Gen head for z482

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 Hello all, I am in the planning phases of a genset I am building around a new Kubota z482. (this is actually a secondary gen project but if I have a plan, i'll be less likely to miss the deals as they come up Anyway, I am thinking it best to belt drive the gen to allow some flexibility of engine RPM. As I have no experience with a project like this I need a little advice....OK, maybe a lot -Ha!
First, what gen head would be the hot ticket? I know the Chinese STs are highly regarded by many, but I also see Markons, Wincos etc but I am not familiar with their reliability records or other attributes. As to output size, I'm pretty much unsure about that too.... I would like to operate the engine as slow as I dare in an effort to reduce noise - Henry has stated 26 to 28 hundred as the sweet spot I think.
Any advice is greatly appreciated

Thx
Jeff A

[Henry W]

Hi Jeff,

Yes 2600-2800 is the sweet spot for that engine. Personaly, I would run it near 2800. At 2800 you should be able to generate at least 4.2-Kw cont. and 5.5-Kw standby.

I would recommend a genhead of at least 7.5-Kw. Most generator heads are more efficient at less than thier full output rating. Oversizing a generator head will also give you a safty factor so the generator head will not get overloaded.

There are good 2-pole generator heads out there if you would like to keep the setup compact.
Markon and MeccAlte are good 2-pole heads.

If you don't mind the generator head being large and heavy than a ST-7.5 is also another good choice.

Henry

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Thanks Henry, looking online, Info on these is a little hard to come by (which is somewhat discomforting) but I see Next Gen uses the Markons so there's a reliable parts source I suppose. I will keep these units in mind looking for a deal

Jeff

[Simtech]

Northern Tool has rebranded Mecc-Alte gen heads labled "Northstar" which are supposedly decent quality 2 pole 3600 RPM heads.

I dont know if they're two bearing gen heads though.

[fabricator]

I'd have a hard time running belt drive generator on an engine with bell housing, I'd be looking for a one bearing direct drive unit, especially if it's a SAE bell housing.

[Henry W]

I built A Kuboat Z482 Direct Drive setup. Here it is: http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=1283.0

It was ok but the engine seemed stressed out running at 3600. The engine liked running at 2800 rpm.It was so much quieter. At 2800 the engine is running 200 rpm's over the peak torque curve of 2600. It is best to run a couple hundred over. When the engine gets loaded the rpm's should stay above 2600.

Just a word of advice. The Z482 will not like an 1800 rpm direct drive setup.

If I had another Z482 engine to make another genset It would be belt drive running at 2800 rpm. For me setting up a good belt drive is not an issue. There is info on this forum to help set up a good belt drive setup.

Henry

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I don't understand the need for a bellhousing when running a belt drive, can someone explain?

Jeff

[Henry W]

You do not have to use a housing to belt drive a genhead. As long as there is not to much side load you will be ok.

I had a Hayes housing/stubshaft setup. It was very nice. But it is not cheap. Why did I get it? I felt no side load would help the engine live a longer life. I do know the Z482 engines do live a long life without a Hayes housing/stubshaft setup as long as the belt is close to the flywheel and side load is not to much. What is to much? I will try to find some info I have stored away.

This might help some.

http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=900.0

http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=1157.0

http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=793.0

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Got it, thanks Henry. Keeping the pulley close to the flywheel would indeed reduce the moment placed on the crank.
One  good thing, since the crank comes straight out the back of the motor, seems one could pretty easily perform an "in frame" bottom end overhaul
and change out the main and rod bearings if it ever came to that : )

I checked out Northern Tool and unfortunately they are only offering a 5.5Kw or 10Kw currently, but as i said, I'm in no rush

Jeff

[Henry W]

Here are some pictures of a stubshaft setup bolted to the flywheel.

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Thanks Henry, that's exactly what I have in mind

Jeff

[Henry W]

I have one of these waiting to go on my other project. http://www.brandnewengines.com/S16F-180BD.aspx#

[Henry W]

These are inexpensive and some people had some good luck with them. One person says it is ok for 5500 watts cont. http://www.harborfreight.com/10000-watts-max-7200-watts-rated-belt-driven-generator-head-45416.html

[Henry W]

Jeff,

I sent you a PM. Check it out.