Posted: 10/1/2007 8:16:35 AM EDT
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I am looking into PTO Generators. I have a 35hp PTO on the Tractor, and plenty of diesel. What I want to know from those who have experience is how much does the load on the genny affect the fuel consumption. I know on other genny's it has can make a large difference, but with that big of an engine, will I be able to tell? Would I be better off with a 10KW and using about 6KW of it or a 15KW and use 6KW of it? I know the bigger genny will take more energy to produce, but would it make up for the difference with only using 50% of available power? I hope that make's since, It does in my head. Jake |
All else being equal, the larger generator won't use any more fuel than the smaller generator IF you are drawing the same amount of power out of each. As you increase your load, you should see your fuel consumption rise. However, with that large of a powerplant, I don't think that you will see a big difference in fuel consumption for a 10kw load vs 15kw load since you are still FAR under your max power available to you with your 35 hp. I would estimate that you should be able to pull a max load of 25kw on your tractor. I would want to know what the fuel consumption is for your tractor at idle. That will give you a rough idea how much fuel to expect to consume. I bet you'll be in the neighborhood of about 1-2 gallons per hour. Not huge but that does add up...especially since you won't be drawing that much power most of the time. Since you have the tractor, I would get the 15kw unit. I would also consider a smaller diesel or gas generator for small consumption useage. You might consider one of these: www.auroragenerators.com/4000-Watt-Diesel-Generator-p-80.html If you get a PTO generator.....POST PICS!!!!!!!!!!!! |
You might look into this one. www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200308467_200308467 Doubt it would cost much more than the one from Harbor Freight and it would be purpose built for what you are wanting to do. |
Unfortunately, the PTO generators that I have looked at have to be run at speed....540 RPM. That means you have to spin the engine up. Some of the farmers around here with big tractors and 2 speed PTO's can switch to high speed (1100 rpm) and slow the throttle down, so that the PTO speed is the required 540. This burns much less fuel, but you have to have a big engine to be able to do this, and therefore probably don't save any money over a small tractor at speed. Clear as mud I am sure. Doc |