PTO Generators

Reliable Backup Power for Farms and Large Rural Operations

For many farms, a PTO (Power Take-Off) generator is one of the most practical and cost-effective backup power solutions available.

Instead of using its own engine, a PTO generator is powered by a tractor through the tractor's PTO shaft. Because the tractor supplies the engine power, there's no second engine to maintain. When properly sized, a PTO generator can provide enough power to keep essential farm operations running during an outage.

When properly sized, a PTO generator can provide backup power for everything from livestock ventilation, milking equipment feed operations to grain handling systems and farm residences.

Why Choose a PTO Generator?

A PTO generator offers several advantages for agricultural operations.

• High power capacity for large electrical loads

• Lower purchase cost than many engine-driven generators

• No separate engine to maintain

• Uses equipment you already own

• Excellent choice for farms that experience occasional power outages

For many Wisconsin farms, these advantages make a PTO generator an excellent long-term investment.

When Does a PTO Generator Make Sense?

A PTO generator is often the best choice when:

•  You already own a tractor with adequate horsepower.

•  You need enough power to operate an entire farm or large agricultural facility.

•  You want to avoid maintaining another gasoline or diesel engine.

•  You're comfortable manually connecting the generator during a power outage.

Although setup requires a little more involvement than an automatic standby generator, many farms appreciate the simplicity and lower ownership costs.

How Does a PTO Generator Work?

When utility power is lost:

1. The tractor is positioned near the generator.

2. The PTO shaft is connected to the generator.

3. The generator is connected to the farm through a properly installed transfer switch.

4. The tractor brings the generator up to operating speed.

5. The transfer switch is moved to the generator position, restoring power to the selected electrical loads.

Depending on the installation and operator experience, power can often be restored in approximately 20–30 minutes.

How Large of a Tractor Do I Need?

The answer depends entirely on how much electrical equipment you want to operate during an outage.

The first step is determining the farm's electrical demand. Once that is known, we can recommend both:

• the appropriate generator size, and

• the minimum tractor horsepower needed to operate it safely.

Most agricultural PTO generator installations require tractors ranging from 20 to 300 horsepower, depending on the size of the operation and the electrical load.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation is important for both safety and reliability.

We typically recommend installing the transfer switch near a central electrical service location where the generator can be connected safely.

We also recommend choosing a location with good airflow and away from excessive dust or debris so both the tractor and generator can cool properly during operation.

PTO generators are available as:

• Three-point hitch mounted units

• Trailer-mounted units

We'll help determine which style best fits your operation.

Maintenance Requirements

One of the biggest advantages of a PTO generator is its simplicity.

Since the tractor provides the engine power, the generator itself requires relatively little maintenance.

Typical maintenance includes:

• Greasing bearings at recommended intervals

• Checking or changing gearbox oil

• Inspecting the PTO shaft

• Keeping electrical connections clean

Unlike many standby generators, PTO generators are typically not enclosed in a weatherproof housing. To maximize their service life, they should be stored indoors whenever possible and protected from moisture, excessive dust, and rodent damage. For customers who prefer to perform their own maintenance, we're happy to provide a recommended maintenance checklist and answer any questions about proper care.

Is a PTO Generator Right for Your Farm?

If your farm already has a suitable tractor and requires significant backup power, a PTO generator may offer one of the best values available.

Compared to engine-driven generators, PTO units typically:

• Cost less to purchase

• Require less maintenance

• Provide excellent power output

• Have a long service life

Annual Testing and Operator Readiness

Like any backup power system, a PTO generator should be exercised under load at least once a year. This helps verify that the generator, transfer switch, and tractor are all functioning properly before an actual power outage occurs.

It's equally important to ensure that everyone who may be responsible for operating the generator understands how to safely connect, start, operate, and shut down the system. During an emergency is not the time to learn the process for the first time.

We're happy to provide an operation checklist that walks you through the setup, operation, and shutdown procedures so you can feel confident using your backup power system when you need it most.