PTO Generators For Sale

About PTO Generators

Sometimes referred to as “tractor generators,” PTO generators are popular with farmers, ranchers, dairy operations, and other businesses for the mobile power source they provide, as well as for their ability to keep home or business operations running if extreme weather or an unreliable power grid takes out power. With a transfer switch in place, for example, a PTO generator can provide an entire house temporary backup power.

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How They Work

Operationally, PTO generators notably lack an engine. Instead, they receive power from a tractor’s PTO (power take-off). The PTO generator converts power it receives from the tractor’s output shaft into electricity that’s used to power tools and machinery in the field or around the farm. Models are often mounted on a single-axle PTO trailer pulled behind the tractor that’s designed to withstand rugged environments. PTO generator manufacturers often offer drive shaft adapters, mounts, and transfer switch kits as accessories.

Benefits Of PTO Generators

The primary advantage the PTO generators provide is the mobile power they enable that lets owners power tools and machinery to make repairs, dig fence posts, build and weld structures, and perform other tasks around their operations. Further, because PTO generators omit an engine, owners have one less engine to maintain, service, repair, and worry about.

Some PTO generator advocates suggest a tractor’s engine is among the most reliable power source they have, meaning there’s less concern about a PTO generator not running after long periods of inactivity compared to a home standby or compact recreational generator. Relative to comparably powered home standby models, PTO generators are considerably less expensive, with some experts pointing out that shoppers can buy a PTO generator for as little as half the cost while still enjoying the mobility advantage.

What To Look For

A PTO generator is said to require roughly 2 horsepower to create 1 kilowatt power. Models can range from providing about 10 kilowatts or less to about 165 kilowatts power output. While smaller models typically operate at 540 rpm, larger models operate at 1,000 rpm. PTO generators are generally available in single-phase 120- and 240-volt models and three-phase 208- or 480-volt models. Notably, the electricity that single-phase units provide is equated to being the same as that a typical home wall outlet provides.

Top manufacturers and brands of PTO generators include Agro Power, Baumalight, Blue Star, Katolight, Onan, Winco, and Winpower.