6.5 KW Light Tower Kubota

Jcparmley · August 18, 2019, 07:25:03 PM

Hello All

I have an opportunity to purchase a light tower with a Kubota for cheap. The engine is a d1105-BG. It has 3172 hours and looks clean. My question is, has anyone put one of these in their bus? If so how did it work out? I am worried that 6.5k won't be enough. I have a air cooled 12.5k but it's old and loud. If I find that 6.5 isn't enough could I purchase a larger generator head and install that on this engine? What are your thoughts?

DoubleEagle · August 18, 2019, 07:48:47 PM

Each size generator head needs a specific level engine to power it. I'm not familiar with a d-1105-BG, but it might be at the limit of the power needed for 6.5 kw. I have two Kubota's, one is a V1903 engine which powers a 15 kw head, and a V2203, which has a 17.5 kw. They both look very much alike, and weigh the same virtually, but the V2203 has more horsepower which is needed for that 2.5 kw difference. In total I have about 270 Amps of capacity, but then my Model 15 has three roof A/C heat pumps, and four Cruiseair A/C heat pumps. 6.5 kw should be able to handle two A/C's, but not much else. The light tower might put out 120V only, or maybe some other voltage. I would check that out before you jump in. 3172 hrs is not a great amount if the engine was taken care of. Kubota's can go over 20,000 hrs.

luvrbus · August 18, 2019, 09:16:48 PM

The Kubota d1105-BG is 9.5 KW engine the problem is they are 1500 rpm engine and most light towers are 480V at least mine are lol another deal I got into thinking they would work for a RV,it is a tiny engine 13 or 14 hp I recall lawn mowers use that engine

DoubleEagle · August 19, 2019, 08:51:28 AM

That is small, the V1903 is 22.3 kw. I had a feeling that light towers were very different voltage wise.

belfert · August 19, 2019, 10:19:50 AM

The D1105 can do at least 23 HP depending on the exact configuration. I have two mowers with this engine and they are 23 HP.

luvrbus · August 19, 2019, 11:16:40 AM

There are different models of the D1105 I don't believe you can get 23 hp from the BG model.your mowers are probably the E2B models

Jcparmley · August 19, 2019, 05:38:53 PM

Is anyone familiar with the Kubota v1200-bg1 motor?

DoubleEagle · August 19, 2019, 05:59:16 PM

Quote from: belfert on August 19, 2019, 10:19:50 AM
The D1105 can do at least 23 HP depending on the exact configuration. I have two mowers with this engine and they are 23 HP.

If the Kubota he is looking at is 6.5 kw (which is how Kubota labels their engines), 6.5 kw = 8.72 mechanical hp.

buswarrior · August 19, 2019, 07:09:01 PM

Outside the box...

How much alternator could that engine spin?

For the right price, a DC generator would be a fun way to entertain the busnuts at your next rally

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Jcparmley · August 19, 2019, 07:34:16 PM

That is outside the box. I do have a extra alternator in my first bus. How big is an alternator in a MCI 102c3?

Quote from: buswarrior on August 19, 2019, 07:09:01 PM
Outside the box...

How much alternator could that engine spin?

For the right price, a DC generator would be a fun way to entertain the busnuts at your next rally

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

thomasinnv · August 21, 2019, 09:02:56 AM

Quote from: Jcparmley on August 19, 2019, 07:34:16 PM
That is outside the box. I do have a extra alternator in my first bus. How big is an alternator in a MCI 102c3?

I believe the 24v alternator is 250 or 275 amp.

Pertaining to the op, my generator has a 8.5kw head spun by an 1105 kubota, rated at 7.5kw.