What to do....

[AllisPhreak 0]

To much power draw, and so little generated.... I'd like to ask a bit of advice. I have one electic actuator, rated to draw 22A at full load, used as power lift for the front attachments. I would like to add another actuator to operate the bucket on my home-built "Johnny Bucket". This, I assume, would also have a comparable current draw..at least 15A at full load. In addition, I would like to add the neat chute rotator designed by 'redbarnrick', and a couple additional headlights to be mounted on a tractor cab (when I get one), as the ones on the tractor get blocked pretty effectively when the front attachment is raised. Now, this is a lot of current draw, on the off chance everything is operated at the same time. I would assume the alternator on the 16HP twin-cylinder Briggs has a maximum output of between 10-13 Amps. What can I do to make sure I have the proper current draw available for these implements ? Is there a larger alternator that I can install on the Briggs ? If not, should I wire a couple batteries in parallel ? Perhaps rig something up to easily recharge these batteries externally after use ? Second, should I connect all these components directly to the battery ? (through a fuse block, of course) Or should I wire all these items through the 'Light' terminal of the ignition switch. Can the ignition switch handle that kind of load ? Advice ?

[Morris 0]

That is a fair amount of current, for sure. You need to realize that what a particular item (light, actuator, etc.) is rated for may not be what it is actually using. The rating implies the maximum safe load. What you need to worry about is actual load, and that depends on a number of things. One, are you planning to use all the electicals at once? For the sake of argument, say you have 5 electrical items that require 10 amps each, then you need a system capable of producing 50 amps, right? Well, maybe. You only need 50 amps if you plan to turn them all on at once. If you plan to only run one or two at a time, then 15-20 amps will likely be enough. Two, some items may be rated for, say, 10 amps, but only pull 4 or 5 in actual use. If you are running the items off the battery, and your charging system is fine, you can put whatever your battery will stand, just be prepared for long charging times afterward to get sufficient power for cranking next time around. Personally, I would consider attaching an alternator (external) with a voltage regulator if you really want to have plenty of current available for all your goodies. I would NOT try to hook all that through the ignition key. You are correct, it will likely not handle the load, but attaching an automotive relay to actuate a connection block of some sort would allow you to turn the accessories on and off without worrying about burning out the switch. That's a couple of thoughts for you...

[Al 6]

Hi, Well said Morris. If he does not care about disabling them when the unit is not in use, he could then use a fuseholder off the battery and then the operating switch, but each would be "live" all the time. Your relay suggestion is good and would kill them when the key is off. Al Eden