Harbor Frieight Gen Set on a GT14

[Rob R 966]

Put my Harbor Freight Generator Head onto my GT 14 using the front Tach-o-matic  I installed a few

years back (so I can attach the single stage Snow blower from my C81) onto the GT14. Used Heavy

Duty  2" inch square trailer hitch tubing which Fits over each other and slides so that I can adjust the b

belt (welded nut and bolt) on the bottom of the unit. Use a 3" pulley on the gen set and the outer

pulley  on  the Tractor. Works like a charm easy to take on and off, ran the Tractor

at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle and it had no problem powering the drop light and heater I plugged-in

to check the operation. Ran it for over an hour with no issues, then it started pouring so I quit. Belt is

5/8" X 71" long

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,295]

That is a nice set up. How much stuff ( you can tell I know about electric) will the head run?

[Rob R 966]

I previously had the same Gen Head on my Sears Suburban 12HP, when I had  an outage I connect it to my four phase welding plug (MAKE SURE YOU DISCONNECT THE STREET  MAIN INCOMIMG BREAKER). I then can run most of the lights in the house, plus the microwave, and refrigerator.  I periodically switch off these breakers then turn on the 220 well pump breaker, flush the toilets and charge the pressure tank .... and everyone is a happy camper. When the street power comes back disconnect everything then turn the Main back on.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,295]

Thanks that is about the same as my 11 hp generator that never wants to start. I may look into the head to put on my 416-8.

[DougC 2,641]

That's what I wish I had done instead of buying the HF 3,200/4,000 Predator  generator on sale for $289 a couple years ago. I need more power!

[Racinbob 11,039]

Outstanding job! If you decide to tie it into your home system make sure you install a transfer means. Just tying it in and turning off the main is illegal, dangerous and irresponsible. 

[Rob R 966]

On ‎7‎/‎7‎/‎2016 at 7:05 PM, Racinbob said:

Outstanding job! If you decide to tie it into your home system make sure you install a transfer means. Just tying it in and turning off the main is illegal, dangerous and irresponsible. 

At my age being called dangerous and irresponsible is a compliment. Please note that when you Turn-off the main breaker NO current can come-IN or OUT of your house....

Edited July 9, 2016 by rgrottk
update

[Racinbob 11,039]

Sorry if that came across like that. It wasn't intended. I lost a close friend due to a generator connected improperly. Those transformers work in both directions. With nearly 50 years in the industrial and commercial electrical industry I often get asked about connecting a generator to a home system. My standard answer is "I'd be happy to as long as you do it right. If not, don't even ask me a question". 

Edited July 8, 2016 by Racinbob

[WNYPCRepair 1,914]

2 hours ago, Racinbob said:

Sorry if that came across like that. It wasn't intended. I lost a close friend due to a generator connected improperly. Those transformers work in both directions. With nearly 50 years in the industrial and commercial electrical industry I often get asked about connecting a generator to a home system. My standard answer is "I'd be happy to as long as you do it right. If not, don't even ask me a question". 

 

 

My brother was an electrician at one time. I asked him if I could disconnect the main breaker and backfeed through my welder 220 line JUST TO TEST it to see if it was worth the expense of adding a transfer switch. He looked at me like I had 2 heads, knowing I just wanted to connect it for a test.

[oldlineman 1,481]

I was a Journeyman Lineman for 41 years and not too much scared me, but the sound of a generator running during storm work was something we took very serious. That is very true that 120/240 vac passing back through a transformer turns in to the primary voltage, could be 4,160 VAC,13,200 VAC or even 34,500 VAC , very dangerous for anyone working on distrubutation lines.  sorry a little off topic but very inportant to electrical workers.  Bob Blough, IBEW LU #126

[Racinbob 11,039]

Well said Mr. Blough. LU #153 out of South Bend here but I wasn't a lineman. Those four and five figure voltages scared me. 480 was my max.  

[oldlineman 1,481]

480 VAC is more than enough voltage, they always said that the current ( amp ) is what kills 480 VAC has plenty! High voltage is no different than lower voltage given the knowledge and correct tools to do a given job. I am proud to have been ( and still am ) a IBEW Journeyman Lineman retired but still miss the work!

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,295]

Rob which generator did you purchase? I was looking at HF earlier and it showed a 7200/ 10,000 surge for $299.an change . The picture looked some what different than yours . Just wondering.

[WNYPCRepair 1,914]

2 hours ago, oldlineman said:

I was a Journeyman Lineman for 41 years and not too much scared me, but the sound of a generator running during storm work was something we took very serious. That is very true that 120/240 vac passing back through a transformer turns in to the primary voltage, could be 4,160 VAC,13,200 VAC or even 34,500 VAC , very dangerous for anyone working on distrubutation lines.  sorry a little off topic but very inportant to electrical workers.  Bob Blough, IBEW LU #126

 

 

We we had an outage about a year ago, and I heard a generator down the street. All the LED lights in my house would light normally, none of the incandescent or fluorescent light would do anything. 

 

I dont know know if there was still some current from the electric company, or if the guy down the street was back feeding. I assumed the latter. 

[Rob R 966]

8 hours ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

Rob which generator did you purchase? I was looking at HF earlier and it showed a 7200/ 10,000 surge for $299.an change . The picture looked some what different than yours . Just wondering.

 

 

Yup that's the one, mine looks different since I purchased mine about 12 years ago.... still working fine....

[Rob R 966]

Final touches to the install, a hood to keep the rain and snow off.... intend to leave the gen set on the tractor so that when and if an outage occurs all I have to do is start the GT14 and hit the PTO switch. Note: hood is made from a old Sears Suburban surplus fender, used etching primer and Sunset Red rustoleum.

[squonk 41,020]

If all you want to do, (like Me  ) is run the fridge, tankless water heater and a light. Jut plug in an extension cord and plug in what you want to run. If you insist on turning every light on  in your house on ( like in those generator commercials! ) and stick your tongue out at your neighbor, cut loose with the cash and have a standby unit with an automatic transfer switch.

[Rob R 966]

9 minutes ago, squonk said:

If all you want to do, (like Me  ) is run the fridge, tankless water heater and a light. Jut plug in an extension cord and plug in what you want to run. If you insist on turning every light on  in your house on ( like in those generator commercials! ) and stick your tongue out at your neighbor, cut loose with the cash and have a standby unit with an automatic transfer switch.

Basically agree Squonk with one exception, I need to periodically run my well pump and charge the pressure tank so the "girls" can go potty.... the H/F unit I am turning is 5 KW so it can handle this important chore.

[JC 1965 1,530]

Great lookin setup and I'm sure it will be very handy to have around. Thanks for sharing the photos.