gas generator

[j350hp]

ive seen some small gas generator chargers for 12 volt batteries does any one know how long they take to charge a battery to full. the one ive seen are small portable units. any info will help thanks.

[charles p]

Are you asking about a small gasoline 120V generator that can be used to run a 12V battery charger?  Not certain I understand your question.  Look at the amp requirements on the charger, if so, and get a generator that produces enough watts to meet your need.  Shouldn't be much.  A large charger will recharge faster, but take more power.  A charger like a golf cart uses will take a lot of power.

[Drilling Man]

ive seen some small gas generator chargers for 12 volt batteries does any one know how long they take to charge a battery to full. the one ive seen are small portable units. any info will help thanks.

  I'm thinking you are asking about 12V DC generators used to charge 12V batts?  If so, you need to know how many DC amps the generator puts out, and then if it's a big number, will the batt you want to charge take that load?

  It's best to buy a small AC generator and power a batt charger with it...  An "inverter" gen set prefered, as they burn less fuel.  Even though they cost more, with the price of fuel these days, i think they are worth it.

  DM

[Bugflipper]

Depends on capacity of the battery and amperage the alt puts out. A 120 amp alt or greater would charge the average car battery from low to full in a matter of minutes. Depending on application solar may be a more economical option in the long run.

Here is a little info on building a 12v small engine powered generator. http://theepicenter.com/tow02077.html

[Rex in OTZ]

I had a situation where I wanted to start a small diesel gen set(lugger light plant), problem was it was -34F and the battery needed chargeing (at camp 90 miles away from town) I was bale to get a smaller generator going by sitting it next to a wood stove (Honda EU1000) it was able to charge the battery but not a engine pre heater at same time, so charged battery first then ran the preheater second, ate up allot of time better to have plenty of generator first off, also the EU series Honda gens will eventually vapor up and clogg the motor case vent line in sub zero temps, they run poorly and quit best to run a small portable gen in a box so exhaust will keep it warm and running.

[j350hp]

i was refering to the 12v genset only.i was thinking for the new size of these would be great for home and boat battery charger. 
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Buffalo Tools GEN154 2000 Watt Portable Generator
Item# SPM214242890 |Model# GEN154

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this was just one example.

[dpe.ahoy]

That 10 amp 12 volt is higher than most I have looked at.  Most seem to run in the 8 amp range.  As to how long, will depend on the battery condition and size of storage (Amp Hours) with how low it has discharged.  DP
 

[Bugflipper]

My concern would be the engine. I don't see a brand listed in the specs. I have no idea about this generator. But a lot of the cheaper gens and pressure washers are coming with honda type copy engines from China. They look like a honda on the outside(do not have a honda logo and are a different color) but they use inferior metal in the internals. The sleeves and pistons are not the same size either. So once they blow they are trash. Word is they go quick and you are just out the money. Like I said I don't know if it has the cheap chinese engine. But I would want to make sure before purchase. I have read a lot on them going with very few hours on them.

Personally I would look for a good one on craigslist and not worry about the dc option. Would just buy a battery charger that can be switched from 3/10/50 amps or whatever is available. The new battery chargers will not over charge. They shut off or trickle when the battery is full. They can also be used to power 12v equipment and  have a lot more flexibility with more available power than an ac/dc gen.

[keith44]

So why not build your own from a B&S, or Kohler, or whaterer small engine you have on hand or can get that has a good reputation, and an alternator, rebuilt unit from discount auto parts store?? Add a couple pulleys and a belt...

[Pat/Rick]

Interesting article thanks. I'll save it to favorites. I've been needing to repower a sickle mower I have, maybe when I go to the mower repair shop I use to buy an whatever for the engine from it, I'll get two, to build a small generator.

[bilmac]

Could you hang an alternator on your mower by making some brackets, and use the one engine to run either the mower or alternator?

[keith44]

Probably, but it would be either or, not both.  Lawn mower engines although pretty strong, are built to provide just enough power, with very little to spare.

[Lloyd Smale]

keep in mind  a cobbled up generator is going to have exposed pulleys and belts and exposed electrical conections. Not good when theres children around. I would guess that by the time you buy an alternator and a motor and fab up a mount and buy the pullets and belt you could probably buy a generator from northern hydrolics cheaper. Also keep in mind that most alternators are 100 amp. that tranlates to 1200 watts which really isnt much. You will also need an invertor if you want to run 120 volt things. At least another 50 bucks for even a very small one.  Ive seen 2000 watt generators for 250 bucks. hardly worth the bother.

[keith44]

You are correct if you must buy all components.  However if you have an engine already, pulleys are less than 10 bucks, and older style GM / A/C Delco alternators are about $40.00 or less locally.  If you're just looking for battery charger capabilities you'd be covered, for $100.00 or less depending on what you have laying around.

[fatercat]

buy one of the solar chargers and hook it to your battery. they work on my feeders.

[Drilling Man]

  AND, hooking the batt to your garden tractor/pu/farm tractor/car's batt with #10 wire is cheaper yet.  It will charge the batt too.

  DM