backup generator

[uplandnut]

So with all the destruction in Kentucky, and the area I live in had some people without power for 3 days got me thinking about backup power.
I have a couple neighbors who milk cows and have there own generator to get by when the power is out. My place is wired to run off of an auxiliary generator as it was an old dairy farm and the wiring is on the pole.
My thought was whether I'm better off getting a pto generator for my place or one of the generac/kohler home backup stationary style generators? I think the pto style offers more versatility but I like the idea of not having to start a tractor up to have power. Also the ease of use for my wife to use if I was gone when something happened. However from a portability stand point I can see the benefit of the pto style. I so like the idea of being able to have power to run anything anywhere.
Just looking for opinions from both sides. Really curious to what kind of maintenance is involvde in a stationary style.
thanks

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Do both.

 

[HDRider]

I have a whole house Generac (24 kVA) connected to 1,000 gallons of propane. I have had it for 6 years. It comes on automatically when the power goes out. It cycles on automatically for 5 minutes on Monday at 8 AM

The installer comes out once a year to change the oil/filter and do any software updates. That costs about $200 bucks per year

 

[greybeard]

Just remember, in a wide spread and lengthy outage, you better have plenty of diesel for the tractor before the 'event'. Service stations won't be able to pump diesel for you with no electricity.

HDR has the right idea. One of my sisters has the same setup with a 20kw unit. It's a big upfront expenditure but well worth it if there is a really bad ice storm or (in my case) flood or hurricane. (I should take my own advice, as my own generac brand gasoline powered genset is woefully under sized, noisy as heck but it will keep the lights on and frozen stuff frozen)

 

[callmefence]

I don't see the pto generator as versitale

Do both.

I would agree except for pto power. I see no advantage to pto powered generator.
The permanent fixed propane fueled is nice, but I wouldn't think of having it without a simpler self powered .
If you want versitale and useful around a farm. A diesel powered welder on a trailer is hard to beat.

 

[Atimm693]

With everything being digital now, I'm not sure that I would want a PTO generator for whole home use. Doesn't take much of a spike to fry stuff, and it may not work at all. I have a digital heat gun that refuses to run on a generator.

I think a backup generator hooked to a good sized propane tank is the way to go. Fuel will never go bad, it will use quite a bit less than a tractor turning 2200 RPM, and they are designed to make clean power that will run anything.

 

[chaded]

Coming from someone that has a 30kw PTO generator and a house wired for it, get the stationary unit and don’t look back.

 

[faster horses]

I don't see the pto generator as versitale

I would agree except for pto power. I see no advantage to pto powered generator.
The permanent fixed propane fueled is nice, but I wouldn't think of having it without a simpler self powered .
If you want versitale and useful around a farm. A diesel powered welder on a trailer is hard to beat.

That's what we have. We have been lucky; never had to use it except for welding. Gives us peace of mind.

 

[faster horses]

With everything being digital now, I'm not sure that I would want a PTO generator for whole home use. Doesn't take much of a spike to fry stuff, and it may not work at all. I have a digital heat gun that refuses to run on a generator.

I think a backup generator hooked to a good sized propane tank is the way to go. Fuel will never go bad, it will use quite a bit less than a tractor turning 2200 RPM, and they are designed to make clean power that will run anything.

We looked into a new Generac. YIKES! THE PRICE!!!

 

[HDRider]

We looked into a new Generac. YIKES! THE PRICE!!!

Add a couple grand for installation, and the transfer switch

 

[simme]

"Really curious to what kind of maintenance is involved in a stationary style."

Other than oil change and general maintenance, the issue with seldom used generator sets is fuel systems - even when tested weekly. Natural gas and propane fueled systems pretty much solve that. Diesel fueled systems have issues with fuel quality and fuel filters. Battery for starting is the other issue.

Get natural gas or propane if that size fits your needs. Auto transfer switch for the house.

If barns and shops are small loads and not continuous loads, a portable unit may be ok there. Need to figure out your loads and sizing first.

 

[bird dog]

""We looked into a new Generac. YIKES! THE PRICE!!!""

Please expand on this if you can. What is the lead time on getting a unit?

 

[faster horses]

Add a couple grand for installation, and the transfer switch

Yeah. We did. Double YIKES!!

 

[faster horses]

""We looked into a new Generac. YIKES! THE PRICE!!!""

Please expand on this if you can. What is the lead time on getting a unit?

It was a long ways out. This was looked at early summer. I'll see if I can find the quote. I'm old and don't remember everything; heck, I don't remember much. That can be a blessing or a curse.

 

[callmefence]

Add a couple grand for installation, and the transfer switch

You scared of the dark...

 

[shaz]

I have an old 5kw gas generator with the 230 plug connected to a circuit breaker. Power goes out, turn off the 200a main, crank the generator and turn on the breaker. Limited to 5kw but I can run lights and freezer.

 

[GoWyo]

I have an old 5kw gas generator with the 230 plug connected to a circuit breaker. Power goes out, turn off the 200a main, crank the generator and turn on the breaker. Limited to 5kw but I can run lights and freezer.

That was going to be my solution, but wife said she didn't want to have to drag generator from the shop to the house in a blizzard. So went with the 22KW Generac and auto transfer switch. Genset was $5000 or so, had to get a separate 500 gallon propane tank (needed it anyway for eventual heat to outside office), trenching and install propane line and electric plus the electric wiring was another $1500 or so. This was all before COVID and the Texas freeze, so no wait time and prices hadn't gone through the roof yet.

 

[Lee VanRoss]

My question is, How many among the contributors to the subject matter in question have had losses approaching the cost of the
installation of a generator in the past 40 years? That is, with losses that can be directly attributed to the loss of electrical power?
I can appreciate the application with regard to an agricultural enterprise such as a dairy, pork or chicken operation but to invest an
amount disproportional to the amount of product at risk , should in my opinion, only be taken after careful economic consideration.

 

[shaz]

My question is, How many among the contributors to the subject matter in question have had losses approaching the cost of the
installation of a generator in the past 40 years? That is, with losses that can be directly attributed to the loss of electrical power?
I can appreciate the application with regard to an agricultural enterprise such as a dairy, pork or chicken operation but to invest an
amount disproportional to the amount of product at risk , should in my opinion, only be taken after careful economic consideration.

I currently have 1000lbs of meat in 3 freezers.

 

[HDRider]

My question is, How many among the contributors to the subject matter in question have had losses approaching the cost of the
installation of a generator in the past 40 years? That is, with losses that can be directly attributed to the loss of electrical power?
I can appreciate the application with regard to an agricultural enterprise such as a dairy, pork or chicken operation but to invest an
amount disproportional to the amount of product at risk , should in my opinion, only be taken after careful economic consideration.

I have not had any because I have always had a generator.

I have two full freezers and two full fridges, an electric well, plus I am afraid of the dark