Power Up Your Kubota Diesel Generator with These Exciting Upgrades

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background Information on the Video and Generator
3. Control Panel Modifications
   • Adding Meters for Voltage, Frequency, and Current
4. Engine Maintenance and Upgrades
   • Adjusting Valve Clearance
   • Flushing the Radiator
   • Cleaning and Disassembling the Alternator
   • General Cleanup and Oil Change
5. Thoughts on Glow Plug Timer and Starting Difficulties
6. Future Upgrades and Additions
   • Installing a Light inside the Enclosure
   • Adding Power Receptacles
7. Comparison with a 20 kW Onan Genset
   • Overview of the Onan Genset
   • Comparison of Features and Usage
8. Testing the Generator under Load
   • Visual and Audio Demonstration of Load Testing
9. Conclusion
10. Summary and Pros/Cons

Article

Kubota Diesel Light Tower Upgrades: A Follow-Up Video

In this article, we will be addressing the multitude of comments that have been flooding in on a video that is over a year old. The video, titled "Kubota Diesel Light Tower Upgrades," showcased a generator that I had purchased from Craigslist. Over time, I made several modifications to the control panel and performed maintenance on the engine. However, I never provided a follow-up on the progress of the project due to personal reasons. In this follow-up video, I aim to bring you up to speed with the current state of the generator and share my thoughts on various aspects of its functionality.

Background Information on the Video and Generator

The generator in question is a light tower unit that I acquired at a reasonable price. It was missing some components, but I saw its potential as a decent generator. The unit consists of a 25-gallon aluminum fuel tank, a 6-kilowatt New Age Stanford Transformer regulated generator, and a Kubota D 905 engine. The original video showcased the disassembly of the enclosure and initial modifications to the control box.

Control Panel Modifications

One of the main enhancements I made to the generator was the addition of meters for voltage, frequency, and current. These electric gauges provided valuable information and improved the overall functionality of the control panel. Alongside these meters, I also included a coolant temperature gauge and an oil pressure gauge. These modifications allowed for better monitoring of the generator's performance and crucial engine parameters.

Engine Maintenance and Upgrades

To ensure the generator's optimal performance, I undertook various engine maintenance tasks. This included adjusting the valve clearance, flushing and cleaning the radiator, disassembling and cleaning the alternator, and performing a full oil change. These routine maintenance tasks were crucial in keeping the engine running smoothly and reliably.

Thoughts on Glow Plug Timer and Starting Difficulties

In the original video, I mentioned having difficulties with cold starts and my decision to modify the glow plug system. Despite receiving mixed feedback on this idea, I decided to proceed with a separate push-button for the glow plugs. Furthermore, I added an indicator light that illuminated when the glow plug bus was energized or de-energized. This indicator light also served as an automatic shutdown feature in case of low oil pressure or high engine temperature.

Future Upgrades and Additions

While the project is complete to a functional and usable state, there are still a few upgrades and additions I would like to make. One of these is mounting a 12V DC light inside the enclosure to provide better illumination. Additionally, I plan to add 120-volt and/or 240-volt receptacles to increase the generator's utility. Currently, I have a temporary setup with a pigtail dropping through the basement window into a manual transfer switch.

Comparison with a 20 kW Onan Genset

Aside from the Kubota generator, I also have a 20-kilowatt Onan genset that I plan to permanently install for my house. The Onan genset features a 2.3-liter Ford industrial engine and has a higher power output. In this section, I will provide a brief overview of the Onan genset and compare its features and usage with the Kubota generator.

Testing the Generator under Load

To showcase the performance of the Kubota generator, I will run it under load using a load bank. This will demonstrate its capacity to handle a significant electrical load. I will share audio and visual demonstrations of the generator operating under different load conditions, highlighting its stability and reliability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Kubota Diesel Light Tower generator has proven to be a worthwhile investment. Despite requiring some initial work to get it up and running, the overall cost of repairs and maintenance has been minimal. The modifications made to the control panel have greatly enhanced its functionality, and the generator performs reliably under load. With a few additional upgrades and improvements, this generator will continue to serve its purpose effectively.

Summary

• The Kubota Diesel Light Tower generator underwent modifications to the control panel, including the addition of meters for voltage, frequency, and current.
• Engine maintenance tasks such as valve clearance adjustment, radiator flushing, alternator cleaning, and oil change were performed to ensure optimal performance.
• The decision to modify the glow plug system was made to address starting difficulties, with a separate push-button and an indicator light added for better control and monitoring.
• Future upgrades include adding a light inside the enclosure and installing power receptacles for increased convenience and utility.
• A comparison with a 20 kW Onan genset highlights the differences in features and usage between the two generators.
• Load testing showcases the stability and reliability of the Kubota generator under different load conditions.

Pros:

• Decent generator purchased at a reasonable price.
• Control panel modifications provide valuable information and improve functionality.
• Routine engine maintenance ensures reliable performance.
• Modifications to the glow plug system enhance starting capabilities.
• Future upgrades will further enhance the generator's usability.
• Comparison with the Onan genset offers insights into both generators' features.

Cons:

• Enclosure may require repair or replacement due to wear and tear.
• Incomplete installation of additional features such as a light and power receptacles.

Highlights

• Upgrades and modifications made to a Kubota Diesel Light Tower generator
• Control panel improvements, engine maintenance, and glow plug system modifications
• Future upgrades and additions planned for increased functionality
• Comparison with a 20 kW Onan genset
• Testing the Kubota generator under load

FAQ

Q: What were the main improvements made to the control panel? A: The main improvements made to the control panel included the addition of meters for voltage, frequency, and current. This provided valuable information for monitoring the generator's performance.

Q: Why was the glow plug system modified? A: The glow plug system was modified to address difficulties with cold starts. The addition of a separate push-button and an indicator light allowed for better control and monitoring of the glow plugs.

Q: What are the planned future upgrades for the generator? A: The planned future upgrades include mounting a light inside the enclosure for better illumination and adding power receptacles for increased convenience and utility.

Q: How does the Kubota generator compare to a 20 kW Onan genset? A: The Kubota generator offers a lower power output compared to the 20 kW Onan genset. However, each generator has its own unique set of features and advantages.

Q: How was the Kubota generator tested under load? A: The Kubota generator was tested under load using a load bank to simulate a significant electrical load. This allowed for a demonstration of its stability and reliability.