Shopping for PTO Generators
- By Jackson Carter
- Nov 15, 2019
One of the most convenient and efficient ways to have a portable backup generator is to purchase a PTO (power take off) generator. PTO generators are perfect for farms, ranches, and other agricultural applications, and are easy to transport and use. They are well suited for working with tractors that most if not all agricultural properties own, and are efficient and trustworthy, so how do they work?
A PTO generator must be paired with some form of engine. Usually this is a tractor, but can also be a truck or other large vehicle. The generator is hooked up to the power take off of the tractor, which powers the generator acting as an alternator, and allows the equipment to generate electricity.
PTO generators are most often used as emergency backup generators for farmers during the harsh winter months, when the main power source has failed or something else has gone wrong. Cold weather can cause some serious problems for farmers, so having a reliable, portable backup power source is something all farmers and ranchers can appreciate. In addition to weather, PTO generators can provide the power farmers need when their less-than-reliable utility power grids fail. One of the main reasons that PTO generators are so reliable and trusted is because of the way they are engineered. PTO generators are designed with durability and function in mind and are specifically made to hold up against harsh weather and rugged landscapes and applications.
Another plus to owning a PTO generator is the extremely low cost of purchase, as well as maintenance and fuel. PTO generators cost only a fraction of what most home standby generators do and require less maintenance as they do not have an engine to maintain since the tractor used to power the PTO generator is providing the power. There is also the fuel cost, which when compared to the cost of a normal home generator is very low, since the PTO generator is using the fuel from the tractor or truck instead. PTO generators also have some variety when it comes to power, with models going from 10kW to 75kW, to even as high as 165kW of power.
They also come in either single or three-phase, giving you even more variety and flexibility for whatever you need done. There is also the huge bonus of being able to use power tools and other similar machinery far from a main generator because of the mobility of a PTO generator. Since it connects to your tractor or truck, a PTO generator can go anywhere that your tractor can go, giving you extreme power in places that you wouldn’t normally be able to have any. You can even use a manual transfer switch to move power from the PTO generator into a building or barn, restoring its power during an outage for a temporary time, just as long as your tractor or truck is running.
Before you decide to go and buy a PTO generator, however, you should consider these three factors that may impact your decision. The first thing to consider is engine size and horsepower. This is the easiest step in buying a PTO generator, as all you have to do is match the PTO generator to the horsepower of your tractor or truck’s engine. A good rule of thumb is that you will need 2HP for every 1kW of electricity produced by the generator. As an example, a 40HP tractor (at the power take off) can power a 20kW PTO generator.
The next thing to consider and look at when you are purchasing a PTO generator is the engine speed (RPM). Most PTO generators have a shaft that runs at either 540 or 1000 RPM. Many newer tractor models can run at both of those speeds, but there are some older models of tractors that can only run at one or the other. For this reason, you should make sure that the RPM of the generator and the RPM of your tractor are compatible and won’t run into any issues right off the bat.
The final thing that needs to be considered before buying a PTO generator is the phase of the electricity. PTO generators produce two types of electricity: Single-Phase or Three-Phase. The big difference between the two is the voltage as well as the complexity of the electricity. Single-phase electricity is most often used as a lower voltage common electricity, the kind that flows through your home’s wall sockets and powers appliances. Three-phase electricity is much more complex and is more intended for larger scale use. Three-phase also supplies power with either 208 volts or 480 volts of electricity, and even higher voltages. Whichever phase you choose all depends on your tractor’s motor, and what you will be powering. For example, if being used to act as a backup generator for your home, you will want a Single-Phase PTO unit. However, if you are looking to power some of your farm equipment, there is a possibility that some of your electric motors may utilize 3-Phase power.
Whether you end up going with a Single or Three-phase PTO generator, you know that you are getting a cost effective, reliable generator, capable of powering whatever you need, as long as you did the right research. So, if you only need your generator to power some tools out in the countryside, or you need enough portable power to restore electricity to a building, PTO generators are the way to go if you already own a tractor. If you have any questions about PTO generators, feel free to contact our Applications Specialists.
Featured PTO Generators
The W10PTOS model offers 10,000 Watts and pairs with a 20HP tractor engine providing PTO power to operate within specification. The connection friendly design uses a 1 3/8 inch, 6 splined connection at the generator to connect to the tumble bar drive shaft. 100% copper windings and revolving field brushless alternator type design provides Winco PTO generator owners with stronger motor starting capacity, longer operating life, and smooth, clean electricity that boasts a total harmonic distortion of less than 5%.
The 40PTOC-4 model provides operators with 40,000 watts and 120 and 208 Volt, 3-p
hase, 4-poole power. User friendly and maximum power provision comes from the 20 Amp duplex 120 Volt receptacle, 50 Amp receptacle, and a 5-wire full power receptacle and plug. Connection friendly design uses a 1 3/8 inch six spline connection at the generator to connect to the tumbling bar drive shaft that can be added at checkout. 100% copper windings, rotating field brush type design, and the buck boost transformer provide Winco PTO genrator owners with a stronger motor starting capacity and a longer operating life.
