Possible Double Whammy

[tarcoleo 119]

Have had success re-powering C-series WH's with Honda engines with excellent

results. So I'm wondering if it is practical to consider splitting an auxiliary generator

like the one sold by Harbour Freight (below) such that the engine would power the

tractor and alternatively power the generator while still installed in the tractor.

Might the front attach-a-matic mount make this practical? Just off the top of the

head, I'm wondering how much engineering would be involved. Without taking

the generator apart, I don't know if pulleys and belts might be rigged up. Any

opinions? The combined price of a new 16 hp reliable engine with electric start, and

a new generator seem to make the idea attractive. Waddayuh think?

Tom in RI

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-hp-6500-ra..._campaign=2410B

[linen beige 15]

Most generator engines have tapered crankshafts. You might have a hard time finding pulleys that will fit such a crank.

Other than that, it just might work.

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

I've been looking at this one for some time now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10000-watts-m...head-45416.html

straight shaft and plenty of power.

I can picture it hanging off the front tachmatic no problem.

Grab a 20% coupon from a magazine and its yours for 299 - 20 % =

$240 and tax.

I was just about to grab one myself when a friend gave me a 6KW Dayton electric start that only needed a carb assembly.

[Docwheelhorse 2,740]

Hi--check out this thread---> http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...65&hl=generator

I wouldn't split a harbor freight unit due to the tappered shaft, I would definietly look at the 10KW unit or one of the smaller ones they have.

The tach-a-matic mount held up pretty good with that heavy "old" 3kw unit, I think it would also work with a bigger "alluminum" unit. Just beware that the 10kw units are HP hogs. I run one on a Kohler Magnum 16 and when it starts getting towards the 3/4 load mark the motor sounds like a steam locomotive pulling straight up hill. The rule is 2 hp per 1000 watts so in theory a 10kw unitneeds a 20 hp motor to run full out.

Tony

[Curmudgeon 28]

Couple of concerns of mine would be:

To power with a belt and pulleys, and keep the generator spinning in the correct direction, it would have to hang entirely and completely off the right side of tractor. If you turned it around and mounted it in front, as Wheel Horse auxiliary generator is, it would reverse the direction of rotation of the generator.

Second, the generator is probably designed to be direct coupled, not belt driven. would there be sufficient bearing strength to stand up to the side load generated by the drive belt?

[tarcoleo 119]

Hey Buzz-

Points well taken. To get the thing turning in the right direction, a counter-

shaft would be necessary. And who can speak about the durability of the

generator bearing. Also the point about a tapered shaft introduces another

problem.

With all of the make do's above, there might not be any benefit to be obtained

from such a project. Thanks everybody, my curiosity is satisfied.

Tom in RI :thumbs:

[Curmudgeon 28]

While it's not a two bird with one purchase type of thing, there are affordable belt driven generators out there. I once had a 10,000 job.

By thirdroc17 at 2010-04-25

By thirdroc17 at 2010-04-25

[linen beige 15]

Read that HF ad very closely. That IS NOT a 10KW generator. It is a 7.2 KW with a 10KW "surge" rating.

Unless you are planning to run multiple large draw power tools and/or flood lights on a job site I can't imagine you would ever need 10 KW from a portable unit.

I had my last home set up to run a 7 KW (with 12,250 W surge) through a 30 amp manual transfer panel with watt meters on each leg. During power outages we ran 2 fridges, the furnace blower, overhead lights in most rooms, a couple TVs, a 1000 watt microwave, and various other small loads and never got beyond half it's load rating.

Going above a 30 amp transfer switch becomes really expensive, really fast anyway.

[dobeleo 7]

Morning all,

In the pics above, is there a belt tensioner anywhere or is the weight of the generator doing this?

Dan

[jdpuller 2]

Hi everyone the engine driven generators are single bearing units that use the long tapperd shaft to center the rotor. the belt drived units are two bearing units that are designed for the side load. we sell lots of two bearing units for use with belt drive and rarly have any troubles. check out link below for HIGH quality USA made generators.

http://www.wincogen.com/index.php?option=c..._id=5&Itemid=89

just my thoughs :thumbs:

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

To power with a belt and pulleys, and keep the generator spinning in the correct direction

I would think since these are AC , brushless units

there is no "correct direction"

I thought I saw a spec sheet one time stating the gen head could be used in either direction.

[HankB 16]

I would think since these are AC , brushless units

there is no "correct direction"

I thought I saw a spec sheet one time stating the gen head could be used in either direction.

I downloaded the manual and could find nothing about correct direction.

I'm looking at one of these too. And they're on sale for $279.99 right now.

[Curmudgeon 28]

Morning all,

In the pics above, is there a belt tensioner anywhere or is the weight of the generator doing this?

Dan

If you look closely at the bottom picture, you can there is a frame outside the frame. The outer frame pivots on the center rod. The generator is bolted to this frame, and yes, the generator's weight is the belt tension control.

No tools required to hook it up, belt is always at proper tension.

One of my more successful projects.