Power to an electric sprayer

[fredhargis]

I need to somehow provide power to a little tow behind sprayer on my 2920. The pump is fused at 8 amps, so what size wire would I need to carry that load. Witout advice, I would probably just connect a wire to the positive post on the battery, run it to the back of the tractor and use a 2 pole trailer connector to hook it up. Thoughts? As always, thanks in advance for the input.

 

[CajunCurr]

I am about to do the same thing for a spray on B2630 (if I every get time). I am going to use 10 AWG wire with an inline fuse connected directly to the battery. I checked and there is not a spare fuse in the fuse panel. I have 3/8" split loom so the wiring will be protected and match the wiring of the tractor. I bought a marine style 12V socket which will be mounted in the rear for easy access.

 

[dennisgw]

Considering 12 gauge can handle 20 amps, 14 guage 15 amps, 10 is MORE than adequate. I used a 4 pole metal trailer connector for my sprayer. Female side has spring loaded weather cap to cover the input side, male side just slides in nice. I tapped into existing line under the seat. I rarely use lights so not an issue.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

Considering 12 gauge can handle 20 amps, 14 guage 15 amps, 10 is MORE than adequate....

Hey, I'm no expert, but those sound like capacities for a 110V AC system. A couple of volts lost wouldn't make much difference @ 110V, but would @ 12V.

Here's a wire size chart that might be more appropriate: Amps and Wire Gauge - 12V Circuit Don't forget to measure the total loop length.

Z.

 

[rbargeron]

I would be more concerned about whether your alternator and battery will be up to the task. With 100 watts continuous power needed for spraying, after a few hours your battery may be too weak to start the tractor. Keeping the revs up will help. I have about 300 watts of lighting on my rig for snow blowing at night - if I run them all - plus the heater fan, it makes the battery weak in about 2 hours.

 

[dodge man]

Don't forget to put a fuse in line also.

 

[BrierPatch]

When I put lights on my ROPS I put them on a plug and it is no coincidence that it is the same type of plug that my electric sprayer has as well. All I have to do is unplug my lights and plug in my sprayer and I use the light switch to turn the sprayer on and off with. The power I used is the factory wiring for the work light that is under the right rear fender, its fused and turns off with the key. As far as wire size I just matched what was on the tractor or the plug connectors.

Good Luck

 

[fredhargis]

I would be more concerned about whether your alternator and battery will be up to the task. With 100 watts continuous power needed for spraying, after a few hours your battery may be too weak to start the tractor. Keeping the revs up will help. I have about 300 watts of lighting on my rig for snow blowing at night - if I run them all - plus the heater fan, it makes the battery weak in about 2 hours.

I am concerned about that, but I'm guessing it's not going to draw 100 watts. It will likely draw quite a bit less than the fuse size, but I'll measure it after I get everything set up. The other thing is I don't expect to spray often, and only on about 3 acres...right now (with no experience whatsoever) I would think I could do that in less than 2 hours. The sprayer has a 10' boom. That chart that was linked is the info I was looking for, I'm familiar with the amps/wire sizing at 120/240 V, but not 12V. DC.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use a small snowmobile/ATV battery on the back to power my sprayer instead of fussing with all the wires and connectors. Charge it back up when you are all done.

I recently got one of those emergency AutoPower charge packs at a garage sale. It has a 12v cigar outlet as well as clamps. It would work the same and its lighter, smaller and less fragile than the ATV battery.

 

[Lockport]

I used a standard role of automobile wire, prob 16 gauge, used some butt connectors to the rear work lamp tap under the seat, drilled a small hole in the rearward facing edge of the fender and connected a marine grade 12V cigarette lighter adapter with plastic cover. It's already fused on the solenoid circuit on the BX's to power my 3PH sprayer.

Always meant to wire a switch in the dash area but never got around to it.