Can I use less HP?

[fj6]

I have a 10kw pto driven generator that requires a 45 hp tractor to drive. Can I power this unit with a series of pulleys and jack shafts with a 25 hp Wisconsin motor? The input shaft of the gearbox must turn at 540 rpm to turn the generator @ 3600 rpm. Assume a 75% load factor.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I'd guess that you can, but it becomes a ~5kW generator.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[MikeHalloran]

No, wait; that's wrong. It should take ~15HP to drive a 10kW generator. Why would it require a 45HP tractor?

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[fj6]

As A rule tractors are rated by "PTO horsepower" am not sure if it has to do with engine hp or not.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I guess it must have to do with assumed durability of the PTO, or maybe just with the size of the pulley or coupling.

If you can get 15HP to the input of the generator, it should be able to run at rated capacity.

... Unless I missed something. That does happen.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA