generator question!

[Big T]

Hiya!

 

I need to split some logs in the field where I keep my wood. I have a small 6 ton handy splitter and don't have the funds for a petrol splitter yet. I have a 2kva generator, will it run the 2000w motor on the splitter? I'm pretty sure it won't but thought I would ask before I drag it all up to the field!

[IVECOKID]

My brother used a 5kva on a small splitter and that ran it no problems but I think you may be on the limit there and will struggle .

 

Sre

[Macpherson]

Hi, I believe that to get the actual kW from the kVA you multiply the kVA by 0.8 which makes your gennie 1600 watts.

A 2.5 kVA gennie would give you the 2 kW but I`d imagine you`d probably be better with a 3kVA to give yourself a margin. There`s a conversion chart online, hope this helps, cheers.

[Big T]

Cheers guys! Thought I read somewhere that the initial load to start the motor was something like twice the normal draw so will have to go back to the drawing board.....or the maul!

[openspaceman]

Cheers guys! Thought I read somewhere that the initial load to start the motor was something like twice the normal draw so will have to go back to the drawing board.....or the maul!

 

It probably is, fully loaded. My 4kVA welding genset won't start my 2kW compressor when the air tank is up to pressure but it will run it to fully pressure from empty.

 

Most grunt will be required when the ram stalls at full pressure, why not try it and see?

[Stock]

Why not hire a bigger generator or a logsplitter for that matter...........

 

I'm lead to believe that a motor requires six times the operating current to start (Capacitors help with this ) and I believe running the motor under current will damage it which may happen when under load ...............

[Big T]

Cheers guys!

[gensetsteve]

According to my calcs a good 3kva will do it but a 4 kva is recommended. You will probably damage anything smaller especially if you stall the ram on a knot.

[Big T]

Cheers Steve!

[cornish wood burner]

Cheers guys! Thought I read somewhere that the initial load to start the motor was something like twice the normal draw so will have to go back to the drawing board.....or the maul!

 

Anything up to 4 times normal running current I'm afraid.

If you run too small a genni then your splitter will pull the voltage down and draw more current than it should. Might end up damaging both machines. As Steve suggests 3 or 4 kVA minimum.