CHEAP & SAFE Way to Connect My PTO Generator, Will It Power The Entire House?

[@projectswithjw]

I have an interlock and portable generator. It's a fantastic setup for me. I put color dots in my panel for using gen power. Green dot breakers are good. Blue dots mean limited, only 1 at a time. Red dots stay off. 👍

[@nalegtx8336]

I also run an inter-lock and its the best thing. Can't throw the main on without killing the generator switch. Guarantees no back feed and its short change

[@tommyordoyne7461]

Tim, don't forget to re-label your panel if you haven't already done so. Well done. Have another productive day.

[@hagak1679]

Been using a 16kW PTO generator for about 3 years now on my 2038R. I have transfer switch up near the meter, our meter is about 150' from the house so it puts the noise a good bit further from the house. Can really only hear it if I am in a room at the front of the house. As for the needing the tractor while dealing with storm cleanup, well everyone is helping during the cleanup phase so no one really needs to be in the house and needing power. We actually had a recent storm that tested this for me and it worked fine, the storm knocked power out for several days and it dropped 6 very large trees across our driveway that I had to clear and needed the tractor to do it. Work for a few hours, take a break and power the house. Rinse and Repeat. Other item with running a PTO is you need FUEL, and you need to conserve it. I do not run it at night cause we have wood stoves and do not need it for heat and i dont want that noise while sleeping. Climate is Maine so heat is always a concern but that is why we have wood stoves. Biggest negative to PTO generator I see is it can not be left unattended for long, tractor only hold ~8 gal of fuel. So if you need power even if you are not home then it is not the option.

[@turdferguson5300]

I was thinking of my home made aluminum blocker that I made for ours. I was going to try to describe it and you already have one and I hate to admit it looks better than mine. lol That looks like a Square D box so the half breakers will work in that box. Mine is a 1995 box so pre 1995 I can't be sure of. I was never an electrician nor did I play one on TV. The good news, if you'll do this the power will never go off again. I set mine power up roughly 10 years a go and haven't used it yet. We are in the mountains of SE Tennessee so it's protected from the wind.

[@kevinhoober1863]

Cool setup! I doubt you'd really run it at the same level you are testing at today...but keep in mind at your peak load, you were nearly running 100A through a 50A rated connector. Hope you are staying warm!

[@andyluchsinger]

We used our PTO generator a few times during ice storms on the farm growing up. Very handy. We had most of the farm on a disconnect switch at the power pole. Very handy when needed!

[@jw8292]

First, thanks for finally getting to this video. Since others have touched on it, I won't go into great detail, but....I normally don't put too fine of a point on the rating of a plug, as long as the wires are sized correctly, but pulling close to double the amperage is bound to be a problem. Breakers should be sized for the weakest link in the system, to prevent problems. Also the electrical load is pretty unbalanced, while not as big of an issue when on utility power, it is hard on the generator. It will never be perfect, but figure out which 120 volt circuits you would likely be using while on generator (240 volt circuits are pulling from both buss bars and therefore already balanced), and swap some to the other buss bar until you reach something halfway close to a balanced load.

[@SL54321]

Hey Tim! I’ve got a UPS from APC at each modem and router location in my house. When I load test my generator each month the internet doesn’t go down. Just a thought for you. Ps- I’ve got a geothermal system as well and love it. PPS- after reading all the comments, I should mention I have a small UPS setup at all my electronics (our tv, my computer, son’s fancy PC etc). It negates any issues with “unclean” power coming off the genny. I also have one on the automatic cat feeder so they don’t starve if we’re on vacation ….

[@tractorboi55]

You have no idea how helpful this is for me, I have been looking for this exact solution for years and never seen it done. We live in Montana and have two geothermal furnaces (one for each half of the house) and have electric backup as well and I have always wondered how many kw they will draw in emergency heat. You are truly a lifesaver!!! Wow!!

[@tractorboi55]

On that note, do you have one furnace or two? Just wondering for math calculations on my set up kw wise. I still can’t get over how awesome this was! Thanks a million.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@photocontrol]

Nice set up with the PTO generator, convenient to have the interlock device for the existing panel instead of a separate panel with a manual transfer switch.

[@kevingebert4316]

Great video on genny options for whole home use. Personally, I'll stick with the auto transfer switch LP powered generac simply because if power is out when no one home especially during heavy rainfall, the sump pump wouldn't be running. Plus if power goes out like it has in middle of Wisconsin winter ice storms, it'd be no fun battling the elements. But I do like excuse of having a manual generator to buy a second tractor 😊

[@jw8292]

Not only is this a good point, but a dedicated generator has a much better governor on it than a tractor does, and therefore having better frequency control. Most standby generators can stay within 1Hz plus or minus, and frequently are less than 0.5Hz. PTO generators were great for running a milking parlor, but until they come up with an inverter version, or electronics become more tolerant of off spec power, I think their utility is limited.

[@barelystablefarm7151]

In my neck of the woods power outages are fairly common, sometimes several days long. Love that PTO gen, but no way I could listen to that thing roar for hours on end. Thanks for the vid I know I was one of the ones who kept asking about it!

[@briancarpenter8297]

Yes, the regulator on the generator can control the voltage by changing the excitation of the field. However, RPM determines frequency, which is changing with the PTO RPM. Some devices are really picky about 60hz.

[@AtlantaSoundGuy]

Thanks for the emphasis on the importance of the generator lockout/disconnect/interlock -- HUGE safety item.

[@jeffreycurrie3410]

Over all quite good, I’ve been an electrician for 34 years, and counting. I really like the manual add-on apparatus. Your panel doesn’t use half width breakers you would use QO tandem. Food for thought, balance your loads in the house better(so you draw as close to even as you can. That will be tedious. This way your generator, will be balanced. I’m not sure of your size of breaker or wire. I think, from my couch in New York, they’re 50 amp rated. So that will be your weak point. It appeared the one phase was much higher during the demo. Most breakers are designed to trip at 80% of breaker rating at continuous duty. The receptacle is called a flanged inlet. And your plug/ receptacle. Is called a California twist lock. Not sure why manufacturer gets California involved but that’s just what they call it. Like I said overall great job. You explained very well.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

If I calculate correctly, the only risky spot in my circuit is the plug/receptacle. It is rated at 50 amps. Wire is big enough, breaker big enough, etc. I just haven’t found a cost effective 125amp plug/receptacle. Can you help?

[@jeffreycurrie3410]

@@TractorTimewithTim I think “ cam locks “ would be the best. But they’re not as clean of look. I really feel if you balanced your loads, and kept an eye on your “plug and cap”. It’s not going to melt at 51.5 amps. If you’re overloading for a real long time, it will be evident look for discoloration in the plastic. Overloading will just mean you’ll have to replace sooner. Wire is most important to be correct size, being in conduit you won’t notice an issue. And too small of a breaker, will give nuisance trips. Common sense. I’m not sure if you will ever have long term power issues. But during an emergency, just be reasonable( usage) . It’s obvious you’ve got a great generator. Your plan so far is great.

[@Kcolby47]

I liked your analysis of different solutions/options. Your suggestion of a second tractor is certainly a consideration for some folks, and does offer flexibility and utility. Nice work Christy and looks like you’ve mastered the grapple as well. Blessings.

[@brettroberts3551]

The power of Proverbs and an alternate generator. Never knew it was an option. Thanks for all the tips...and I think you made it clear to create the proper bypass. And thinking about it, I can justify having another tractor. Thanks.

[@rongray4118]

Tim - we are looking into a pto generator for the 1973 Unimog that we have. Thank you for helping me to better comprehend how to use one.

[@kavemanthewoodbutcher]

Tim, Christy, you two do you! May god bless you in all your endeavors. Me and mine will be here for every video, even the ones that have no relevance. P.S. Christy, you're running that grapple better than I could! You have experience with grapples, I'm happy to have tractor!

[@Tractorman-xj4gt]

Thanks for sharing this timely info - it's always great to have options when the power goes out. I'm currently using a large portable generator with a Generlink attached to the outside meter - pretty simple to set up when the power drops. I also think you're going to need a 2nd channel - TTWC (Tractor Time With Christy).

[@tomherfel2916]

The Generlink device works great and it's simple to use. Our power company installed it at no charge. Not sure how the cost compares to Tim's method. It's not real inexpensive.

[@danandfaith]

We have a whole-house propane-fueled Kohler generator and automatic transfer switch. Within 10 seconds of power out, we’re powered up again. On the computer equipment, UPS battery backup systems keep the power to the networking and computing gear until the generator is providing power, bridging the 10 seconds. We have had occasion here in New Hampshire to be without power for 5 days straight after a major storm. Since we often are out on the road playing music far from home, the house stays powered, and the heat stays on.

[@michaelhess4825]

I literally just did this last weekend. Found a beat up 5k with a Honda, fixed everything on it. About 80 bucks, maybe 100, to do the outlet, cord, and disconnect kit. Tested running the whole house including my heat pump!

[@GrampysTractor]

Tim, that is a very nice unit to provide power. but where do you cross the line to having a complete engine and generator in one unit? The cost of adding an auction tractor of a proper size and with at least the minimum in reliability because you don't want Old Salty to give up the ghost at the wrong time. The Baumalight is a portable unit, so that advantage is good, but you can get almost that much power out of a complete generator that is portable too. Christy, you did a wonderful job with the chain saw and the grapple.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. Lots of decisions.

[@cboutdoorfun9955]

Tim good job with the interlock device. Obviously like others stated you shouldn’t be going over 50amps with your setup. Couple questions for you. What size breaker did you install in the panel? What size wire did you use to the breaker? What size cable/wire came with the generator? How does the cable connect to the generator?

[@fairwethrhunter8042]

I would like to know this as well. Looks like number 6 feeding gen breaker 👀

[@OO-by2jl]

I have a generac, works well. Middle of the night no worry it starts up and has the automatic switch. A electrical lineman told me years back a lot of lineman been killed by faulty hook ups

[@gregnicholson689]

Thought about a setup like this but in the northeast we do not have reliable electricity service in big storms or windy conditions. So much nicer to have an ATS and a propane powered backup generator, which came on twice for a total of 36 hours in the latest storms that came through. Last thing I want to do in a blizzard or hurricane is to go outside and position/hook up a tractor and generator. The only problem with your setup is knowing when the power is back on so you can go back to the grid! Consider yourself blessed with reliable electricity.

[@tretter1452]

Nice to see you guys cover these issues!

[@calebthompson9631]

A couple things to keep in mind when using a PTO generator: 1) Tractors aren't meant to run unattended- it could overheat or lose oil pressure with you being unaware. Stand-alone generators will have automatic shut-downs in the event of oil pressure loss or overheating (if liquid-cooled).2) Because compact tractors generally have fairly small fuel systems, keeping an eye on the fuel level is a good idea unless bleeding a fuel system in the worst weather during the wee hours of the morning is your idea of fun. 3) The standards for recreational marine generators (I use this reference because I'm a marine electrician) specify maintaining a frequency of between 57 and 63 hertz, which the tractor may not do as well as a stand-alone generator. 4) Boats often have multiple sources of AC power. Source selection is usually done with either a break-before-make rotary switch, or a sliding lockout to permit only one of multiple circuit breakers to be on at one time, similar to what Tim installed, and the generally preferred method. 5) Shorepower connections for boats use what are called twist-lock connectors, where the connection plugs in then twists to lock it in place. These usually incorporate a means for making the connection weather-tight, and are available up to 100A 240V, but are also quite expensive. 6) Plugs and sockets are prone to overheating due to corrosion or poor fitment when operating at higher loads for extended periods. It's a good idea to periodically put a hand on the plug or check it with an infra-red temperature gun. 7) Several people have commented on having unbalanced loads on the generator (that is, low amp draw on one leg and high amp draw on the other). Generators should have a specification on how much imbalance they can tolerate- better units are unaffected by a 0%/100% imbalance. I don't intend my comments to be criticism, merely food for thought.

[@c.carney1948]

The small Deere’s are fairly easy to start if you run them out of fuel. Surprised me how easy.

[@kevink4914]

Most almost all you said doesn’t apply to tractors and pto generators that are built these days.

[@twcstransam]

The baumalight kr30 Tim was using in this video (and their entire pto generator line) have a stated automatic voltage regulation within +/- 1% from 56 to 64 Hz. If you set your tractor at the rpm for optimal pto speed (usually indicated on the tach) the unit will easily handle increased and decreased load changes. I think the modern pto generators built by more reputable mfgs will definitely handle the job. As for the tractor low oil, low oil pressure, low fuel, this would be more of an issue on older tractors, newer Travis with an ecu will derate/power down for the first 2. Out of fuel is not much of an issue for restart. The current L5P duramax restarts in less than 20 seconds after replacing fuel filter leaving the filter canister empty, all of the newer tractors I've worked with are easy to start, just power cycle the key a few times to reprise, and you are off and running

[@oefveteran09]

​@c.carney1948 the 1 series is a great machine to learn on, very forgiving for a tractor.

[@c.carney1948]

@@oefveteran09I have a 1 series, it’s the smallest tractor I have ever been on, but it does what I want it to do. My friend has one also and ran his out of fuel and called to bring him some more. I thought man this is going to be a chore. I was wrong. Electric fuel pump primed it real easy. It is also the first hydrostatic tractor I have ever been on. Had to get used to the petal on the left not being a clutch.

[@adrianpritchard5143]

I like watching your videos and I like to read all the other comments other people have to say, and I like to see what implements you can get for a John Deere 1025r tractor.

[@auggie2038R]

I cannot wait until you release more these videos on the other tractors. Thank you for putting this video together really helpful information.

[@Tri-Lobe]

One word of caution with all of that running. You can see that you are exceeding the rating of your plug. I know typically that you wouldn't be running all of that at one time. But I just wanted to make sure you are aware. Overall, it was a very nice install. I have the same setup in my panel for a 20kw diesel generator that I have wired into my home. It is permanent install down here i. south Louisiana. We have hurricanes, so backup power is essential. Most of my family have a very similar setup as you wish the pto generators. I have always liked them and would love to have one some day as a means for portable power.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Couldn’t find a larger plug.

[@Tri-Lobe]

@TractorTimewithTim exactly I was going to hook up my sisters house up that way also. Maybe we need to find one that we could use. Please don't take it wrong. I understand exactly what you are dealing with. I love the fact that you created a good video on the complete setup.

[@robbridges7810]

Get two 50 amp plugs.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@robbridges7810hmm.

[@martinmcgee5503]

You go Christi , cleaning up the place!!

[@OShackHennessy]

Great video and great points. Especially bringing up the economical older tractors that you can run like a rented mule and not care. If I had to start over again I’d get one of those pto generators.

[@Jeff-zk6dk]

Great video tim i just had a interlock installed for my portable generator and had to use it last week lost power for 19 hours worked great .

[@ruarioshea6015]

Most milking parlours in Ireland have pto generators there a must I have a diesel generator for our house it runs the workshop mostly with 3 phase power and we just flip a changeover switch for a power outage, it isolates the feed line so the power is only going to the house nowhere else

[@grisher111]

my neighbor is a lineman for the power company and he says it's illegal to wire it up that way. That's the way I do it. Works for me, I think there is a danger to backfeed the power into the line if it doesn't have a foolproof way of disconnecting from the service.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

He is wrong. This IS foolproof.

[@scruffy4647]

Tim, nice set up. How long can you run the tractor? Does the PTO also have a continuous run time?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Will run as long as it has fuel. …and you can refill fuel while it is running..not dangerous with diesel.

[@michaelsalfi104]

I hope all had a safe and happy new year. I am looking forward to see if a 1025 can run that generator. As you had said, it was very loud near the unit. That will draw a bit of attention to the tractor. How would we go about, stopping someone from stealing our running tractors?

[@user-bj4lp3fr1o]

As I recall it takes about 2 hp per kw of output.

[@BillyP55]

I'm in Carteret County on the NC coast and have been contemplating upgrading my portable generator. I was wondering if my 1025R could be used to power the house with a PTO driven generator. Look forward to your next video.

[@SWAMPHUNTER644]

Thanks for the video. I had a chance to buy a tractor PTO generator at a dairy farm auction years ago but didn't bid because I wasn't up to speed. It was used for milking cows in a small dairy herd. I have a 50 amp circuit to my barn from the house with two tractors and I could run the PTO generator inside the barn with a rear overhead door open for CO safety. Ironically the auction site had a power outage during the auction while my house two miles away did not. I have another option of a stand alone propane generator hooked up to a buried 300 gallon propane tank. My question is the efficiency of fuel use (diesel) in using a tractor to run a PTO generator. You didn't touch on that aspect of it. Certainly a tractor would run longer than a small generator that would have to be refueled multiple times over a several day power outage. But a tractor won't run forever either. I figure I get about one hour of tractor use at full throttle for each gallon of diesel. You didn't mention if your tractor has to be full throttle or half throttle or what to power the generator. Vital information in a power outage. How long can I run?

[@adamg2136]

We had one to power our Dairy during outages and it was a 540 pto connection but we would use the 1000 Pto connection on the tractor and a spline adapter from 1000 to 540 to allow the tractor to idle at lower rpm consuming less fuel. Have to use the volt meter to ensure the tractor rpm is not to high or the voltage output of the generator is not to high.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Cool. This generator would help with the volt meter as it has all of that built in.

[@christopherwisby8926]

I recently purchased a used qr30. I have tested it up to about 11kw using my kubota 70hp. No sweat at all. Looking at buying an older 32hp Yanmar tractor with the 3-4speed pto’s. Would like to be able to throttle down when I know power demands are low. Most of the time 6-8kw is all we need. So 15-18 pto hp would suffice.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

…or get a 1000rpm PTO tractor …run at half throttle:-)

[@eddiehenrard5251]

When setting up our generator feed, our sparky installed a Mains/Off/Generator 3-way switch in the main board. Your solution does the same thing in essence. But, we only have 3kW!

[@PastorDavidFranklin]

Christy great job. Tim thanks for demonstrating various power alternatives. Quite interesting.

[@CJIEngineering]

Great video. Don't you need a bigger, higher amperage connector going into the house. You have a 30kw generator but you actually can only put in ~11kw with the 50 A connector and I'm assuming a 50 A breaker. Seems like it would trip if you needed to use the emergency heat for a long time. Love your channel. Keep up the great work.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I couldn’t find a larger connector.

[@jasonmiller5319]

You were feeding the house through a 50 amp receptacle and presumably a 50 amp breaker. Why did the breaker not trip at the higher loads?

[@hagak1679]

@@TractorTimewithTim From what I found when putting together my transfer switch and was looking for a 60A connector for my 16kW unit is they dont really make a panel mounted male 60A connector. The generator had a 14-60R so I made a cable with a 14-60P on the end to plug into the generator and the other end is hard wired to the transfer switch. Cable is just long enough to reach the generator where i park it. When not in use I have a hanger on the back of the meter stand for it. (meter, transfer switch not near house)

[@CJIEngineering]

I have added a pigtail to my setup with the Anderson connectors that allows me to get ~100 A out of my 20Kw generator. It looks like your generator has the same ports on the back. Thanks again for spending all the time making useful videos.

[@hagak1679]

@@CJIEngineering do they make large 4 pin anderson connectors? Never thought about do that, but also did not know they made big enough 4 pin ones. Bet that requires a good bit of force to connect/disconnect.

[@FelipeColby]

Very interesting. Especially if considering having a second tractor for this purpose...how does the cost for a "regular" generator that would put out the same power, compare with buying the PTO generator...presuming you either have the other tractor already or would get a more used/cheaper tractor for that purpose?

[@bradw3313]

Good video…..I’m about to add a home generator (used one) to my house. If the auto switch is too expensive for my setup, I may wind up using the same safety switch you have shown here. I don’t mind going outside and switching it manually. Sure will beat hauling the heavy small generator and running extension cords for limited power. Good point on second tractor too….I kick myself for selling my old yanmar when I got a newer model (newer to me) Kubota.

[@xcalibre222]

Great setup for emergency power. I also use the Gen interlock switch on my panel. Installed it a couple years ago and only needed to use it once since then. I have the B&S 5500 watt gen for backup power. Thanks for the Vid.

[@benm8257]

I’m in Indiana as well and from what you said in the past I think we are no more than an hour apart and I think I will just stick with my whole house back up generator. Electricity goes off in about a minute later the generator tricks on without me doing anything, and we have electricity. When it goes out, it automatically switches back over to the grid like you mentioned. Very convenient

[@keiths4874]

excuse my ignorance on the issue but I was just recently discussing this option verses an "on-demand" unit and one of my co-workers mentioned that a PTO driven generator may not be "clean" enough, I have no idea, but here to learn, also interested in the Geo-thermal👍

[@thepitpatrol]

Thanks Tim. Nice work. And just so you know, we have a poultry farm with a 120kw and auto transfer switch and alarms on every house. It all works great until you need it😂.

[@DavidAnderson-c6m]

Tim I love the videos you do, I have a 1025R with is a lot more comfortable tractor to run than the 2305 that I traded for the 1025R. The biggest complaint I have is the hydraulics on the newer tractor, I got it new in 2022 and was very disappointed in what it can lift in the front end loader verses the 2305 I had.is there any way that I can boost the pressure to what the shop manual says without voiding the warranty?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, you will not void the warranty if you raise the pressure to the factory spec. Get a gauge from boltonhooks.com use code ttwt to measure the pressure.

[@leevandyke8524]

Great video, Tim, happy new year, it looks like you’re going to get a little cold up there. Where to study 57° for all next week which is in 70 but I’ll take it again happy new year Lee and Marcia..

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I’m jealous! Wish we would have either SNOW or WARM!

[@leevandyke8524]

In another 30 days we should be in the 70s if those gray sky’s are getting to you , come on down to where the 1860s civil War started. Front door is always open.

[@jddriver9565]

I love your videos with all your different deere machines.:) I dont know why but I have to say it over and over again....I really love it I guess.:)

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks 👍

[@RichardThompson-gc1cf]

I like the way you think great job with your work take care of yourself be independent you got the right idea. THANKS

[@davidbiggerstaff7116]

50 miles west of you, power was out for 4 1/2 days last June with that big wind storm, installed the same set up on my house after that.

[@donalexander4083]

very informative and Christie did great

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

We have owned one of those for about 10 years. It is easy to use and I like that I can take it elsewhere if I need power. My only complaint is how loud it is....

[@grandpateal]

You seem like the kinda dude my dad would drink beer with. Love the work and the content.

[@krazyphucker369]

I see the neutral tied in to the panel with the grey with black stripe wire that circuit doesn't get broken backfeeding the neutral a switch breaks all 3 lines to the transformer and reconnects to all 3 lines of the generator not too much of an issue unless the ground wire is broken but still has potential to back feed to the transformer nice generator thought i have a miller welder generator i want to convert to be pto driven

[@martindery4270]

So the breaker that connect to the switch (where the generator comes in) is it a normal breaker? I don’t know much about electrical panels. Thank you

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes

[@troyweyerstrass7312]

Nice video Tim! I have a generac gas unit and works fine for the whole house. It’s an 8k unit. At some point I’ll want more but the wallet decides that. I’m curious how long you can run before you need to refill the tractor. Best wishes and Happy New Year!

[@gtuttle4]

I have a Generac as well. I converted mine to LP. Do you worry about your electric devises?

[@troyweyerstrass7312]

Nope. In fact, we pay attention to it the usage. Our most important items are the well pump, freezer refrigerators, furnace, and a few lights. We won’t use washer or dryer unless we need to not the oven. We could, but we just make sure other things aren’t being used. It’s a good little generator. I run it at least once a month for a good 1/2 hour.

[@gtuttle4]

@@troyweyerstrass7312 I'm sorry, I meant electronics, such as TVs and computers?

[@troyweyerstrass7312]

@@gtuttle4 same… no issues. My wife works from home and is all computerized. WiFi, computer, several monitors, tv, etc. No issues.

[@alanb.4660]

didn't you say that was a 50 amp inlet? and how many amps did you run through it?

[@stromxtc2033]

Tim is always doing something interesting.

[@topshelf321]

Does the generator have internal breaker protection to protect the wiring and plug between it and the panel? If you installed a 50 amp in your panel and pulled 60 or more for a period of time probably around 10 minutes, it's going to trip due to heating up. Wire, plug, and breaker in panel should be sized for the max output of the generator. I have a 30kw super quite mobile generator on my house with similar setup. Works great.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

What type of plug/receptacle do YOU have?

[@topshelf321]

I have mine hard wired. Generator has lugs and 100 amp breaker in panel.@@TractorTimewithTim

[@Chris-qf9qm]

How much fuel does the setup use? What happens to tractor temps under load with 8hrs run time? Do you have enough diesel on hand for 24 hrs of run time?

[@ralphjelomono1066]

Good video Tim. I have a 10KV pto gen and with three tractors available I am sure I'll always have one available if needed to run the gen. I also have a portable gas gen capable of powering the house and 4kw hrs of battery back up. It is nice to have options.

[@russellgnuse]

Nice job . Just remember you are only use a 50amp plug in and breaker you was well over that a couple times it not the volts that get you it the amps you pull and not sure what size wire you ran too just keep that in mind great job

[@OShackHennessy]

I noticed that too and was wondering if I just wasn’t reading the amps correctly

[@russellgnuse]

@@OShackHennessy I think that I time I seen 75 amp on one leg will not take long to burn that up. Just because you have a 30k generator you still need to run the right wire

[@nikond90]

Well done Tim

[@jackvanschenck7276]

Hi Tim, thanks for this - why do you say “the first 1,000 hours of a tractor are the most expensive”?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Good question, Jack. Like a car, a tractor depreciates rapidly when new. After many hours, the actual hour count doesn't matter nearly as much as the condition of the tractor. If you were to offer me choice of two tractors, one with 200 hours, and one with 800 hours...I would be highly likely to choose the 200 hour tractor...even the photos looked identical. If I were to offer you a choice of one tractor with 4000 hours and another with 4600 same price, I wouldn't really care about the hour difference. Both have been "well used". I'd say there is a 50/50 chance I would end up choosing the 4600 hour tractor based on the actual condition. After so many hours, it all depends on maintenance, care, etc. I hope that helps to illustrate. Buyers will pay for 'low hours', but they are less sensitive to the hours as the tractor gets older/more used.

[@jackvanschenck7276]

I see, thanks Tim. I thought you were talking about the early maintenance work you have to do on a tractor when newer.

[@ardennielsen3761]

if you had quick disconnect fittings on the coolant lines for the cab heater, those could be tied into the floor heating using a heat pump and setting up a garage right with a muffler exhaust. was told natural gas costs 5 times less then liquid fuel... so then that comes down to actual running costs. 10kw/hr/month electric/heat combined is a average when it is -60 outside... tho if your generator starts back feeding into the grid the time meter charges ya for it as it is monodirectional and the smaller braker trips when the bigger end comes back on creating a phase surge in the process.

[@NotMuchHere]

Thanks I was curious about the speed control and voltage regulation ...

[@jamieebersole6755]

We often run the whole house with a pto generator on an Oliver 60 which is approximately 18 pto hp. We had an oil furnace and wood stove and you probably couldn't run both the oven and dryer at the same time but in a power outage you can alternate between appliances to get buy. If you are using an old tractor you want one with a good governor and I've been told a 2 cylinder John deere can make the lights flicker but maybe the regulator option would take care of that

[@user-ij3op9dw3u]

One neighbor tried his 730 John Deere,on his Generator at the milk barn, finally put the 4230 on , said it was a disco in the milk barn with the two cylinder

[@franklackie2469]

Great job Tim. I gotta agree. Only way to go ❤

[@richarddubord3978]

How long will the electric tractor run it?

[@mattyerfdog8873]

Im trying to sort this out on my own home currently and undecided whether to use a tractor generator or stand alone. My concern with the tractor option is it running unattended. Ive been looking at murphy valves to shut it down if it loses oil pressure or over heats but its something else to add cost to the job. I cant decide what to do at the moment.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I'm not worried about these tractors losing oil pressure or frankly even overheating. Lots of people run them unattended on remote water pumps, irrigation rigs, etc.

[@miker8915]

Great video , thank you for sharing 😀

[@danandfaith]

Adding a whole-house manual or automatic switch can be done by your electrician. They’d pull the meter from the meter socket, then require from the meter socket to your main panel.

[@donmedford2563]

I know it would have cost a lot more but i would have been tempted to put the plug near the garage door on concrete so it is much easier to get the generator where you need it if there is a lot of snow. I still remember the blizzard of 1978 in NW Ohio. 10-15' snow drifts.

[@oneeyedjack4727]

This is a nice setup. What is the estimated fuel consumption for the tractor or how many hours can be run on a tank? I realize that it will vary depending on how many kw you are using but maybe figure on 50% generator capacity.

[@keithklockars9932]

Tim the safety light is to make sure you stay under or over 60 hertz(cycles). You would be wise to get yourself a meter that reads hertz. The 60 cycles is determined by the rpms of the genny. All of most of the motors/equipment / and anything with a computer on board are critical to the 60 cycles. Maybe -+ 2 cycles momentarily. Also thought the same as you that this setup would be great. What i found was you better make sure you have plenty of fuel to keep it going. You are going to burn some fuel!!

[@roberthoffman5145]

❤ exactly

[@keithklockars9932]

You also have to balance toe loads on the two poles of your buss bar in your panel board because you can overload one side and shorten the life of one field of your genny

[@richc9890]

Like the idea. However, for the cost of that particular unit, you could pay for a dedicated LP or diesel whole house unit probably with the switchover built in (and quieter). The nice thing about the PTO one is it's portable.

[@rcguy18]

Nice informational video. But it’s so nice with automatic switch and whole house generator.

[@larrypoeschel6871]

Tim, great video , thanks

[@ucfsub]

That's really loud, substantially louder than my old 10kw pto generator which was in an of itself pretty loud. I ended up picking up a 10 kw surplus military diesel generator at auction and I'd glad I went with a standalone diesel generator. It has the option to run off auxiliary fuel so I plumbed it into my existing tank of off road diesel for the tractors and can run 28 days without needing a refuel. The military under-rates their gen sets. My 10kw is rated for 12kw at sea level but have had the thing pulling 16kw for an hour with no issues. Didn't even trip the generator breaker.

[@MikeInTrafalgar]

Tim, timely video. What's the sound like inside the house? I know this will vary by house and equipment location, but I'm curious how the tractor compares to a traditional gas generator in Dbs.

[@meandthemrs7403]

Central Indiana. Do you do your JD business at Reynolds?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

No, even though we are only 3 miles from a Reynolds location.

[@Pat2317]

Im assuming you are also running your fridges and freezers too? That’s impressive!

[@nekret]

Would love to see some data on what your fuel consumption looks like! One of my biggest gripes running on a portable generator is having to refuel it every 4-6 hours.

[@randybreuer1685]

Growing up on a farm we could run two silo unloaded and a feed bunk . Run the house and rest of the farm when not feeding cows with an international M about 50 horse power for days. We disconnected the power at the pole then started the generator. We could plug in at the pole or in a unheated shed . Tractor shouldn’t be ran outside in a snowstorm

[@karldawnlang8936]

Kool video. Fortunately, the AC/DC welder (aka "Coffee Break) powers everything we need.

[@BitCounter]

I debated using my tractor as a generator option. Is the generator/tractor noise at a level where you could sleep through the night? I now have a 27KW NG @ 85DB that conveniently is on the other side of the house.

[@texillini1]

Good Morning Tim from the frozen tundra of IL. I enjoy your videos and I have a 1025R myself that I love and I appreciate your knowledge that you share; however I do have some questions and concerns about this video that I believe that you should clarify with people. 1). I understand why you made this video, it’s because your content is about tractors. That’s a no brainer. 2). While I’m sure that you are very knowledgeable about electricity, it is VERY dangerous for those people who do NOT know what they are doing. KZbin University is NOT the place to go for one’s education for this sort of project. People should hire a licensed electrician to do this project. ALWAYS! 3). I agree with your statement about having a second tractor would be ideal for this type of project. A tractor without a loader is simply just a power plant. It’s something to operate your mower or in this case a generator. 4). Is your home 100% electric? Do you not have natural gas? If you are 100% electric then I can see why you want a PTO generator because not only does it give your channel content, but you also have several tractors in your business that allowed you to do this without the extra purchase. That being said, if you have natural gas, then a Generac standby generator is the wiser and better choice. You don’t have to hook nothing up, it’s all automatic, and you save on diesel fuel and the time involved. A standby generator would be either the same price if not cheaper than buying a second tractor. Again this video does make sense only of one is 100% electric. 5). I’m a firm believer that every home and every business needs a backup generator as America’s power grid has become unreliable. Please clarify and make sure people put safety first and hire a professional for this type of work. Thank you. Be safe….. and warm.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Electricity, just like water, big equipment, fast moving equipment, and many other things needs to be respected. Not feared...but respected. The best way to deal with things like this is to become educated. Not to avoid via fear. While I am not a certified electrician, I did take a detailed class on electrical wiring in the Ag department at the University of Illinois while I was a full time undergraduate student there. I am quite comfortable with the NEC rules. Further, this channel is about DIY projects. If you are uncomfortable with one of the projects we tackle. That is fine. Now, we DID cut one corner in this solution. I didn't specifically call it out...I don't think it will be an issue...but it IS a technical violation. Our plug and receptacle is not rated for the number of amps that we pushed through it. The rest of the system (wires, etc) IS rated for the load. Only the plug/recepticle is under rated. I could not find a suitable plug/receptacle, and I'm pretty certain this one will be fine as we will be running those huge loads only for short periods, and I'm confident that the plug/receptacle can handle the additional load anyway. It appears to be WAY over-built, with oversized conductors for its rating. "KZbin University" is great. Of course, no one should take someone's DIY video as gospel. However, each should be able to learn from others experience. The attitude that ONLY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL can do this stuff is harmful to our future. Especially as we get to situations where the government is over-controlling. Before you know it, we'll all be helpless. In my opinion, we MUST keep these skills available to the masses. Otherwise, our freedom is at stake.

[@texillini1]

I will agree with you that education IS key. You took a class (I was going to become an electrician myself in college before I had changed majors) and that is fine, you got a professional education; most people don't. But simply doing certain things that can kill you if not done properly (like electricity) should not be learned and taken for gospel from any KZbin channel (as much as I've come to enjoy watching KZbin). Respect electricity and not fear I agree. I still believe that one should either hire an electrician (or at least befriend an electrician and learn from them if not getting properly educated like you did) is best. In some locations one doesn't have a choice due to local building codes. I agree on your government overreach comment. You didn't answer my question however. Is your home 100% electric? If so, then this makes sense. If not and you have natural gas, then a NG house generator like I have makes for more logical choice in my opinion. We agree on many things, but we may have to respectfully disagree a little on this issue. Peace. @@TractorTimewithTim

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@texillini1we do not have natural gas available, unfortunately. We have a bit of propane stuff, but not much.

[@texillini1]

Then as I had stated in my earlier posting, then this video makes perfect sense. Although personally I'd go with gas instead of this type of generator. Good video however. Let's have cheeseburgers sometime 🙂🙃@@TractorTimewithTim

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@texillini1always up for a cheeseburger!!

[@hpw59]

I think you covered everything except the hp/pto hp on the tractor👍♥

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Hmm…guess I thought folks would know. 3046r is 45 engine, 36-37 PTO.

[@hpw59]

also went to the website and couldn't find prices....ball park price would be nice. Don't want to go through the contact page just to get a price. thanks again for the info.

[@AppliedOCD]

Great video, Tim! For my situation, a 4 pole, 20kw, liquid cooled, NG fueled unit would easily do my house. Perhaps mounted on a trailer would be nice.

[@marlondeere3039R]

Thought of doing the pto generator years ago. But the cost of them are so high. I guess they just don't make enough of them to compete with the motor already attached.

[@roadhammmer]

I am wondering what is the smallest kubota or John Deere that has an auto throttle option to maintain pto rpm with varying loads?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Good question. I've not had a machine with this feature. "Auto Throttle" does NOT mean the feature you describe.

[@roadhammmer]

@@TractorTimewithTim i know some of the modern big ag tractors have it they will adjust the throttle based on load to hold pto rpm. They'll also shift gears on the fly. Im not sure what the correct term i just know it exists. And for gen applications steady rpm set point is a must.

[@christopherwisby8926]

Most tractors are actually governed. Not throttled. That’s why they work so well for this type of application.

[@mikeludwig4315]

Great video, very informative.

[@gtuttle4]

Is the PTO generator good for electronics?

[@waydwnbama-way3089]

Just remember your replacing a 200amp breaker via panel with a 50 amp breaker mounted along side of your other house breakers very easy to overload that hopefully it will trip if exceeds the load, I've seen overloaded 200amp breakers that was overload and didn't trip complete melt down fortunately it was a breaker on a tsp (temporary service pole) 35 yrs electrical experience.