall, I picked the TigerPower 15KW.
Just don't do what I did. I said last Fall I picked the TigerPower, but I put off buying it. When we had our brutal ice storm the second week of January it took me a couple days and a 300 mile round trip to find one. I had actually had my hands on one 15 miles from my house about 6 weeks before. I put off the 2800 purchase and ended up paying about the same, but driving all day on treacherous roads to get it.
Trailer vs. 3pt. -- If my wive ever has to get the generator up and running on her own, I think she'll have an easier time with the trailer than the 3 pt.
PTO vs. powered -- Idle engines fail. In addition to the expense of buying yet another small (or mid-sized) engine, I just didn't feel comfortable that I could get a powered generator up and running when needed (I don't have the best track record with single cylinder gas engines). The argument that I'll need the tractor for road clearing, etc. is somewhat negated by the fact that I have two tractors, either one of which will run the generator.
I have to brag on Southwest Electric -- my local REA co-op. 70% of the folks in Springfield proper lost power. Most for about 2 weeks, some up to 4 weeks. I'm not saying the repair crews were dragging their feet. They weren't. They worked around the clock in miserable conditions. But out our way, north of town, Southwest Electric had us back on in 4 days. If they weren't as dependable and reliable, I might be looking at one of those computer-controlled propane-burning back up generators. As it is, I think my little TigerPower will take care of us till SWE gets us back in business.
It is a little pricey, at around 2,000 -- that's on the high side per KW of available PTO generators.
After evaluating the options last Fall, I picked the TigerPower 15KW.
Just don't do what I did. I said last Fall I picked the TigerPower, but I put off buying it. When we had our brutal ice storm the second week of January it took me a couple days and a 300 mile round trip to find one. I had actually had my hands on one 15 miles from my house about 6 weeks before. I put off the 2800 purchase and ended up paying about the same, but driving all day on treacherous roads to get it.
Trailer vs. 3pt. -- If my wive ever has to get the generator up and running on her own, I think she'll have an easier time with the trailer than the 3 pt.
PTO vs. powered -- Idle engines fail. In addition to the expense of buying yet another small (or mid-sized) engine, I just didn't feel comfortable that I could get a powered generator up and running when needed (I don't have the best track record with single cylinder gas engines). The argument that I'll need the tractor for road clearing, etc. is somewhat negated by the fact that I have two tractors, either one of which will run the generator.
I have to brag on Southwest Electric -- my local REA co-op. 70% of the folks in Springfield proper lost power. Most for about 2 weeks, some up to 4 weeks. I'm not saying the repair crews were dragging their feet. They weren't. They worked around the clock in miserable conditions. But out our way, north of town, Southwest Electric had us back on in 4 days. If they weren't as dependable and reliable, I might be looking at one of those computer-controlled propane-burning back up generators. As it is, I think my little TigerPower will take care of us till SWE gets us back in business.
Jeff,
Thanks for your response and for the link to Tigerpower. About the only downside I see is that you've got to provide 540 rpm through the PTO, and in my case that means about 2600 rpm on the tractor (JD4610). Most gasoline generators turn 3600 rpm but most diesels 1800. But it beats sitting in the dark, drinking warm beer. Thinking about getting one of the subcompacts, like a 2305; if I do, maybe I won't be so concerned about flogging the little 3-banger to make electricity.
Thanks for your response and for the link to Tigerpower. About the only downside I see is that you've got to provide 540 rpm through the PTO, and in my case that means about 2600 rpm on the tractor (JD4610). Most gasoline generators turn 3600 rpm but most diesels 1800. But it beats sitting in the dark, drinking warm beer. Thinking about getting one of the subcompacts, like a 2305; if I do, maybe I won't be so concerned about flogging the little 3-banger to make electricity.
I have a 4110. I have a 11KW that I use when I have too. Its a perfect match for the 4110. I set it up so I can hook up to my I-match hitch. It runs everything, house, horse barn, shed. except my 15KW electric furnace. But I have a wood stove in the basement for emergencys.
unit40
Silver Member
The little Yanmar in the 2305 and my X series puts out 540 rear Pto rpms at full engine speed, which is over 3000. Not a lot lower than a gas job. It will use much less fuel though. I have though of a Pto generator also. Portability is a good feature. Also, I am always at work cleaning up storms....year-round. So the snow has to wait until I get home, and then I have to punch my way through the snowbanks with my V-plow. If I'm lucky.....NOT!..my wife would have used the snowblower I bought for her 10 years ago...still hasn't. I also have 2 wood stoves to help keep things warm. Sorry for rambling, but that little powered spline behind the tractor is a neat little money magnet. Just begging for a new mechanical friend to connect with.
Here's reason you might want to consider with PTO genset power..your tractor is running in the yard with the keys in it and your inside (or not at home altogether!). During the hurricanes of '04, a LOT of generators were stolen just because they were easy targets. I don't think I will be leaving my tractor outside and running just for the sake of better fuel consumption. But thats just me......
jeffinsgf
Veteran Member
If you have to worry about someone stealing your tractor out of your yard, you are decidely too close to town.