Generator

[IAfarmer]

My power has been out for almost 24 hours, and now that I am on an acreage, I really should get a generator. Anyone have a design, or know of a desigen to make one of our tractors a portable generator? I know they have one out there, but I doubt I can afford a collectors item.

Rather than buy another motor to maintain, I can put the 1450 or 782 to work powering the house.

Thanks!

[Yosemite Sam]

Check your local pawn shops and craigslist and see if they have any with bad engines, don't be eager to tell them you are looking for one with a bad engine, it may cause the price to go up.

Then build a bracket to mount it on your quick attach.

[cubby]

just look here in implaments and attachments, 4000 w gemerator a post from bthein very cool it may give you a good idea or find one one e bay

[Merk]

I have used this on my camper and at work sites that don't have any electric power:

It is an 4000 watt alternator. The bracket that goes between the tractor and altenator was made by my Son and I.


The alternator was purchase at a auction for $50.

My 149 will run for 1 1/2 to 2 hours on a tank of gas. I will put the 149 and alternator on jack stands and let the rear wheels rotate some. I don't want to rick the rear end oil overheating. Not sure if it helps much.

[Yosemite Sam]

Merk,

That is a pretty neat set-up.

What is the difference between an alternator and a generator?

[dieselsnowmobile]

Wikipedia has a good definition of both. Alternators create alternating current, hence the root name alternate. Auto alternators actually use alternating current to charge the batteries (see wikipedia definition). The term generator that we use for generators that create 110/220v for a house, the alternator term should really be used. Generator in its true definition creates direct current.

[MBounds]

Dieselsnowmobile: I recommend that you stop reading that nonsense on wicked-pedia so you can learn some factual information.

1) there is Direct Current - a constant electrical flow in one direction only

2) there is Alternating Current - fluctuating flow swapping directions with the "cycles" (Hertz).

3) An Alternator produces only Alternating Current (like in your house!!).

4) By definition, an electrical generator can produce either an AC or DC. B-U-T, in automotive applications,the term Generator is usually found as meaning a DC producing device.

5) Auto batteries store direct current!! Early auto's used a DC generator with a voltage regulator to maintain the charge in a DC lead-acid storage battery. Modern auto's use an Alternator which has a diode to convert the electrical flow to Direct Current to recharge the lead-acid DC storage battery!!

Caution!! Using Internet souirces like wicked-pedia as definitive sources of information usually leads you into the"wild blue yonder".

Myron B
CCSupplyRoom

[dieselsnowmobile]

MBounds,

Why the heck do you think I need to stop reading non-sense????? I agree with pretty everything you said!!! AND so does Wikipedia!!!! It is a good source for info other than politics, that you have to watch what it says.

I will correct my statement that generators only produce DC. Generators can do both, but more specifically, when a generator is producing AC, it can them be called both a generator and an alternator. Hence you can call the Merk's alternator a generator too. The reverse cannot be said, you cannot call an alternator a generator since not all generators produce an alternating current.

[ol'George]

Ohhh kay,

In a nutshell:
an alternator in a automobile is actually a 3 phase alternator producing alternating current, rectified through a diode trio of usually 6 diodes ( 2 per phase) to produce direct current to charge the battery and/or substain adquate voltage to operate the vehicle.
It has a stator and a rotating field (rotor) it has slip rings that the brushes ride on to excite/vary the field.

A generator has a stationary field and a rotating armature with segments that the brushes ride on, it produces direct current.
the advantages of an alternator are:
they produce at a low rpm,
they have longer brush life as there are no segments, only slip rings.
a large output can be gotten from a small package.
most "stand by" powerplants are called "generators" by tradition.
they make power to do work.
Your money makes interest in a bank (hopefull)
you are generating income, but not electrical energy.

[IAfarmer]

That is a great set up. How did you determine the pulley size? Also, did you use an old mule drive to build your platform?

Great stuff!