HOMEMADE 1000W Lawn Mower Inverter Generator - Part 1
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- My DIY homemade (homebrew) 1000W 6.5hp lawn mower engine inverter generator that I used as a backup power supply for at least 5 years before moving. This lawn mower inverter generator worked extremely well, and was built to last. Enjoy the video!
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I use the same *small generator-battery- to inverter* system to power my house- and without wind or solar- it dropped my electric bill from $170 a month down to _seven dollars._ This _works._
BULLSHIT SPAMMERS
You are getting *ripped off* by your *utility companies.* I hardly am the only one making _that_ observation.
Thanks for watching!
so that setup costs around 2$ an hour to run so you only had it running for the total time of 3.5 houers that month.
A twelve-hundred watt generator, at _today's_ gas prices costs about _thirty _*_cents_* (American) an hour to run.
I built a set up just like this using the motor off a push mower and alternator off a random junk yard car, it all works great, I mainly use it to charge my battery bank for days that it gets quite low, I run my entire house off the grid, with a 14 battery bank, Solar Panels and Wind Turbines, multiple inverters and such, so when I am unable to get a well enough charge, I start the generator up and connect to my controller on my bank, it works perfect! Your's looks much nicer, just fantastic, thank you!
Yes, having a setup like mine and yours is extremely useful for charging up those lead acid batteries and powering inverters. I use mine quite often.
Thanks For Watching! Be sure to share and rate a Thumbs Up. Also be sure to check out my other videos as well.
@@electronicsNmore 7 years later and I am completely off the grid! Thanks again! Time flies by toooooo fast!
Cool, I like the idea of a larger gas tank, and I would have 2 batteries here and a protective cage underneath for safety. Nice work, 1/4 inch plate is overkill but it works, 5/8 plywood would be much lighter and non conductive and way cheaper than the plate, and more than strong enough. Air filled tires would absorb the bumps better. No matter what you do people will critique their own opinion, but again, great job and nicely done even the mega cap companies have teams to improve their products through innovation and trial and error and customer feedback etc.....
Plywood would help with vibration
👍
Very nice, only one surgestion is to rubber mount the inverter to help with vibrations. I had one that was solid mounted and the vibrations over time ended up cracking the printed circuit board in side. But other than that excellent work.
Jim Miles Thanks Jim. If you look in the video, you will see 4 thick felt pads that I used when mounting the inverter to help dampen the vibrations. Foam rubber would be even better.
I just love proud people.. "that I built from SCRATCH... and steel bar that I BENT BY HAND!" 😁... great job here!
Thanks for watching!
trigger nometry
yeah well he had tools..hand tools..🐨🐻
I didn’t think anything of it. Props to him for the great workmanship 👍
Skeewrach
All but the welding most competent people can do.
Great job man, if you ever build another one you might try a couple capacitors between the battery and the inverter, like the 1 and 2 farad models used for 1000w+ stereo systems, i think it would eliminate the bogging, im curious to see if that would work
Thanks. I have another video showing a modification I made to the alternator's rotor. It worked like a charm when using heavy loads. It was made shortly after this video.
Simply amazing, true workmanship.
Great job!
Jeno Wagner Thanks! I have a couple other videos with this inverter generator setup.
ill check them out!
Remarkable build there! Slick use of part's.
I build one of these some decades ago for camping. Someone offered me to much for it and I sold it. Really need to make another here someday soon. I said I was going to make another one some decades ago too. LOL I have everything sitting here but a decent motor. Just waiting for one to show up some place some how. Decades from now ? The first one I built was a bit under powered with only a 3hp engine.
great Idea. I got a powerwasher that the pump froze but engine is good and I might just do what you did. generators are expensive....
Dude, you have too much free time on your hands, LOL. But, that setup and your workmanship is for the ages friend. I love it.
bernie7044 tv
Upgrade to 200+ alternator and get a 3k inverter.
Love your video
Well done brother, God bless! This gave me the idea of using 2 gas weed whacker motors I have in storage to make small power generators.
+John Arizona
Thanks for watching John! I have a couple more videos showing this generator, as well as modifications I made to the alternator.
Such a nice setup. I’ve never had luck with Tecumseh engines. I have replaced the carb twice on my root tiller. I’m repowering it soon with a Honda clone.
Find a Briggs and Stratton mower with a broken deck and repower it.
Hi Stephen. I never had a problem with the engine. It ran great for the 5 years I used this system. I only paid $105 shipped for the new engine. Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly share links to my videos on social networking sites. Thank you
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I subscribed!
De
KD8MSS
Thanks. This will put to use an old reliable mower and a high input alternator I got off a GMC maxi van.
Have fun making it!
Nice build quality. Two small things come to mind. 1) You would not have had to isolate the generator ground if you had mounted everything to wood instead of steel plate. 2) Your belt underneath doesn't have a lot of contact with the generator pulley, maybe 90 degrees of arc. Putting the tensioner on the inside would increase the pulling traction without adding stress to the belt. (think like using a smaller pulley on a supercharger, you need more surface area on the belt)
I changed the tensioner since this video was made, and there's much better traction on the belt now. :-)
Wood rots, it breaks down.
plastic then! @@KeyboardBuster
Yes it is very good! Only one little thing is the tension wheel is to far away causing power loss
Hey 9 out of 10 is very good!!
You could mount a 5 gal gas can on the end of the frame and run a fuel line to the motor. Would be better then filling a factory 1/4-1 gal tank every few hours. Also if anybody needs to run high amps (100+) but don't want big bulky wires then check out Silicone Wire, 8 gauge Silicone Wire can handle 200 amps max.
After 8 yrs can u still reply me pls i will be happy
Really professionally made. Looks like it came from a factory.
Matthew Nelson Thanks Matt. :-) Be sure to check out my video playlists and share.
@pastthebrink
Depends what I set it for. If I only plan on using 200-300 watts of 120v, then I set it for not more than 2350 - 2500rpm, which allows me run it for well over two hours on 1 tank of gas, or 8-10hrs per gallon. If I plan on using higher current, I do not stop the engine from going faster, and set the rpm at around 4000. The speed governor also can kick in if it has to for load compensation.
fantastic work, that is the most unique $1200 generator I have ever seen.
Paul G No, parts cost around $425
@brodie1709
No, I start the engine first, then turn on the alternator. It will not start under a load.
Idle pulley is a must on this set up glad you installed one like me
This is awesome. Just what I was looking for. I can see myself using a lot of this to make mine. I would maybe add a small electric personal fan blowing on the engine, more fuel. That's about it.
supercharger
Just recently stumbled across your video and like the idea of it. Thought about using the old riding mower my dad gave me sincecthe transaxle went out for something similar.
Worlds heaviest 1k generator. Looks good bud 🤩
Very nice job!
Thank you!
Great video. I made mine using a 3/4 inch HDPE base and then used large fender washers to secure it to the base. I use all stainless steel bolts & casellated nuts & cotter pins & lockwashers. Stainless steel lasts forever. HDPE can last 20-30 years if left in the sun. Avoid plywood or steel plates. Steel is too damn heavy. a piece 3/4 HDPE is alot lighter, and will never rot or rust. HDPE can be bought new or salvaged from old boats.
I like HDPE(starboard), good stuff!
That’s really really cool.. I’m building One
To back up harbor freight solar panels.
Glad you liked it Josh! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others on social networking sites. Thank you
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Well done, dude!
Thank you, glad you liked it
That’s actually pretty sick.
Outstanding work. Very cleverly done.
Thanks Jim! I used it for around 5 years, then I moved and sold it. Be sure to look over my extensive video playlist below for other videos of interest to you, and most importantly share my channel with others.
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I like your setup. Is no fuse to protect the alternator ? Overall you did a nice job .
Nice job! Where did you buy the inverter (power converter)?
Bought it in 1994 from JC Whitney.
Very Nicely Done! Clean, and no-nonsense. I like it.
This is cool man. Props on being able to weld aluminum!
Thanks for watching Carl! This video was made a long time ago when I uploaded videos to my channel for the hell of it. My YT channel has come a long way since that upload. Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists for other great videos of interest to you and most importantly share with many others. You'll greatly enjoy my bike generator video below. :-)
czcams.com/video/8rj-emSUf7I/video.html
That's not aluminum it's galvanized steel conduit
well done, i recently acquired a honda gx160 with a trash pump on it, no use for trash pump, want to convert to genny.
I love your building clean lines . . . .very nice.
Thanks! Glad you liked it. Be sure to rate thumbs up, check out my extensive video playlists, and share. :-)
If you rotate how you mount the alternator by 180 degrees you could use less length for your cables and wouldn't have needed to cross them. It probably will not make a big difference, but its just my OCD side. 😁
Great work! I have an older lawn mower with self propel and I attach a sending disc to one of the front wheels, but would like to make more uses out of it. what type of inverter did you use and cost?
Years ago they were expensive, but a 1200-1500w is ideal. If you need a link, just ask. Thanks for watching!
Great video!! Thanks😊
l like those engines ..better than Honda..imo..
Great design and build..
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That is a professional build !!! Great job
alan koza Thanks for watching Alan. Be sure to check out my Automotive/mechanical video playlist, and Useful Tips video playlist also. Please be sure to share my channel with others. Thanks!
Very impressed. Your a talented guy for sure. Well done
It is pretty great setup. :D
nice work
Well being proactive instead of being lazy and clear the dead wood and brush if you choose to live in a harsh environment.. Good Luck Dmy.... HA HA
Really Nice Job !
Thanks!
Wawoo 👏👏👏👏 you are sooooo technical person Grate jab 👍
Glad you enjoyed the video! I have a lot of excellent videos on my channel that cover many different subjects, so be sure to check out my extensive video playlists for other videos of interest to you, rate thumbs up, and share my channel with others. Thank You
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Please share.
@@electronicsNmore yes sure
Now that is a beautiful setup.
DIY Solar and Wind Glad you liked it. :-) Be sure to check out my crank generators as well. Thanks!
Nice setup. I thought about building a similar one using a small horizontal shaft engine from harbor freight.
+Jeremy Lafary
They're certainly fun to make. :-) Thanks For Watching!
I have a 6.6 Craftsman mower ready to go. What is the average cost of the other items needed to complete this project?
Good Job
Thanks Jay
Nice job - great craftsmanship. But I didn't see a charge controller to prevent over charging your battery. I have a craftsman lawn mower ready for scrap, but the engine is good. I don't weld, tho, so will have to work around that. And I'll go with a PMG which should give me about 1800 watts, and a charge controller to protect the batteries.
The alternator regulates the lead acid battery charging. Thanks for watching!
I built a similar one and they work fine. I had seen it at a racetrack.
LOL. Go cart.
@@electronicsNmore ???
Though you were joking about it looking like a go cart.
@@electronicsNmore lol! Nah I had gone to a drag racetrack and I saw 2 of them there me they use them to restart engines or charge batteries because some of them don't run alternators on their racecars just for a quarter mile race to reduce load on engine. They are easy to build just need patience.
@@electronicsNmore I can look at something once and memorize what it's made of and build stuff. Ttyl, take care.
that plate steel makes it super light weight! xD
I made it heavier so the entire thing wouldn't vibrate and move around under load. Thanks for watching!
That's awesome have you ever thought about putting a small dry cell hho generator on it to provide a infinite fuel source instead of running the engine off of gasoline and add a battery rack so you can add a additional deep cycle battery you would be able to power a small cabin or tiny house your setup is the perfect platform to do so!
That's not possible... An HHO cell is very inefficient, and even if it was 100 percent efficient, which is impossible according to the laws of physics and thermodynamics, it would only generate enough power to run the engine in a continuous cycle and never power anything therefore it would be useless... There is no such thing as an infinite power generator, I'm surprised that somebody that knows what an HHO cell is doesn't know that you can't create infinite energy......
Excellent next would you consider making a wood gas device so that if there's a shortage in fuel that wood gas can be used instead.
Not wood, He probably make one to run off coal.
@brodie1709
I used a cast iron pulley. That eliminates the problem.
Legend watching his first video ❤️
Nice build.
Thanks Chris! Be sure to check out my bike generator video and share.
Very nice construction but just a warning... Those delco-style alternators can be damaged if you run them without 12vdc wired to the BAT terminal on the rear.
+dontmesswiththeman
Not true. After 5 years of use, I would have noticed something. Disconnecting the wire off a (1) wire 10si alternator will not cause any damage. All that will happen is the rotor will spin without any current being supplied to it. I have used this alternator for years w/o any issues. I made my own regulator for this alternator which works much better. I have a video showing all the modifications.
Thanks For Watching
electronicsNmore
I am thinking of building my own generator with old mower engine. Edit: the engine was on a self propelled mower with a drive pulley.
@myvideoisonutube no what i mean is most lawnmower engines use the blade as a flywheel so they usally dont start easily and kick back when you try to pull it.
That is a sweet setup! Nice job making that! That alternator is nice and shiny awsome!!! All around very nice work! ;-)
Wicked*
Thumbs up*
Can you make a parts and costs breakdown in video description? Good video, good job
Hard to do because the engine and alternator may vary, as well as the tensioner/pulley used. Thanks for watching!
I have a old alternator and some lawn mower engine thought this would be good use for it now seems like I'd be better off buying a used generator
@myvideoisonutube
That about somes of me up!!! I just finished showing your setup to my friend who also shares our interest, He is also a welder and all around jack of all trades. He liked hte gen setup. Let me tell ya, if he complimented it, you have REALLY got something!
Good skills buddy, all the best from Ireland
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Be sure to rate thumbs up, share my channel with others, and check out my extensive video playlists. :-)
Do you not need a charge controller between the altenator and battery?
Looks like a damn fine job.
did have efecient? did inverter generator using 3 phase convert to dc and step up to single phase again ?
How do you control the field input of the alternator? Also, don't you need a voltage regulator between the alternator and the battery?
czcams.com/video/GUKvGFdYu_Y/video.html
I dont understand the large drive pulley. Its like 5 to 1. Alternators max out in amperage at about 1500 RPMs. There is no need to spin up the alternator that fast. It only reduces the torque of the motor to the alternator. The lawnmower engine runs at 3 to 3500 RPMs. could have just gone 1 to 1 on the pulley ratio. The only time you need high RPM is when you mess with the voltage regulator for higher voltage. I understand this is a old build but if any body out there is viewing this, please either 1 to 1 or even 2 to 1 on pulley ratio. 1 Engine 2 Alternator. Most horizontals run best at 3600 RPMs. 1800 RPMs is all you need for a 12 volt system.
I'm doing a all new equipment set up. A GM 400 Amp 15.1 VDC with a 13 hp Harbor freight horizontal.
Nice just in time for Huricane season .can you add another battery to increase current ?
I would suggest using a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery like I show in another video on my channel.
Like your set up, just wondering why a 1000w is that the highest you can go with that alternator or can you go way higher than that. Tks for the videos.
You can go higher, but the pulley ratio would need to be adjusted to handle the inverter under load. Thanks for watching!
Ok thanks for the information good to know.
Nice job. I literally built the same thing. Had a 3.5 Briggs and it was made for a self propel so it had a very belt above the blade. I easily bolted it and an alternator together. Engage ran perfect. Then I fielded the alternator and it died. . Do you think it's from what you were explaining at the end of the video,? Or was 3.5hp not enough for 120 amps?
3.5hp is kinda small, and yes, if the engine won't crank over, you could be experiencing the same issue. Thanks for watching!
I’m very limited in my electrical knowledge, but does the engine adjusts the rpm to the load, and if so, how did you accomplish that?
Do you still have it? Ever try to weld with it? Nice build.
Excellent job!
Thank you very much Dan! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for MANY other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share links to my videos with others on social networking sites.
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Maybe next time you would show more on how it works vers all the wasted time talking about how the wheels work and whether or not it is riveted on whether or not you hand them to steal. It is extremely nice built I'm not putting you down on that just wish you would spend a little bit more time
It was the 1st video I ever made. LOL
Very impressed dame good job
Thanks John. Be sure to rate thumbs up and check out my video playlists.
really a neat build.
Thanks Jonathan! Be sure to check out my extensive video playlists, rate thumbs up, and share my channel with others. :-)
Definitely buddy, wish you good luck for the new year and merry Christmas 🎄
Jonathan Fernandes
Same to you! Merry X-mas/Happy New Year
He did not "spot weld" anything, he welded spots with a stick welder or a MIG welder. Ron W4BIN
Wow, what a pedant. First person to say that since this video was uploaded. You must be a real joy to be around. LOL
Good job ..
Thank you! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists and share.
Wow very cool
If you got a bigger battery you can turn this into a hybrid generator using solar panels with a charge controller, using primarily solar power when its sunny outside and the engine when there is a lack of sunshine
bad ass job man!
Thanks Jason!
You'll probably like the video below.
czcams.com/video/s1omETrT54w/video.html
This is awwesome. nicely done.
Thanks Kev. I made this years ago, so the video quality was not like all my videos today. Back then I uploaded videos for the hell of it, but still a good video. Thanks for watching!
I was thinking about doing this, but I did have a concern and that is duty cycle of the lawn mower engine. Now I have not done the research yet but would guess that the lawn mower is not ment to be run for the same lengths of time as an actual generator? Maybe it is completely fine?
No problem at all, just make sure you use good quality oil(preferably synthetic). Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists for other great videos of interest to you and most importantly share my channel with others. Thanks!
@@electronicsNmore can do
work of art my friend
jsmc84 Thank You! Be sure to check out my other videos and share.
Nice build 👍 just wondering, instead of using an alternator, can I use an AC motor from an old air compressor?
That won't work, you'd have to make it into an induction generator. Thanks for watching!
Other great DIY generator videos:
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Thanks!..:-) I see your into the same things I am...Survival/guns...etc.
9 years
Doesn't everything want to survive ??? Lol. ;) good video , well presented
Cool adjuster.
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If you bought the components new, how much would they cost compared to a 1000w generator? I realize you could shut the engine off and go for a while operating loads with the battery, which is an advantage over a store bought generator.
I didn't pay that much for everything. The inverted I had laying around, the engine was $100 shipped, and the battery was $75.
Yeah, that's a good deal. I have various components collected over the years and now not used for their full potential I could fashion to do similar. You've given me ideas for their potential.
For $89 you can buy a 900 watt generator at Habor Freight that is ready to use.
@@FloryJohann sure runs all the time horrible fuel consumption junk than if rated at 900 watts might deliver 300 watts lol
@@ronaldbrown9638
A 6.5 hp Tecumseh engine would use more fuel than the 2hp harborfreight engine anytime.
That 6.5 hp e ngine is over powered for that 1000 watt prowatt inverter and for the alternator.
Actually those harborfreight generators had a good rating back then and they where putting out 800 watts on continuous usage. They got replaced by another model since and cost more.
I like the concept of incorporating a inverter and a battery, but the battery need to be cycled or it will die early and batteries have a lifespan.
Nice. Very nice!
Glad you enjoyed it Jay! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists for other great videos and most importantly share my channel with many others. You should like my Bike Generator video below. Thanks for watching!
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@lunarrn Thanks, using it now after the Hurricane.
does the motor ever kick back when you try to start it? or did you add some kind of extra flywheel to the engine. because any lawn mower engine that i have had without the blade on it would kick back when you try to pull start it.
Nice work, thumbs up!
Thanks! Many great videos on this channel, so be sure to check out my video playlists, rate thumbs up, and share. :-)
I'd want the smallest engine I could find with a large sprocket. On the alternator use a small sprocket so u could run the engine at the lowest idel possible. That way a gallon of gas could last much longer. Is this possible ?
A gasoline engine is more efficient wide open.
Thats freaking awesome.
Glad you liked it! I used it for 5+ years. It was a very good setup for me. Thanks for watching!