3-pt PTO generators/compressors

William Fissell · May 5, 2015

Hi,

I am planning a building project wheres theres no power (yet). Does anyone here have experience with 3-pt PTO generators or air compressors?

thanks!

Bill

Todd in NC · May 5, 2015

Bill, are you wanting to buy a generator or build one? If you're wanting to build one, I have an idea I've been bouncing around for some time that may help. Let us know how you want to handle it. Todd.

William Fissell · May 5, 2015

Mostly looking to learn. Probably buy rather than build, but I can build and I have a 10 hp electrric motor lying around looking for work

Todd in NC · May 5, 2015

I don't know much, but I'll help you all I can. #1, PTO horsepower is less than engine horsepower. #2, 1000 watts is also called 1 kilowatt. #3, It takes 2HP to pull 1 kilowatt, ex. 5 kilowatt (5000 watts) needs 10HP. #4, From what I've read on here you need to keep the PTO shaft as straight as possible during the operation. I don't know why, nor how easy it would be to do so. If you decide to build, find you an old Woods mower. Get a RM59. If you can find one with bad spindle bearings, needs a belt, etc. Then just junk the spindles, and what you have left is the frame, a 20" pulley on a bearing with a drive shaft, and already has a 3PH. Mount a generator head to the deck, run a belt from the big pulley to the small one and there you go. This way you don't have to run the tractor wide open to run the generator. I hope my random babbling has helped you in some way. Todd.

Bret4207 · May 6, 2015

I use a 25Kw pto generator, alternator actually, for power outages and field repair. I usually drive it with a DB990. In field repair I run a compressor and welder off it plus any other electric tools I need to. Mine has an indicator that allows me to set the throttle to 60 cycles and that's always worked fine for me. A gen that big doesn't even notice a welder or 5-6 power tools running at once. With a pto gen you really do have to keep watch on the gear box and pto shaft u-joint lube. Better to grease more and have things last longer. My electrical repair shop guys told me the common 5-8K gasoline genset is not adequate to run any welder or larger compressor. I think he said 1 hp was about the limit, but my remember-er might be wrong on that.

ETA- mine is not ona 3pt, it's on it's own trailer with a welder and compressor mounted with it. A set of torches and roof/sides are going on it too. A tarp is okay but steel roofing is way more better!

3-pt PTO generators/compressors

William Fissell

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Todd in NC

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William Fissell

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Todd in NC

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Bret4207

Well-known Member

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