An electric starter requires a LOT of instantaneous power in order to start an engine. Even on a small gas tractor you are talking something 3,000 watts or so. Bigger gas engines and diesels require much more power – 10 - 20 kilowatts and higher.
Supplying this amount of power from a 120 volt line brings up several problems. (For the following discussion Let’s assume a starter draws 3,000 watts):
1 – A 3,000 watt transformer with a 12 volt secondary is not cheap. Nor is it exactly small – figure about the size of large lunchbox. Locating and adequately protecting (weatherproofing) the transformer on a tractor would be problematic.
2 – Factoring in internal losses, the transformer will require about 3,500 watts input from the 120 volt line. That works out to a 30 amp draw. This is NOT available from your normal residential or farm branch circuit!
3 – You would need a HEAVY cord to supply the transformer. A minimum of #10 would be required. If any substantial cord length was necessary an even bigger #8 cord would be necessary. (Have you priced #8-3 SJO cord lately?!!) Of course special receptacles and cord connectors would be required also.
4 – If your tractor is parked (or stalls/quits) too distant from your high capacity 120 volt circuit, your gonna need the battery ANYWAY to get it started again.
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Bottom line is it’s a lot more cost effective to let battery(s) provide the burst of power necessary to crank up a tractor engine!
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Today's Featured Article - Listening to Your Tractor - by Curtis Von Fange. Years ago there was a TV show about a talking car. Unless you are from another planet, physically or otherwise, I don’t think our internal combustion buddies will talk and tell us their problems. But, on the other hand, there is a secret language that our mechanical companions readily do speak. It is an interesting form of communication that involves all the senses of the listener. In this series we are going to investigate and learn the basic rudimentary skills of understanding this lingo.
... [Read Article]
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