Front mount generator project?
 

Been thinking about putting a Pincor style generator together. Was wondering if any of you guys have any experience with set ups like this.

Was going to buy or make a front mount like what Xtreem makes;

http://www.xtrememotorworks.com/Part...s%20Pincor.htm


Install a generator head from Northern Tool like this;

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...duct_9040_9040

Use a pulley from here;

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Power-T...ssion/Pulleys/

I already have a 5000 watt Honda generator that I bought 25 years ago that still works great. I paid $1800.00 for that one new. This setup would run me about a grand which is far less, but… In this age of low cost Harbor Freight generators it’s still hard to justify.

http://www.harborfreight.com/engines...iii-68529.html

Would be nice to have it on the Cub as it would be electric start. Good for the Cub to be used more often. They never run as well as they do when they’re used regularly. Nice to be able to drive it around from place to place instead of having to lug the portable around. Would work well with a trailer full of tools behind the Cub.

No automatic throttle control. Don’t think that would work to good for running the house during power outages. Either leave it running WOT or have to go out and throttle up whenever I need power? Don’t like that idea. Have to put it on the 1200. Can’t see running the hydro. Even then it would still be spinning the clutch all the time. Unless I locked the pedal down. Then, how long would the throw out bearing last?

Any thought would be greatly appreciated.

David

My Son and I built this 8 years ago.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...ents/gen08.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...ments/gen8.jpg

It's only 4000 watt alternator that I pick up at an auction for $50.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...ments/gen1.jpg

View from the left side:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...ents/gen28.jpg

I used a mule drive as the mounting bracket to the tractor. The modified mule drive goes on first. The mount that holds the alternator is slid in the square tube on the modified mule drive.

I like it. 4000 watts is plenty for most work. I guess that's the key, re purpose existing/used parts to bring the cost down. Like this;

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/grd/5332271632.html

I have been wanting to do something like this for a long time, just haven't found the right one to use.

Right tractor or right gen head?

Right Gen. I have the tractors

So I guess" right" gen head means for the right price. Brings me back to what I was sayin, gotta keep the price down to make it worth it.

Yea, i have been looking on Craigslist for an older one.

David,

I've been wondering about the same project. Just keep hoping to run across a cheap generator head that needs a new life. So far that hasn't happened..

Merk,

I really like your setup, but I would never be so lucky to find a deal like that!

This is my idea of a generator. Power goes off (like it does regularly with AEP) this fires up and life is good. :beerchug:

That's great, automatic generator and pool in the background. Life is good.

Leave it to Sam to have the "cats meow" of all generators!! :biggrin2::biggrin2:

Anyone know if this mule drive will fit a quietline? May be the start to my project.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cub-Cadet-68...UAAOSwstxVCF1y

It will work for what you want it for.

Most cheap Chinese made generator/alternator produce crappy 60Hz sinusoidal wave at 3600 rpm (Oscilloscope test reading..), you better get a Japanese or old American made unit.

Using the old K series Kohler of a QL is another questionable choice, efficiencies is not their "Forté", most modern OHV engine do a lot better but since you need to use what's available as cheap has possible, you can probably power your alt/gen with the 16hp running at 1800rpm using a 1 for 2 ratio, this way you save a bit on gas and you cut the noise a bit too.

Thanks Jon.

Thanks OldSkull, I appreciate the tru sine wave stuff and all that, never really wanted to get one of those HF jobbers. Had the same idea about the 2 to 1 ratio and lower rpm, maybe smaller wattage gen head, something to just run a saw and drill or some thing like that.

Thanks guys, and Merry Christmas.

Things to ponder:
The kool factor of building a accessory to go on your tractor is very rewarding.
sometimes it is practical sometimes not.
Being older now, I tend to not fuss as much as I once did.
It takes a bit to install/remove the power generator on the front of a tractor
after you have it finished,
much like a snow thrower/blower.
I wonder if a 2 to 1 ratio is practical?? sounds like a lot to expect of an engine unless the generator head is designed to run @ 1800.
Today I see a lot of generator sets sell quite inexpensively @ auctions C/ list
& local papers. $150-$250
I would think it less expensive/easier to obtain a stand alone unit that can be pulled or set in a cart behind the tractor.
or even on a rear mounted " carryall"
That would free up the tractor to go-fer things/tools etc.
Just some thoughts, not to rain on your parade.:bigthink:

Yes sir ol'George, you are right there with some good points. Thanks for your thoughts. And Merry Christmas!

George a 1800rpm generator is a 4 poles unit and they cost a leg+a arm but I'm sure your already know it so I cut the crap and just let's call those 3600rpm unit "Standard head unit", most companies build them to produce a constant 500W per HP since 1hp=745.7 watts we have a safe margin.

I think the 16hp of the 1650 got enough torque to power a 4 to 5Kw gen
head at 1800rpm using a 1 to 2 ratio pulley but there is no way this setup can be efficient or practical like a stand alone unit.
(Test need to be done first so I speculate here)

This is just a fun project you can rely on in a emergency case or just to power some outdoor stuff for a short period of time, a cheap "Life saver" if you prefer.

Oups...Almost forget! Merry Christmas all !

Unless you are dead set on the Generator look/setup, it may not be a bad idea to use a heavy alternator w/ battery and inverter. Since you are not likely to be continuously running full power on anything you are going to hook up to the alternator in either an emergency situation or "normal/play/work"use. This allows you to run the motor at a constant power level, charging the battery and you let the battery be the buffer soaking up the peak loads when a motor kicks on. Depending on how electrically savvy you are, you could work out a circuit to kick the throttle between full, and low/idle based on the battery voltage. Electronics need clean 60Hz "pure sine" power (computers, tv's, gadget type stuff. Depending on exactly what you are looking at running this could include other "usually" not picky items) Electric motors are less fussy, if you have a "cheap" fridge/freezer, just need to run a blower for an older gas furnace, or wood furnace/boiler you can use a less expensive inverter for these type of loads.
Of course, you need to do the homework on what you want to run.

$$$ will dictate not only how clean your power is, but also your power effeciency, this goes for an inverter or a generator head. Do your research, and build what works for you/what you want. Either way, have fun!

Some more great ideas there fourinchdragslicks, thanks. I had been thinking alternator too, like this;

http://diy-welder.com/buildit.shtml

You already have a quiet, reliable generator that works and is paid for (?).

It has the AUTOMATIC throttle control and may/may not run your whole house on demand.

I have a 5kw Honda generator that had a wheel kit on it. I just simply fabbed up a tongue and welded it to the generator frame. Just hook it to a cub of your choice, drive it where you want it and your two problems are solved.

About 12 years ago I bought a combo AC generator/arc welder. I believe it has a 14 hp K series Kohler on it. Output maybe 4kw. Don't remember. I do know it worked to power a right angle grinder when I bought it. I also remember I had to adjust the engine rpm to get the voltage right.

It could be up for a trade for the right deal.

A tip for those who never done this before

A cheap way to test and adjust your gen output for a stable 110-120 V 60Hz AC?

Use a Kill-A Watt Meter :ThumbsUp:

http://www.p3international.com/produ...main_p4400.jpg

Yeah Mike, what am I thinking? Next thing you know I’ll be buying additional cubs when I already have one that works and is paid for (?). Did I say “one”? Wait a minute,… 1, 2, 3,… I always start to get confused when I get into these big numbers… Better stop drinking, I mean thinking. Affecting my judgement.

Just kidding Mike, I like the convert the stand alone unit to a towable assembly.

The deal here is on occasion I need a generator at work, and sometimes I have to or it is much easier to leave it there, and then still need one at home. Usually storms with extended power outages.


Thanks OldSkull, that’s a great idea.

I have a generator like this if anyone is interested, email me.

I'd like to see it Richard, can you put some pictures up here?

I'll find them, reduce them and post them tomorrow.

Here are the pictures. The mounting adapter I built. I have more pictures if interested.

Thanks for the pictures.

Clutch disconnect kit
 

Cold Start Disconnect Clutch Kit, part number 190-428-100

Anyone know how these work?

Don't want to rain on the parade either but used generators can be pretty cheap. I got one at a consignment sale for $90... Subaru engine, 7,000 peak watt, 5,500 running (don't recall the exact numbers). They couldn't get it started at the sale and I took a chance that it had just been sitting for a time (like my other one is usually). When I got it home I took the air cleaner off and squirted some ether in it and it fired right up and has run well since. I think I'm going to mount it on a small trailer I don't use otherwise, to drag it around the place where there is no power.

I say if it's a project that you want to do then go for it. "Perfect" plan or not I think most of us have not made every desicion based solely on the most logical or practical path. It is mildly disappointing to me to see such a large negative responce. As you mentioned there are advantages to a generator attachment. Odveously he knows he has another generator. He does not need you guys to to tell him he has generator and does not need another.

Wow. Thanks for telling everyone your feelings about a 4 month old post. We should all be ashamed for having an opinion. Our opinions are just as valid as yours. If not, that's kind of hypocritical, don't you think?

It's all good guys...:biggrin2: