Inverters on 12v system

550Doug · Aug 29, 2010

If possible, I'd like to add a 1200 watt inverter onto my Cockshutt 540. It currently has a neg ground with generator and VR. Would this system support the inverter or would I be better to change over to an alternator system?
Thanks

Bob · Aug 29, 2010

At 1200 Watts, the inverter will draw 100 Amps PLUS whatever efficiency losses are, another 20% to 50%, perhaps?

Have you checked it's nameplate or spec sheet?

Bob M · Aug 29, 2010

No way will the stock generator support a 1,200 watt inverter! The inverter is going to draw around 130 - 140 amps (or more) at full load, while your stock generator generator is good for only about 25 amps or so.

If you plan to run the inverter continuously you'll need an alternator rated for 160 amps or more - like an alternator from an OTR truck, ambulance, etc. A regular car alternator isn't gonna cut it...

old · Aug 29, 2010

Even if you switch to an alternator you will need to have a pretty high amp one to keep up with that you want and that also means a lot more $$ for one that high in amps

Anonymous-0 · Aug 30, 2010

By the time you buy the inverter and make necessary modifications, you could pick up a small portable generator. Do you have a particular need for the 1200 watts to be available on that tractor?

Dave

550Doug · Aug 30, 2010

I'd be driving a 110 electric motor (powering a hydraulic-type lift) that has plate stating it needs 8 amps. I need to trim some trees near my powerlines so need it real portable.
Maybe a small generator is necessary.

Kentb of SWMO · Aug 30, 2010

Are these power line the Utility's power lines or are they lines from your meter pole to your out building. If they are the utility's power lines call them and let them do the trimming. If they are your lines, you should think LONG and HARD about hiring a tree trimmer to do the work. I would NOT want to see you barbecued by a green tree branch and a 220 or higher voltage power line.

Kent

Anonymous-0 · Aug 30, 2010

(quoted from post at 04:23:27 08/30/10) I'd be driving a 110 electric motor (powering a hydraulic-type lift) that has plate stating it needs 8 amps. I need to trim some trees near my powerlines so need it real portable.
Maybe a small generator is necessary.

I'd go cordless (electric or gas) and/or look at a small generator.

Dave

circus · Aug 30, 2010

I've use my cordless chainsaw, 9" grinder, coffee pot etc off my 1200 watt inverter often. My concerns would be keeping it dry, battery size and wire gauge. Mine is mounted under seat of a van. It's powered by salvaged welding cable off a 300 amp heliarc welder. If the inverter draws to much for your cable the voltage drops and the inverter will shut down. You wouldn't want that to happen while your 20' in the air.

ChrisinMO · Aug 30, 2010

I priced out the same kind of thing a few months ago. A 2000W inverter to put in my pickup was $350...plus any extra wiring I wanted to do...plus installing it...plus it could only be used with the truck...plus sales tax, of course. I also looked at a 2400W inverter generator. Lightweight, small, totally portable and only a smidge over $400. I don't know about durability, but the inverter generator is made by Honda. I haven't purchased yet, but I would probably buy the generator.

Christopher

Mike (WA) · Aug 30, 2010

2400 watt Honda inverter for $400? Might want to check to make sure- I have one of their 2000 watt super-quiet jobs- $999 list, I had to look all over to get it for $899.

LenND · Aug 30, 2010

Our son sold those inverters for vo-ag class in high school. After a couple months the school made them quit selling them. Thay had too many people calling and saying their altenators were getting burnt out. A little 2000 might be quiet and handy but thats it, not much there for $1000. I bought an generator with 4000 watt (5000 surge) with 8 hrse motor new ar Menards for $450. Neede at least 4500 Watt for compressor to start.

Inverters on 12v system

550Doug

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Bob

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Bob M

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old

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Anonymous-0

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550Doug

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Kentb of SWMO

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Anonymous-0

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circus

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ChrisinMO

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Mike (WA)

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LenND

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