2 things. Thing 1. Ditch the plywood and use angle or channel as a foundation to mount the genny to. Thing 2. Don't leave your power cord from the house to the generator all coiled up. I work at a major pharmaceutical company and we hooked up a giant diesel generator to run a building during a site shutdown. The 500MCM hookup cables didn't need to be run very far to hook the generator up to the building so they left the cables coiled up on a pallet and just hooked up each end. After a couple of hours, someone smelled something burning and it was the coiled up cables on the pallets. It's the same principal as energizing a solenoid coil without being over the armature...gets hot in a hurry.
Fantastic video! You solved your "pros and cons" by installing a system with battery back up. You don't need two tractors! My wife and I are preparing to build an Earthship Biotecture style home in Northern Nevada...this is a means to generating power until the 4.6 kilowatt solar is installed. Blessings and Good Cheer to you and your family!!
So this system will get you by until you get your battery backed solar. Once you have that, this system will work great but of course by that time you won't need it. That's life... :)
This is my exact set up. I have a propane connect right under the plug that goes to my solark generator connect. I can use my ck2610 tractor or my propane portable generator. I store 150ish gallons of diesel and my cooking is from propane with a 330lb tank.
Dave, I built nearly an identical setup about 6 months ago. I used a Winco 10kw (made in the USA), and the same carry all. Winco wanted $650 for their gen carrier. As others have said, I would not use it for continuous power but running it a couple of hours a day to keep the freezers cold and other items charged is all one really needs to do.
Yes, a couple hours a day should do the trick, The way I am using it, I only need to run it a couple hours per week and I with 200 gallons of diesel I expect I could go for about two years without utilities. Thanks!
I run the 10000 on my 1025 deere it runs the house and the barn just fine. The tractor does use a lot of fuel. I bought a fifth gallon portable tank with a pump to keep the fuel close to the tractor when it’s hooked up. But they work great.
Yes! I am thinking of actually using it to measure just what the current horse power of my tractor is by ramping up the load and finding where it fails to supply the load. I am guessing I could get to 5000 watts, 10hp. 2hp for every 1000 Watts. I'll report back the results. Thanks!
I would have thought that the tractor would have a governor that would compensate for various loads. Loading that engine down a bit won't hurt a thing and is actually beneficial. We run a kubota rtv since new and has just shy of 10 k on it. Runs a minimum of 3 hrs a day 365. From time to time I hook up something heavy to it a give it a good long run under heavy load. Smoke starts out blue then grey then black, cleans up and it loves it. Great little engine
I love hearing accounts like this. I do baby my equipment a bit but on occasion I do run them hard so I like hearing from folks saying that its OK and they have done it plenty with good results. Thanks!
If you plug it into your home circuitry you don't need the ground rod, It grounds through your system. Just make sure the 240 circuitry/receptacle is grounded to your breaker box. The ground rod is only required if you run it out in the field or if you run an extension cord that's not grounded to the house.
Update: If your connecting this to your house via a transfer switch and pass the neutral and ground through to your main panel, then you probably should not ground it at the generator. Consult an Electrician. Thanks!
Just a suggestion. The generator is designed to run at a steady 540 RPM so instead of messing with the throttle set the engine RPM’s so they are just above the engine RPM needed to maintain 540 RPM to compensate for the surge when a load is added. The other thing to consider is by not running the generator at its designed RPM when there’s a load on it you’re going to put a serious load on the generator with the possibility of burning the generator out and damaging sensitive electronics in your house by giving them too low voltage. When I had my fifth wheel I had a surge protector that would cut the power off if the voltage dropped too low to protect the electronics in the fifth wheel the same principle applies here as well too low voltage is just as dangerous to electronics as a massive voltage surge. Burning a few extra gallons of Diesel is a lot cheaper than replacing the generator and damaged electronics.
Hello David, the problem is that you have to adjust the throttle to maintain the 540 RPM. This tractor and most tractors do not have the ability to maintain the RPM under varied loads. When large loads are added, the RPM drops and you have to adjust the throttle to maintain the proper RPM. When large loads are removed, the RPM shoots up past 540 and the throttle must be reduced. The way I am using it, I just keep the load constant for 2 hours while charging my solar batteries. That eliminates the problem. Thanks!
The tractor should compensate for the load on its own to some extent because the fuel pump has a governor that should increase the fuel to compensate for the the extra load. If the tractor is not adjusting for the load on it’s own the governor may be stuck and not allowing the pump to adjust the fuel for the load. The other possibility is engine is starting to get tired even on the bigger AG tractors 5000+ hours is a lot depending on how they’re used/maintained and will start to show a decrease in performance.
@@thegrumpyyooper6503 The governer on a mechanical garden tractor engine is not going to work well for a generator. This is shown in the video. Gensets use isochronus governers. Isochronus governers maintain the speed of the engine regardless of engine load. This tractor does not have an isochronus governer. I would bet that generators like this would function better with a newer tractor that has an electronically controlled fuel system, as engine speed does not drop when load is applied.
Generator RPM is not all that critical. The charge controller does not care at 9:25 that the frequency dropped way down and keeps accepting it, no problem. Modern electronic devices with switchmode power supplies do not care much about the frequency or voltage. Induction and synchronous motors will just run a little faster or slower. Power utilities keep a tight leash on frequency because their customers are annoyed by the flickering of incandescent lights when large loads are turned on and off, and also because old mechanical clocks used synchronous motors that exactly followed the grid frequency. To keep the time correct on these clocks, the grid frequency had to average out to exactly 5184000 cycles every day. If the grid voltage went up too much, incandescent lamps would glow brighter and brighter until they rapidly burned out from running so hot. A "brownout" meanwhile is when voltage drops, and incandescent lamps glow dimmer, changing the color from white, to yellow, to reddish-brown.
It’s because the tractor is under powered. My JD 1025R runs my 10KW PTO generator without needing to adjust engine RPMs regardless of the electrical draw. I set the output at slightly over optimal rpm’s and leave it.
Nice. You have some nice stuff there. I just got a 10k generator and now I have my 5k as a backup. I thought about the pto generator but I only have one tractor. Lol edited: I had posted this right before your cons. Only having one tractor is the big setback.
@@HomesteadEngineering well technically I have two but I keep the other one on our property/tree farm but I am getting the bug for a much bigger tractor. Gonna keep a lookout for an older model. These new tractors with the regen modes don't impress me. Love that battery bank you have.
That's a really expensive cell phone charger LOL. That's a great setup, for like you said if you have multiple tractors so your only tractor isn't tied to your generator...although in a pinch its not that hard to unhook and hook back up if you needed to use your tractor to remove snow for example, then hook back up to your generator when you are finished...but having a dedicated backup generator would be the only way I'd go, if I had propane on site...in a power failure I'm not sure how natural gas supplies might get interrupted as the pumps probably shut down too I'd assume. I have a 225 gallon propane tank that just my furnace runs off of, if I got a backup generator I'd go with propane and just have a larger tank brought in. I don't have a tractor so a PTO generator wouldn't exactly be useful for me LOL. I do want to get a tractor just a lot of other things have gotten in the way this year, and its been 30 years already so what's another year or 2 waiting LOL.
Dave, those Kubotas have multiple pto ranges correct? Would that help or hinder? Can someone respond with knowledge or experience? And did you try with your 2601? Thank you
Yes, My B7100 has high and low range on the PTO. I run the generator in high range. I can run it in low range and it has more torque that way but it revs too high. I have run it many times now and have slowly gotten more comfortable running it with higher loads. It does just fine, no problems so far. Thanks!
Nice unit, I was just looking at these yesterday. I just sold my military trailer-mounted Onan generators because the power hasn't gone out once in 6 years. That was probably a mistake. Anyway, looking at one of these now. IMD makes one with avr as well. You are correct, much better THD with these generator heads.
My system is old and their are better options now. 1. BIG SYSTEM: I would go to Signature Solar and look at their brand new Flex Boss system backed by their wall mount EG4 battery bank. Add 12kW of solar panels and you have a Great System. Maybe $12k after tax credit. 2. SMALL SYSTEM: I would go with a Mega 3 from Oupes with the B2 extra battery and 2kW of solar. This is a 120V system and would run about $3k before tax credit if there is one. oupes.com/dlgfswnsye Thanks!
With all due Respect. You must be an Engineer or something by Trade and have some deep pockets. I was following along pretty good until you walked in the Garage around the 07:00 minute mark of video when I saw that wall of Star Trek Guidance Systems, LOL...and I was lost!. I've been thinking about getting one of those Generators for my MX5400 KUBOTA. But after seeing what all it takes to transfer power to house, I'll probably just get some more coolers and build an outhouse! LOL. Thanks. Hurricane Ally. S.E. North Carolina. 15 miles from Coast.
Beefan, I hope I did not give you the impression that you have to have all this to connect to your house. You can connect with just a transfer switch or even extension cords but you must be mindful of the RPM (Voltage) as it changes with the loads. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering You also need to make sure you aren't back feeding power through your main service panel and back out into the main power lines if you are grid-tied....not really an issue if you are 100% off-grid though. Many people don't realize when they 1/2 ass hookup a generator to their house mains that its back feeding that power back out into the main electric lines and can injure or kill a line worker trying to restore power.
@@purplesocks9745 A separate 30 amp (in this case ) 2 pole breaker directly under the main breaker. You mount a rocking on off device that either keeps the main in and the 30 amp out, or the 30 amp in and main out. That will conform to code.
My uncle had one of those 80s early 90s hydrostatic b7100s, It had a 2 speed pto. . Is it possible you didn't have it in the 540 speed? Usually rated engine speed for a set pto rpms is quite near high idel, or maximum rpms of engine. The engine just sounds closer to mabe 2k but I could be wrong. Though it's interesting to consider running a light load with a gen at rated speed, but under speed the engine for possibly reducing fuel use a smidgen. 0.01c
Hello Bruce, I had the PTO in high gear. I can run it in low gear but it revs much higher for sure. Its actually pretty good on fuel consumption. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering that would be my guess as well. My farmall Super H does about 14 hours give or take at around 3/4 throttle. Just gotta change the oil after a few longs days of running.
I can run off the utility, solar, batteries, or any one of four generators. Two generators run gas, one diesel and one gas or propane. I got the power! :)
I have a B2650 that’s setup for a front snow blower with the center PTO running down under the front axle to a set of pillow block bearings with the PTO spline shaft there where the shaft of the blower connects to But I was always wondering if I could DIY/weld build a small generator attachment for that shaft! When I am actually running the snowblower that shaft is turning at 2600 RPM I was hoping I could design some type of generator head that could directly couple between that shaft with a universal joint and run at the engine speed but generator heads either run at 4 pole 1800 or 2 pole 3600 rpm But I could set the engine lower and always raise the RPM with a gearbox for a smaller generator head.
What a great video, I am trying to set up something very similar to this set up. I have a question if you don’t mind. If you had a bigger horse power tractor to a smaller generator would that be a problem? My tractor is 35hp (engine) and I’m thinking about a 7,200 generator. (14 Hp. Recommend pto) Is that some kind of problem?
KB, As long as the PTO shaft is turning at the right RPM it should not matter how much HP the tractor has. I don't see having too much potential HP as being any kind of problem at all. You simply won't be using all that extra HP. Off the top of my head I think it takes about 2 HP for every 1000W of electricity. It will probably be a bit less efficient but it should work fine. Thanks!
Great info and video. How would you rate the NorthStar PTO Generator after a year and half usage. I have a 1988 B8200 I've owned since new. It has been great and I'll keep it forever. I'm looking to purchase a PTO generator and would like to hear any additional comments from you. Thanks for the video. Very helpful.
I run it about every 3-6 months for about an hour or two just to keep it in shape. It has worked perfectly with no issues so far. I run it at about 3-4k Watts output to charge my battery bank. Nothing bad to report. :)
Instead of hanging the generator off the back of the 3pt frame, shorten the PTO shaft. It’s not that hard to do. Also the long shaft is dangerous as it could damage the tractor PTO housing if the shaft is jammed into it.
Probably not a bad idea to shorten the shaft and move the generator forward on the 3 point. As it is there is plenty of play in the shaft so as not to jam. Thanks!
Was your cable going between the Gen and the Wall getting hot? I thought you mentioned it was a 30 amp plug. Wither way, at 78Amps was the last reading I saw, and such a cool setup! Makes me jealous!!! Now I want to copy you, only with a 60 hp tractor.
OK, I was not very clear about this... The Amps you see on the solar power are relative to the battery voltage seen just to the left. So 90 Amps at about 55 Volts = about 5000 Watts. That's well within the (240V) 30 Amp circuit (7,200 Watts). Ya follow or am I just making it worse?
I don't recall but I think it shipped with oil in it. Unlike a regular engine, this is just a sealed gear box. It would not matter how the box was handled (right side up or upside down). Thanks!
Brendan, I believe it was 16HP when it was new and probably less now. Not sure but I would guess you need 2HP for every 1000W of generator and I don't like to run my equipment at 100% duty cycle. Thanks!
Hello Hoot and happy Thanksgiving to you too! We had some company and I have been working hard the past week getting ready. Trimming, weeding, mulching and pressure washing. Puttin on the dog... :)
I don't have the exact burn rate but I think it would be around 0.5 gallons/hour. I guess I will just have to do a test or just measure it during the next time I have to use it. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering Had some thoughts about running one on my BX (22 hp) with a five gallon tank. Running close to WOT (probably) it wouldn't make it through the night. I would be burning the same diesel, loaded or not which I find annoying :-/
That little tractor needs to be worked like that it’s not going to hurt it keep the oil changed and regular maintenance it will last it will seat the rings on the piston
Hello Hoot, I am keeping both the tractor and the generator. I have owned this tractor for 20 years. I don't think I would use my new tractor to run the generator but it is a good use of my old tractor to get a lot more life out of it. Thanks!
You don’t want your pto shaft perfectly level. That’s where your vibration is coming from. Each joint needs a bit of an angle. Look at your truck driveshaft. Make the pitch similar.
Lemuel, I use it to charge my solar battery bank when there is no sun for a few days. I would plan to use it more in case of any type of emergency. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering just wondering. I like the way it looks and am thinking about looking for a older subcompact tractor. I've had so many of the Craftsman and MTD ones that I'm wanting to get something better but can't stand to pay what they want for the new ones and they even want so much for one day 5 years old that ya may as well get a new model. Anyway I liked what I saw in yours. Thanks for the reply.
@@jerryhayden8720 The old B7100 has served me well for over 20 years now. I have moved the world with it. I paid $7,500 for it used and I think its worth maybe $5,000 today. That said, there is a WORLD of difference between the old tractor and the new one. The skid steer quick attach alone makes a huge difference. The quick hitch makes a big difference as well. Power steering (huge) and a faster moving loader. Three speeds and easy four wheel drive. I paid $25k for the B2601 and a bunch of attachments. Ho[e you find what your looking for.
Be careful that you aren’t grounding the generator when you are plugging it into a grounded system. You only want one grounding path. If you have two when something happens you could energize the generator and the ground around it.
I believe that is correct. In general, I would ground and bond a generator when used stand alone and not ground or bond it when connected to a transfer switch. That is because the ground and bond from the generator will usually pass through the transfer switch and be grounded and bonded at the main panel. Thanks!
Today, Systems typically have two paths to ground. One a domestic water supply and two a driven ground rod. Depending on impedance, you may have ore than one ground rod.
How is the kubota worn out, it looks like its in perfect condition, you yourself said even the engine is good, i think thats because of your newer tractor, thats what puts it in your head that its worn out
The engine is definitely good and the tractor still has some life in it. I actually use it all the time. It is a bit worn though. The joints are a bit loose and have a lot of stiction. It is difficult to switch from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive. Its just used. It is very noticeable when switching from this one to the new one for sure. Thanks!
Taking a farm tractor use it as a generator or a car or anything else to use it as a generator farm tractors much easier to take the back of it up use as a generator power your lights
Yah and that's when it was new and on a good day. Its fine for what I need to do. It can charge my battery bank in 2-3 hours. I don't really want to use my new tractor for this purpose. Thanks!
6:45- amazing battery bank and solar system! Nice work. We found your channel from a comment you left on GP Outdoors. Sub'd! We'd really appreciate if you would look at our channel if you aren't already following us. Thank you!
This is really inefficient. Whatever money you saved not buying an engine generator will be spent in gas. Generators are set up by the manufacturer to be well matched to the engine and you get the highest BSFC possible. Not to mention inconvenient. Also, if your load drops, you could have a blown engine. If you have the throttle up to deal with a high load in your house and that load disappears, there is no governor to close the throttle. These are meant, so far as I can tell, for remote farm work.
It has been my experience that the PTO running off my tractor uses a lot less fuel than my engine generators. I would guess maybe 0.6 gallon/hr. Dropping the load would result in a near instant increase in throttle. I don't think this would result in a blown engine unless you were at very heavy loads and not present. You do make a good point though and something folks should be aware of for sure. Thanks!
How would you balance it? Maybe I will try pulling it apart and rotating one click then put it back together. That might shift the rotating masses a bit (if that's possible).
@@HerkCC the pto shaft would be the only thing to cause the wobbling and vibration. My 30 years of grey hair experience speaking here. I have bought many a pto shafts off the shelf, made in China that are bent, out of alignment or not balanced properly. Another recommendation is to not have the pto shaft running in alignment with the implement. They tend to run smoother at a slight angle.
@@matthall9093 what hair I still have is gray as well. I believe the overall vibration is from it not being mounted on a solid platform. I run the very same generator mounted on the O.E.M. trailer.....and as you pointed out ....at a slight angle for proper phase of the shaft rotation......but I do see my safety sleeve dance around to mimic vibration when in operations.....
Hello Guy, These diesel engines will typically outlast the tractor by 2-3 times. By running the PTO generator I am getting all the life out of my investment. That said, I would not run it on my new tractor, its only going to run behind my old worn-out tractor. Thanks!
Not with a generator racking up hours. People own & use 70+ year old tractors. Issue is that the hydraulics are running when the engine is running. Especially if that Kubota tractor uses a hydrostatic drive instead of direct drive. If there is a crisis & one machine you really need to rely on is your tractor.
@@HomesteadEngineering Diesel engines need to be worked hard like that so they don't wet stack. will not hurt that tractor at all. My Multiquip Welder Generator has 4300 hours on it and runs at 3600 rpms when generating power not worried a bit. These Kubota engines are used in refrigerator units that run 24/7 well over 11000 hours before an overhaul is needed.
@@farmingsmallkubota1783 Sweet! I love hearing that because I do run that little Kubota pretty hard in my garden as well. Maybe I will crank it up a bit higher next time I need to charge the batteries. Thanks!
2 things. Thing 1. Ditch the plywood and use angle or channel as a foundation to mount the genny to. Thing 2. Don't leave your power cord from the house to the generator all coiled up. I work at a major pharmaceutical company and we hooked up a giant diesel generator to run a building during a site shutdown. The 500MCM hookup cables didn't need to be run very far to hook the generator up to the building so they left the cables coiled up on a pallet and just hooked up each end. After a couple of hours, someone smelled something burning and it was the coiled up cables on the pallets. It's the same principal as energizing a solenoid coil without being over the armature...gets hot in a hurry.
Good "things" to know. Thanks!
Fantastic video! You solved your "pros and cons" by installing a system with battery back up. You don't need two tractors! My wife and I are preparing to build an Earthship Biotecture style home in Northern Nevada...this is a means to generating power until the 4.6 kilowatt solar is installed. Blessings and Good Cheer to you and your family!!
So this system will get you by until you get your battery backed solar. Once you have that, this system will work great but of course by that time you won't need it. That's life... :)
This is my exact set up. I have a propane connect right under the plug that goes to my solark generator connect. I can use my ck2610 tractor or my propane portable generator. I store 150ish gallons of diesel and my cooking is from propane with a 330lb tank.
Dave, I built nearly an identical setup about 6 months ago. I used a Winco 10kw (made in the USA), and the same carry all. Winco wanted $650 for their gen carrier. As others have said, I would not use it for continuous power but running it a couple of hours a day to keep the freezers cold and other items charged is all one really needs to do.
Yes, a couple hours a day should do the trick, The way I am using it, I only need to run it a couple hours per week and I with 200 gallons of diesel I expect I could go for about two years without utilities. Thanks!
I run the 10000 on my 1025 deere it runs the house and the barn just fine. The tractor does use a lot of fuel. I bought a fifth gallon portable tank with a pump to keep the fuel close to the tractor when it’s hooked up. But they work great.
Thanks for sharing
Have the generator on the trailer they sell,. It does an awesome job coupled with my B2620
A true representation of how much how horsepower it takes to make electricity
Yes! I am thinking of actually using it to measure just what the current horse power of my tractor is by ramping up the load and finding where it fails to supply the load. I am guessing I could get to 5000 watts, 10hp. 2hp for every 1000 Watts. I'll report back the results. Thanks!
I would have thought that the tractor would have a governor that would compensate for various loads. Loading that engine down a bit won't hurt a thing and is actually beneficial. We run a kubota rtv since new and has just shy of 10 k on it. Runs a minimum of 3 hrs a day 365. From time to time I hook up something heavy to it a give it a good long run under heavy load. Smoke starts out blue then grey then black, cleans up and it loves it. Great little engine
I love hearing accounts like this. I do baby my equipment a bit but on occasion I do run them hard so I like hearing from folks saying that its OK and they have done it plenty with good results. Thanks!
If you plug it into your home circuitry you don't need the ground rod, It grounds through your system. Just make sure the 240 circuitry/receptacle is grounded to your breaker box. The ground rod is only required if you run it out in the field or if you run an extension cord that's not grounded to the house.
I agree. Thanks!
It’s called neutral bonding, but check your manual to be sure.
Great video, thank you for posting. Inherited one of these....Haven't even had time to look at it yet. Didn't realize it needed to be grounded-LOL.
Thanks for watching!
Update: If your connecting this to your house via a transfer switch and pass the neutral and ground through to your main panel, then you probably should not ground it at the generator. Consult an Electrician. Thanks!
Nice set up, I thought you had the ghost containment system from ghostbusters of the wall.
LOL!
Just a suggestion. The generator is designed to run at a steady 540 RPM so instead of messing with the throttle set the engine RPM’s so they are just above the engine RPM needed to maintain 540 RPM to compensate for the surge when a load is added. The other thing to consider is by not running the generator at its designed RPM when there’s a load on it you’re going to put a serious load on the generator with the possibility of burning the generator out and damaging sensitive electronics in your house by giving them too low voltage. When I had my fifth wheel I had a surge protector that would cut the power off if the voltage dropped too low to protect the electronics in the fifth wheel the same principle applies here as well too low voltage is just as dangerous to electronics as a massive voltage surge. Burning a few extra gallons of Diesel is a lot cheaper than replacing the generator and damaged electronics.
Hello David, the problem is that you have to adjust the throttle to maintain the 540 RPM. This tractor and most tractors do not have the ability to maintain the RPM under varied loads. When large loads are added, the RPM drops and you have to adjust the throttle to maintain the proper RPM. When large loads are removed, the RPM shoots up past 540 and the throttle must be reduced. The way I am using it, I just keep the load constant for 2 hours while charging my solar batteries. That eliminates the problem. Thanks!
The tractor should compensate for the load on its own to some extent because the fuel pump has a governor that should increase the fuel to compensate for the the extra load. If the tractor is not adjusting for the load on it’s own the governor may be stuck and not allowing the pump to adjust the fuel for the load. The other possibility is engine is starting to get tired even on the bigger AG tractors 5000+ hours is a lot depending on how they’re used/maintained and will start to show a decrease in performance.
@@thegrumpyyooper6503 The governer on a mechanical garden tractor engine is not going to work well for a generator. This is shown in the video. Gensets use isochronus governers. Isochronus governers maintain the speed of the engine regardless of engine load. This tractor does not have an isochronus governer. I would bet that generators like this would function better with a newer tractor that has an electronically controlled fuel system, as engine speed does not drop when load is applied.
Generator RPM is not all that critical. The charge controller does not care at 9:25 that the frequency dropped way down and keeps accepting it, no problem. Modern electronic devices with switchmode power supplies do not care much about the frequency or voltage. Induction and synchronous motors will just run a little faster or slower.
Power utilities keep a tight leash on frequency because their customers are annoyed by the flickering of incandescent lights when large loads are turned on and off, and also because old mechanical clocks used synchronous motors that exactly followed the grid frequency. To keep the time correct on these clocks, the grid frequency had to average out to exactly 5184000 cycles every day.
If the grid voltage went up too much, incandescent lamps would glow brighter and brighter until they rapidly burned out from running so hot. A "brownout" meanwhile is when voltage drops, and incandescent lamps glow dimmer, changing the color from white, to yellow, to reddish-brown.
It’s because the tractor is under powered. My JD 1025R runs my 10KW PTO generator without needing to adjust engine RPMs regardless of the electrical draw. I set the output at slightly over optimal rpm’s and leave it.
Nice. You have some nice stuff there. I just got a 10k generator and now I have my 5k as a backup. I thought about the pto generator but I only have one tractor. Lol edited: I had posted this right before your cons. Only having one tractor is the big setback.
Good excuses to get that 2nd tractor! :)
@@HomesteadEngineering well technically I have two but I keep the other one on our property/tree farm but I am getting the bug for a much bigger tractor. Gonna keep a lookout for an older model. These new tractors with the regen modes don't impress me. Love that battery bank you have.
thumbs up for the wicked grapple!
Thanks!
That's a really expensive cell phone charger LOL. That's a great setup, for like you said if you have multiple tractors so your only tractor isn't tied to your generator...although in a pinch its not that hard to unhook and hook back up if you needed to use your tractor to remove snow for example, then hook back up to your generator when you are finished...but having a dedicated backup generator would be the only way I'd go, if I had propane on site...in a power failure I'm not sure how natural gas supplies might get interrupted as the pumps probably shut down too I'd assume. I have a 225 gallon propane tank that just my furnace runs off of, if I got a backup generator I'd go with propane and just have a larger tank brought in. I don't have a tractor so a PTO generator wouldn't exactly be useful for me LOL. I do want to get a tractor just a lot of other things have gotten in the way this year, and its been 30 years already so what's another year or 2 waiting LOL.
William, you might like this dual fuel generator: th-cam.com/video/h9vvs2ilUIo/w-d-xo.html
Dave, those Kubotas have multiple pto ranges correct? Would that help or hinder? Can someone respond with knowledge or experience? And did you try with your 2601? Thank you
Yes, My B7100 has high and low range on the PTO. I run the generator in high range. I can run it in low range and it has more torque that way but it revs too high. I have run it many times now and have slowly gotten more comfortable running it with higher loads. It does just fine, no problems so far. Thanks!
Nice unit, I was just looking at these yesterday. I just sold my military trailer-mounted Onan generators because the power hasn't gone out once in 6 years. That was probably a mistake. Anyway, looking at one of these now. IMD makes one with avr as well. You are correct, much better THD with these generator heads.
Uuuummmm yah, should have hung on to one of those for sure. :)
I’m interested in your battery backup system as I want to do something similar. Did you design this or did you purchase a complete system? Thank You
My system is old and their are better options now.
1. BIG SYSTEM: I would go to Signature Solar and look at their brand new Flex Boss system backed by their wall mount EG4 battery bank. Add 12kW of solar panels and you have a Great System. Maybe $12k after tax credit.
2. SMALL SYSTEM: I would go with a Mega 3 from Oupes with the B2 extra battery and 2kW of solar. This is a 120V system and would run about $3k before tax credit if there is one.
oupes.com/dlgfswnsye
Thanks!
With all due Respect. You must be an Engineer or something by Trade and have some deep pockets. I was following along pretty good until you walked in the Garage around the 07:00 minute mark of video when I saw that wall of Star Trek Guidance Systems, LOL...and I was lost!. I've been thinking about getting one of those Generators for my MX5400 KUBOTA. But after seeing what all it takes to transfer power to house, I'll probably just get some more coolers and build an outhouse! LOL. Thanks. Hurricane Ally. S.E. North Carolina. 15 miles from Coast.
Beefan, I hope I did not give you the impression that you have to have all this to connect to your house. You can connect with just a transfer switch or even extension cords but you must be mindful of the RPM (Voltage) as it changes with the loads. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering oh, ok, thanks Mr. David. That makes me feel better. All my best.
@@HomesteadEngineering You also need to make sure you aren't back feeding power through your main service panel and back out into the main power lines if you are grid-tied....not really an issue if you are 100% off-grid though. Many people don't realize when they 1/2 ass hookup a generator to their house mains that its back feeding that power back out into the main electric lines and can injure or kill a line worker trying to restore power.
@@wildbill23cYes, you need to use an actual transfer switch NOT a suicide cord like you see some folks do. Thanks!
@@purplesocks9745 A separate 30 amp (in this case ) 2 pole breaker directly under the main breaker. You mount a rocking on off device that either keeps the main in and the 30 amp out, or the 30 amp in and main out. That will conform to code.
My uncle had one of those 80s early 90s hydrostatic b7100s, It had a 2 speed pto.
.
Is it possible you didn't have it in the 540 speed? Usually rated engine speed for a set pto rpms is quite near high idel, or maximum rpms of engine. The engine just sounds closer to mabe 2k but I could be wrong.
Though it's interesting to consider running a light load with a gen at rated speed, but under speed the engine for possibly reducing fuel use a smidgen.
0.01c
Hello Bruce, I had the PTO in high gear. I can run it in low gear but it revs much higher for sure. Its actually pretty good on fuel consumption. Thanks!
Yeah, I would put a gate right next to the door. Heck even take the fence down.
This is how I use it now: th-cam.com/video/mNOzBgM5QDU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VYLusNaSv5LCmH0v
About how long do you have until you have to fill up your tractor with fuel after continuous running of the generator?
I will have to do a test to find out exactly. My wild guess would be about 10 gallons for 24 hours running at 3000 watts output. Just a guess.
@@HomesteadEngineering that would be my guess as well. My farmall Super H does about 14 hours give or take at around 3/4 throttle. Just gotta change the oil after a few longs days of running.
Triple power redundancy at your place....nice....
I can run off the utility, solar, batteries, or any one of four generators. Two generators run gas, one diesel and one gas or propane. I got the power! :)
@@HomesteadEngineering no kidding....wattage for the cottage..😁👍😎
I have a B2650 that’s setup for a front snow blower with the center PTO running down under the front axle to a set of pillow block bearings with the PTO spline shaft there where the shaft of the blower connects to But I was always wondering if I could DIY/weld build a small generator attachment for that shaft! When I am actually running the snowblower that shaft is turning at 2600 RPM I was hoping I could design some type of generator head that could directly couple between that shaft with a universal joint and run at the engine speed but generator heads either run at 4 pole 1800 or 2 pole 3600 rpm But I could set the engine lower and always raise the RPM with a gearbox for a smaller generator head.
That sounds like a fun project. Good luck!
What a great video, I am trying to set up something very similar to this set up. I have a question if you don’t mind. If you had a bigger horse power tractor to a smaller generator would that be a problem? My tractor is 35hp (engine) and I’m thinking about a 7,200 generator. (14 Hp. Recommend pto) Is that some kind of problem?
KB, As long as the PTO shaft is turning at the right RPM it should not matter how much HP the tractor has. I don't see having too much potential HP as being any kind of problem at all. You simply won't be using all that extra HP. Off the top of my head I think it takes about 2 HP for every 1000W of electricity. It will probably be a bit less efficient but it should work fine. Thanks!
Great info and video. How would you rate the NorthStar PTO Generator after a year and half usage. I have a 1988 B8200 I've owned since new. It has been great and I'll keep it forever. I'm looking to purchase a PTO generator and would like to hear any additional comments from you. Thanks for the video. Very helpful.
I run it about every 3-6 months for about an hour or two just to keep it in shape. It has worked perfectly with no issues so far. I run it at about 3-4k Watts output to charge my battery bank. Nothing bad to report. :)
@@HomesteadEngineering Thank you for your response. Good info.
You are an amassing prepper.
Thanks!
Instead of hanging the generator off the back of the 3pt frame, shorten the PTO shaft. It’s not that hard to do. Also the long shaft is dangerous as it could damage the tractor PTO housing if the shaft is jammed into it.
Probably not a bad idea to shorten the shaft and move the generator forward on the 3 point. As it is there is plenty of play in the shaft so as not to jam. Thanks!
We’re you not able to cut the PTO shaft to bring it closer in?..
Larry, I don't know why I did not even think of that. I may go back and shorten it up a bit. Thanks!
Was your cable going between the Gen and the Wall getting hot? I thought you mentioned it was a 30 amp plug. Wither way, at 78Amps was the last reading I saw, and such a cool setup! Makes me jealous!!! Now I want to copy you, only with a 60 hp tractor.
OK, I was not very clear about this... The Amps you see on the solar power are relative to the battery voltage seen just to the left. So 90 Amps at about 55 Volts = about 5000 Watts. That's well within the (240V) 30 Amp circuit (7,200 Watts). Ya follow or am I just making it worse?
your sure it got oil inside? i think its illegal to ship something with oil in it... well maby just engines
I don't recall but I think it shipped with oil in it. Unlike a regular engine, this is just a sealed gear box. It would not matter how the box was handled (right side up or upside down). Thanks!
I’d like to do a similar setup on my X758, how much hp is your tractor?
Brendan, I believe it was 16HP when it was new and probably less now. Not sure but I would guess you need 2HP for every 1000W of generator and I don't like to run my equipment at 100% duty cycle. Thanks!
Hi and thank you for the video! Is the oscillation from the driveshaft, tractor or generator? Thanks!
Paul, I am not sure yet but I guess its from the PTO drive shaft (not the tractor or genny). I may try to balance it. Thanks!
26 Nov 2020
Hi David. Just wanted to wish you a 🍁Happy Thanksgiving! Hope all is well in DavidLand.
Hello Hoot and happy Thanksgiving to you too! We had some company and I have been working hard the past week getting ready. Trimming, weeding, mulching and pressure washing. Puttin on the dog... :)
Thankyou very helpfull.
Thanks!
Have some doubts about the diesel burn rate although buying a stand alone, self-regulating diesel gen would pay for a lot of oil.
I don't have the exact burn rate but I think it would be around 0.5 gallons/hour. I guess I will just have to do a test or just measure it during the next time I have to use it. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering Had some thoughts about running one on my BX (22 hp) with a five gallon tank. Running close to WOT (probably) it wouldn't make it through the night. I would be burning the same diesel, loaded or not which I find annoying :-/
That little tractor needs to be worked like that it’s not going to hurt it keep the oil changed and regular maintenance it will last it will seat the rings on the piston
Yes, I have been pushing it a bit harder but not too much going forward. Thanks!
This feller has got some money!
I had some money until I bought all this stuff! :)
Hi David. Love your channel. I would worry about my tractor. Did you keep this one?
Hello Hoot, I am keeping both the tractor and the generator. I have owned this tractor for 20 years. I don't think I would use my new tractor to run the generator but it is a good use of my old tractor to get a lot more life out of it. Thanks!
You don’t want your pto shaft perfectly level. That’s where your vibration is coming from. Each joint needs a bit of an angle. Look at your truck driveshaft. Make the pitch similar.
I will definitely check that out. Thanks
What are the real world applications for this? Just curious.
Lemuel, I use it to charge my solar battery bank when there is no sun for a few days. I would plan to use it more in case of any type of emergency. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering Ok. Cool! Thanks for answering!
was the seperate driveline $375.00 usd?
It was $110 from Northern Tool :
www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200596633_200596633
Note: it is only 16HP max
About what year is your old Kubota tractor?
About 94ish
@@HomesteadEngineering just wondering. I like the way it looks and am thinking about looking for a older subcompact tractor. I've had so many of the Craftsman and MTD ones that I'm wanting to get something better but can't stand to pay what they want for the new ones and they even want so much for one day 5 years old that ya may as well get a new model. Anyway I liked what I saw in yours. Thanks for the reply.
@@jerryhayden8720 The old B7100 has served me well for over 20 years now. I have moved the world with it. I paid $7,500 for it used and I think its worth maybe $5,000 today. That said, there is a WORLD of difference between the old tractor and the new one. The skid steer quick attach alone makes a huge difference. The quick hitch makes a big difference as well. Power steering (huge) and a faster moving loader. Three speeds and easy four wheel drive. I paid $25k for the B2601 and a bunch of attachments. Ho[e you find what your looking for.
@@jerryhayden8720 More tractor videos: th-cam.com/video/rswvF-r1TRE/w-d-xo.html
What about pulley sizing
What pulley?
Be careful that you aren’t grounding the generator when you are plugging it into a grounded system. You only want one grounding path. If you have two when something happens you could energize the generator and the ground around it.
I believe that is correct. In general, I would ground and bond a generator when used stand alone and not ground or bond it when connected to a transfer switch. That is because the ground and bond from the generator will usually pass through the transfer switch and be grounded and bonded at the main panel. Thanks!
Today, Systems typically have two paths to ground. One a domestic water supply and two a driven ground rod. Depending on impedance, you may have ore than one ground rod.
How is the kubota worn out, it looks like its in perfect condition, you yourself said even the engine is good, i think thats because of your newer tractor, thats what puts it in your head that its worn out
The engine is definitely good and the tractor still has some life in it. I actually use it all the time. It is a bit worn though. The joints are a bit loose and have a lot of stiction. It is difficult to switch from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive. Its just used. It is very noticeable when switching from this one to the new one for sure. Thanks!
Good old cooking oil always works for me LP cylinders and good old cooking oil or Willie Nelson's gas always works for me moonshine gases even better
Taking a farm tractor use it as a generator or a car or anything else to use it as a generator farm tractors much easier to take the back of it up use as a generator power your lights
That tractor only has 13hp pto.. thats not that much, try it on your other kubota. It should have a tad bit more pto hp
Yah and that's when it was new and on a good day. Its fine for what I need to do. It can charge my battery bank in 2-3 hours. I don't really want to use my new tractor for this purpose. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering i thought i read that you didn't, yea in a emergency, the bigger one will do if you really are in a bind
6:45- amazing battery bank and solar system! Nice work. We found your channel from a comment you left on GP Outdoors. Sub'd! We'd really appreciate if you would look at our channel if you aren't already following us. Thank you!
I'll check it out. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering Thank you!
Definatly shorten the shaft
Like it wood work better Paul Taylor good size generator
This is really inefficient. Whatever money you saved not buying an engine generator will be spent in gas. Generators are set up by the manufacturer to be well matched to the engine and you get the highest BSFC possible. Not to mention inconvenient. Also, if your load drops, you could have a blown engine. If you have the throttle up to deal with a high load in your house and that load disappears, there is no governor to close the throttle.
These are meant, so far as I can tell, for remote farm work.
It has been my experience that the PTO running off my tractor uses a lot less fuel than my engine generators. I would guess maybe 0.6 gallon/hr. Dropping the load would result in a near instant increase in throttle. I don't think this would result in a blown engine unless you were at very heavy loads and not present. You do make a good point though and something folks should be aware of for sure. Thanks!
Pto shaft is def out of balance
How would you balance it? Maybe I will try pulling it apart and rotating one click then put it back together. That might shift the rotating masses a bit (if that's possible).
Dude ....no it isn't. Optical illusions with the safety sleeve.
@@HerkCC the pto shaft would be the only thing to cause the wobbling and vibration. My 30 years of grey hair experience speaking here. I have bought many a pto shafts off the shelf, made in China that are bent, out of alignment or not balanced properly. Another recommendation is to not have the pto shaft running in alignment with the implement. They tend to run smoother at a slight angle.
@@HomesteadEngineering I usually take mine to a local driveline shop for balancing. Can be done quickly and inexpensively
@@matthall9093 what hair I still have is gray as well. I believe the overall vibration is from it not being mounted on a solid platform. I run the very same generator mounted on the O.E.M. trailer.....and as you pointed out ....at a slight angle for proper phase of the shaft rotation......but I do see my safety sleeve dance around to mimic vibration when in operations.....
I Wouldn't recommend it since your going to be racking a lot of hours on the tractor. Just go with a standby diesel generator.
Hello Guy, These diesel engines will typically outlast the tractor by 2-3 times. By running the PTO generator I am getting all the life out of my investment. That said, I would not run it on my new tractor, its only going to run behind my old worn-out tractor. Thanks!
Not with a generator racking up hours. People own & use 70+ year old tractors. Issue is that the hydraulics are running when the engine is running. Especially if that Kubota tractor uses a hydrostatic drive instead of direct drive.
If there is a crisis & one machine you really need to rely on is your tractor.
@@HomesteadEngineering Diesel engines need to be worked hard like that so they don't wet stack. will not hurt that tractor at all. My Multiquip Welder Generator has 4300 hours on it and runs at 3600 rpms when generating power not worried a bit. These Kubota engines are used in refrigerator units that run 24/7 well over 11000 hours before an overhaul is needed.
@@farmingsmallkubota1783 Sweet! I love hearing that because I do run that little Kubota pretty hard in my garden as well. Maybe I will crank it up a bit higher next time I need to charge the batteries. Thanks!