Alternator for house current questions

Phlash in OK · Apr 1, 2019

I purchased this alternator at an auction, don't know any thing about it. As the pic will show it should charge 110 & 220 Volts.Have any of you had experience with something like this. Does it matter which direction it turns? How much horse power does it need? As an alternator does it need electric power to excite it? Could it be mounted to run on a tractor PTO? A lot of questions, I hope I can post some pic. Thanks for replies,

Traditional Farmer · Apr 1, 2019

I have one that is similar 5000W that mounts on the front of Ariens GT and S Model garden tractors,I'd say yours might be made for a Sears Suburban garden tractor.

JMOR · Apr 1, 2019

(quoted from post at 06:25:50 04/01/19) I purchased this alternator at an auction, don't know any thing about it. As the pic will show it should charge 110 & 220 Volts.Have any of you had experience with something like this. Does it matter which direction it turns? How much horse power does it need? As an alternator does it need electric power to excite it? Could it be mounted to run on a tractor PTO? A lot of questions, I hope I can post some pic. Thanks for replies,
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto18500.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto18502.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto18503.jpg">

is tag showing 360 or 3600 rpm?

timcasbolt · Apr 1, 2019

It takes about 8 hp to make 4000 watts. It "should" be able to turn either way, and be self exciting. You can run it off a pto, but you will need to figure out how to get it up to 3600 rpm. I've done it with sprockets and chain. Pulleys also work.

jeffcat · Apr 1, 2019

I would agree with you traditional. Lots of those were made for people who had their little lawn tractor as a power unit. Gravely even had one that bolted onto the front of a model L machine. They can be set up with a good used 12hp gas engine and a pulley drive. Some do have a direction indicator but not sure on that one. Yes the rotation speed is crucial. I would guess if set to work on a garden tractor it would be 3600 rpm. That is why you need a meter that reads hz. Frequency on todays electronics is very touchy.

Sprint 6 · Apr 1, 2019

Judging by the color, it likely was for a Sears Suburban garden tractor from the mid 60's at one time. 4K won't run a lot, fridge, well pump, and a few lights. I have one like it for use on my Montgomery Ward 16 garden tractor from 1974. That will be a brushed unit, so it is not recommended to run modern electronics off it, the Hz and voltage can vary quite a bit.

Traditional Farmer · Apr 1, 2019

The one on the Ariens mounts directly in the front of the tractor and runs direct off the front PTO shaft.Also has a meter on it to indicate voltage,pretty handy portable electrical
power.

buickanddeere · Apr 1, 2019

An absolute minimum of 6HP is required to generate 4000watts . 8HP is better as that will provide some motor starting inrush capacity .
Just because it has 4000W on the label doesn’t mean that 4000W continuous is a good idea . 14.0 amps per line continuous is plenty .
Generic Voltage regulators are on eBay .
One of these is the simplest way to measure voltage and frequency . https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kill-A-Watt-Electricity-Monitor-P4400/202196386

John T · Apr 1, 2019

Id prefer around a 10 HP engine or more to operate it even if less may get you by. Looks like it has to turn at 3600 RPM which is typical for a 2 pole generator. Of course a proper transfer method, appropriate grounding and proper Neutral Ground Bonding is absolutely necessary for safety and code compliance.

Go for it

John T

rrc300 u · Apr 1, 2019

Fwiw I have a 5500 watt continuous 6600 surge generator, it has a 10hp on it from the factory. I I was buying a motor to do what you are I would be at harbor freight and have a motor mounted to that thing and have it running. My guess is at least an 8 hp but more is better. Remember there is no replacement for displacement.

Alternator for house current questions

Phlash in OK

Member

Traditional Farmer

Well-known Member

JMOR

Well-known Member

timcasbolt

Well-known Member

jeffcat

Well-known Member

Sprint 6

Well-known Member

Traditional Farmer

Well-known Member

buickanddeere

Well-known Member

John T

Well-known Member

rrc300 u

Member

Similar threads