Uses for a small Kubota diesel? - Page 4 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Christ · 10-26-2009, 07:58 PM

bgd73 - Do the math. If it has 4.5 HP, and it's governed at 2000-2,500RPM, you can figure out what torque it makes there. Not much, that's for sure. It's not magic, it's math.

Re: the G10.

I would love to build a G10T and put it in a Samurai or similar.

RobertSmalls · 10-26-2009, 10:16 PM

You could do the math, or you could look at the posted torque curve.

Christ · 10-26-2009, 10:17 PM

Yeah, that too... good post LOL.

Christ · 10-26-2009, 10:44 PM

That's the pulley I was talking about. The engine belt has an automatic (spring) tensioner, the drive (output) belt has a manual tensioner. You manually adjust the drive belt and the tension on it moves the middle disc up and down, changing the ratio between the input and output. Very simple setup, hard to beat it for reliability. It even wears the belts evenly on the sides, rather than the small inside surface.

Gasoline Fumes · 10-27-2009, 12:06 AM

I'll have to look for one of those pulleys, thanks!

Christ · 10-27-2009, 01:07 AM

Yep, no problem! I have one laying, not sure if I'll ever use it. I suppose if you want it, I can send it to you for $25. PM me if you're interested. That's about half the price I see around... if you see lower, lemme know, and I'll think from there.

Gasoline Fumes · 10-27-2009, 02:29 AM

I'll let you know if I need it. I'm hoping there's one at the junkyard for me. I think they charge $5 for any pulley.

kimer6 · 09-17-2010, 01:20 AM

Did you ever build the trike? The 4.5 hp is GUTLESS, has fixed injection timing and was designed to run a belt driven alternator. Maybe OK for a minibike but severely lacking in power, throttle response, and fuel efficiency. All modern automotive diesels use injection timing advance. Generator Kubotas have fixed timing like a lawnmower engine.

I just got a Kubota EL 300E. I couldn't pass it up either. Mine came from a large live aboard boat and was used to keep the batteries charged when the main engines were stopped. It also came with a 3000 Watt inverter so they could run the microwave and some other 120VAC things. They went commercial and the USCG made them remove the system.

I built the Diesel Geo Metro. 24 HP is borderline dangerous here as it is not enough to keep 55 mph on the freeway hills no matter what you do. From 35 to 50mph, it was sweet running, great for flatlands, 70mpg right away. California will not allow ANY diesel conversions so it remains stored and unlicensed. It will be my Mad Max grocery getter when the meteor hits.

For electric car guys...this unit in the trunk of the car with its 150 amp alternator would allow you to recharge anywhere with no outside power. Run it when the batteries deplete. The inverter that came with my unit is also a 120VAC battery charger that will charge 12 volts at 250 amps. It came with 2/0 welding cables...huge.

If I don't hook it up to my solar/battery backup systen, then I might make it into a marital aid. Cheers....

Here it is running....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQI7OIdENdk

gone-ot · 09-17-2010, 04:02 PM

...looks like an excellent candidate as a DIY "on-board" full-EV kit!

...what's its BSFC under constant (charging) load like?

busypaws · 09-17-2010, 06:11 PM

It's never too early to plan for retirement in FL or AZ.
Here if the street is signed for 35mph or less then electric golf cart is allowed.
So buy one, take out half the batteries (leaving a few). Install engine, find junkyard or tractor supply generator to generate 12 or 24 volts to charge the batteries that remain in the golf cart. Now no plugin required for your golf cart, no range worries. Map out all your routes on 35mph or less roads.
Count the days till you move to retirement home in FL or AZ.

I already live in AZ. I want to do something like this when I retire.