PTO Generator Buyer's Guide

A generator is basically an engine and an alternator.

If you already have tractor, you already have a powerful engine ready to be connected to your driveshaft.

You're just missing the alternator to convert the engine power into electricity.

PTO generators are the perfect companion on a farm or ranch.

You can operate power tools far away from distant utility poles. Plus, you can use a manual transfer switch to restore power to a house, barn or building during an outage.

Just follow these three steps when shopping for a PTO generator:

1. Select Engine Size (HP)
This is the most critical step in sizing your PTO generator.

You simply match the PTO generator to the horsepower of your tractor engine.

Basically, you need 2 HP to produce 1 kW of electricity. For example, a 50-HP engine is required to produce 25 kW of power.

2. Select Engine Speed (RPM)
PTO shafts typically run at two different speeds: 540 or 1000 Rotations Per Minute (RPM).

Most new tractors can operate at both speeds. If your tractor is limited to just one speed, buy the corresponding PTO generator.

3. Select Electrical Phase
PTO generators produce two types of electricity: Single- or Three-Phase.

Single-Phase electricity is just like the power coming out of your wall socket.

Three-Phase electricity is more complex. If you need power in 208-volts or 480-volts, you’ll need a three-phase PTO generator.