Looking for used 12v generator

dtv5403 · May 11, 2015

I am working on a custom motorized bicycle project, and the state I live in (Florida) requires front and rear lights for operation on roadways. I figured what better way to make a reliable system than to use a 12v battery and add a charging source. I have all the lights I want to use, a small battery and rectifier, etc. I would like to mount a 12v tractor generator and either run it friction drive off the rear wheel, or chain driven off my secondary drive chain. Which way I run it depends on the size and shape of the generator, as well as where I decide to mount it. So if anyone has a used generator that works, maybe off a junked tractor or just sitting in a spare parts bin somewhere that they arent going to use, feel free to pm me and let me know what you would like for it. Shipping would be to 32605. I suppose the brand/make/model doesnt matter much, but the two brands I have seen on ebay are ford and kubota. But if anyone has another brand, I'd still be interested, just pm me and I will provide my email address so that you can send pics. Thank you much!

Leejohn · May 12, 2015

Just google bicycle generator for lights

dtv5403 · May 12, 2015

One, they don't produce enough amps, actually only about half an amp. My system is led and will consume as little as possible, but still more than half an amp. A tractor generator will produce 20-50 amps depending on the exact type. Secondly, I've used the tire generators on a previous build. Gone through three of them in less than a year, and at $20 a pop, running lights was getting very expensive. They simply are not designed to stand up to 30 MPH. They are wound to produce 12v at about 12-15 MPH. A tractor generator will handle the speeds that a 79cc 3hp engine produces. So I am here seeking to find out if anyone has a used generator they will sell me for a reasonable price. If no one wants to sell me a used one, there are some available on eBay, however the cheapest I have found is $70 and they go up from there. So you can hopefully understand my desire to find a used one. I am here chiefly for this reason, and no other. Thank you.

Baby Grand · May 12, 2015

How about one of these:
Alternator Kubota Tractor G2000 G3200 G4200 G5200 G5200 BX1500 BX1800 BX22 BX23 | eBay
With free shipping it's at a reasonable price.
It weighs next to nothing and should produce enough power for a whole-lotta light.
Or maybe this guy will part with the unit from his G5200:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-lawn-garden/335988-g5200-i-have-bunch-parts.html

dtv5403 · May 13, 2015

I did some more searching on eBay, and I found some allis-chalmers generic alternators (I say generic because they fit a lot of different tractors from a lot of different years) for $57 with free 4 day shipping, and they are brand new so that's a great price, especially because they are 60 amp. I doubt the money I'd save on a used one would be worth it when I can get a brand new one for that price.