Building an A/C gen-set

danofarming · Jul 31, 2011

Anyone ever use a riding mower engine to build a belt drive gen-set? success? failure?

Aaron SEIA · Jul 31, 2011

There is a JD dealer in central Iowa that sells a belt drive genset for lawnmowers. I don't see how it would be a problem as long as you do the math on the pullies needed and make sure the hp is right for the job.
AaronSEIA

Phil in Pa · Jul 31, 2011

I used an old 16 horse Murray that was past its prime. I mounted a 7200 watt generator head on the frame. Since the engine runs 3600 rpm and that's what the generator requires, I bought a pulley for the generator to match the size on the crankshaft.

Runs my whole house.

Bob · Jul 31, 2011

Just remember, it takes about 2 HP of engine for each KW of generator.

buickanddeere · Jul 31, 2011

It works. However the price of generators has dropped so low since y2k. It's cheaper to purchase a new unit with warranty. Rather than piece together a unit.
Unless of course we are talking about building a HD gen set to operate 24/7 for powering a remote camp or similar.

Dean · Jul 31, 2011

Though I've not done so myself, there is no fundamental reason why you could not do so.

That said, I agree with B&D, below, that unless you have or can get the major components inexpensively, you cannot make one for what commercial units sell for these days.

Dean

RayP(MI) · Jul 31, 2011

Mounted a 10SI alternator on a retired, (and tired) 5hp tiller engine. Worked well for jump starting, and charging batteries in remote locarions. A relly dead battey would make the engine grunt for a while. cobbled together with what I had, with no regard to pulley sizes, just what was on the engine - rusted on fast..., and whatever was on the alternator. Had to gun the engine a bit to get generator going, but then it worked OK.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 31, 2011

Farm Show magazine has a good looking set up, in the last issue. If I could link you directly to the article, I would, but here's a link to the magazine.
farm show

greygoat · Jul 31, 2011

"Northern" has belt drive generators, probably
China origin, I've built a trailer, using hubs from "Surplus Center" and Temporary spares from
a junkyard,($5 ea) and mounted a 2 cylinder,14
horsepower Wisconsin engine, I haven't purchased a generator yet.
Does anyone have experiance with "Northern" or
"Harbor Freight" belt drive generators?

rlp in Co. · Jul 31, 2011

Yes, I have experience with the harbour freight generator head. I had two of them and they both had the plastic fan blade start slipping within the first day of use. But at least they don't give you a hassle when you take something back. I just lost a lot of time and money building something that didn't work.

Building an A/C gen-set

danofarming

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Aaron SEIA

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Phil in Pa

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Bob

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buickanddeere

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Dean

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RayP(MI)

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Anonymous-0

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greygoat

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rlp in Co.

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