General generator FAQ.s

This will supply sanswers to some of the more fequently asked questions

What is an automatic standby generator?
An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home’s electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas, diesel, or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.

Why should I buy a home standby generator instead of a portable generator?
While portable generators are effective in terms of backup power, a home standby generator produces more power, offers hassle-free, automatic operation even when you aren't at home and exercises weekly to ensure extended life. With a home standby generator, there is no need to run extension cords, the unit will operate rain or shine, and it will automatically turn on even when you are not home.


What is the difference between an automatic air-cooled generator and an automatic liquid-cooled generator?
The engines! Air-cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid cooled engines are used on larger wattage generators due to the larger engines required for the higher power output.


Can an automatic standby generator replace utility service?
No. The generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers.


How do I correctly size a generator for my home?
The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your home without power! Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last for days or weeks. What would you like your living conditions to be? In a typical installation with an 8 kW, eight circuit generator, you could connect (1) lights and TV in the family room, (2) microwave and lights in the kitchen, (3) refrigerator, (4) power to the bathroom, (5) computer and home office, (6) garage door opener, (7) air conditioner, and (8) furnace.


Can I install the standby generator myself?
You could perform the simpler site preparation steps and have a professional make the electrical panel and fuel connections, or you could complete the entire installation yourself. However, for safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes, particularly for non pre-wired or larger systems, we recommend you use a licensed contractor.


Do they have to be maintained?
Yes, simple maintenance is required. All generators require periodic oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Preventative maintenance kits are available Refer to the owner’s manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.


What type of oil should I use?
An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. A 10w30 oil is recommended as the standard generator motor oil to use in our home standby generator engines. Regularly check the oil level in your standby generator. Refer to your owner’s manual for details.


What happens if the generator gets over loaded?
In the rare event of an overload, the generator’s circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. Simply correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator.


What is the difference between rated watts and maximum (surge) watts?
Rated watts describe the amount of power the portable generator can produce continuously. Maximum wattage is the power that the generator can produce for short periods of time. Motor starting is a good example of maximum wattage requirements.


What type of oil is recommended? How often should it be changed?
Above 40°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to 10°F, use 10W-30. Below 10°F, use synthetic 5W-30. Oil should be changed after the first 8 hours of operation and every 200 hours of run time thereafter.


When should I add engine oil through the spark plug hole in my generator?
Adding a little bit of oil through the spark plug hole in your generator so that it will directly enter the cylinder will prevent it from rusting. This should be done if you don't plan to use your generator for a long time.


What type of gasoline is recommended?
Use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum 85 octane rating. Turn off the generator engine and allow it to cool about 2 minutes before refueling. Never put gas into your generator while the engine is running.


Why should I use a gas stabilizer or additive for my generator?
The use of a gas stabilizer or additive will minimize the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Additives and stabilizers may be added to the gasoline in the fuel tank of the engine, or to the gasoline in a storage container. Make sure your fuel supply is reliable over time with the appropriate additives or stabilizers.


Does a portable generator require installation?
No. A portable can power individual appliances using extension cords. Using a manual transfer switch is even a safer way to power items in the house because it will block any power from back feeding in the power lines. It will also avoid a bunch of extension cords and allow you to power items hardwired into your house like a furnace fan.


Should the fuel be drained when storing the portable generator?
Yes. It is highly recommended that you drain the fuel from the tank and run the carburetor dry. You should never store combustible materials in your home or vehicle. Remember: You should never operate a generator in a confined space, particularly inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide is deadly and can kill.


Can I vent the exhaust out of an enclosed area?
No. Never run the generator in the home or an enclosed area. Portable generators are designed to run outside where there is plenty of ventilation.


Can the generator be used during inclement weather?
Generators can be used during a wide variety of weather temperatures, but should be protected from the elements when not in use to prevent shorting and rusting. NEVER run a generator indoors.

How Do I Install and Operate a Generator?

Now you have your Winco 35PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 35 Kilowatt Generator generator how do you install it? If you follow these simple steps your Winco 35PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 35 Kilowatt Generator generator will give you many years of faithful service.


Standby generator


 Standby generators are wired directly into your current electrical system and generally require professional installation. Installing a standby generator by yourself may void the unit's warranty or violate local building codes, so research these issues before you begin.




The basic steps are as follows.
First, mount the unit outside your home on a concrete pad or plastic mounting pads that come with the generator. You may need a contractor to pour the concrete foundation and mount the generator.


Next you'll need to contact your gas or propane company to connect the unit to its fuel source.


Last, you'll have to call an electrician to hook the generator up to your home's electrical system. Some generators come with pre-wired kits that make it easier for the "do-it-yourselfer" to do the wiring. In most cases, it's probably safest and best to have this work done for you by a licensed professional.


Once installed, operation depends on whether you've used a manual or an automatic transfer switch.


With an automatic transfer switch, if the generator senses a disruption in utility power, it turns itself on and takes over power production until utility power resumes. With a manual transfer switch, you have to handle these chores yourself.


On a standby model, you'll have to change the oil and filters on a regular basis. Many manufacturers provide maintenance kits to make this easier.


Portable Generator: 


Setup for portable generators is easy. Just make sure to keep the exhaust port pointed away from your house, and to have the proper distance from your windows and other house openings. If you're not planning to hook your portable generator into your home or building's electrical system, there is not a lot of setup involved other than finding a safe place outside your home for the generator.






Because portable generators create carbon monoxide, you should never run them inside a building, beneath a window, or near any opening to your house (doors, vents, etc.).




Once situated, fill the generator with the required type of gasoline and oil and start the unit. Startup can be as simple as pressing a switch, but on some you'll have to yank a manual recoil pull-cord.
Of course, you will have to plug the appliances you want to power into the generator, refuel it as necessary, and shut the generator off when you're finished with it.


If you want to connect your generator to your home's electrical system, you'll need a manual transfer switch. Make sure your generator's manufacturer supports connecting your model to a transfer switch.


If supported, comply with your model's safety and warranty guidelines as well any local building codes during the installation. In general, it's best to hire an electrician to handle the wiring of your home to the generator and transfer switch.


However you use your generator, over time you'll have to change filters, oil, and spark plugs. Plus, you should not store gasoline in the generator when you're not using it. Either run the generator empty or add a gasoline stabilizer that will prevent the gasoline from "gumming" up. Many manufacturers sell tune-up kits for their models.


Follow the instruction manual for your Winco 35PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 35 Kilowatt Generator generator closely and it will reward you with many years of loyal service.

What Features and Accessories Do I Need?

Aside from pure power production, when choosing your Winco 35PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 35 Kilowatt Generator genorator there are some useful features and accessories to consider when buying a generator.
Transfer switch - If you want to use your generator to power part or all of your home, you'll need a sufficiently sized generator and a transfer switch. The transfer switch safely closes off the utility power line to your house's electrical system and opens a direct line to the generator and reverses the process when utility power is restored. For transfer switches for your Winco 35PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 35 Kilowatt Generator generator Click here
Standby models can work either with a manual or an automatic transfer switch. The benefit of an automatic transfer switch is that it senses when utility power has been lost and automatically switches to generator power.
Wheeled Frames - As the name suggests, portable generators can be transported to different locations. The smallest portable generators are comparatively light--perhaps 50 pounds--and can be carried. Larger models can weigh as much as several hundred pounds, making a wheeled frame essential for moving it out of the garage or shed to power up when you lose power.
Noise - Generators aren't necessarily quiet. Some offer extra features to reduce the noise created during operation. Look for large mufflers if noise is a concern.
For additional generator accesories for your Winco 35PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 35 Kilowatt Generator generator such as extension cords, power cables and outdoor covers click here