Power driven by your tractor
PTO generators for tractors
A PTO (cardan-shaft) generator uses your tractor as the drive source — no separate combustion engine, no extra fuel and no additional engine to maintain. Power wherever the tractor can go.
- Tractor-driven via PTO shaft
- Available outputs depend on tractor power
- Configuration confirmed per model
Overview
How a PTO generator works
A PTO generator is a simple and proven solution: the generator is connected to the tractor's power take-off (PTO) shaft and produces electricity while the tractor engine runs. No separate engine, no second fuel supply, no additional service — one machine does the work of two.
PTO generators are used in agriculture, on construction sites and wherever a reliable source of electricity is needed at a place where the grid does not reach. Their advantage is simplicity, lower purchase cost compared with a diesel unit of the same output and the use of equipment the operator already owns.
Note: the availability of specific models, the matching of tractor power and drivetrain, and the required PTO speed must always be confirmed for the specific model and tractor before an order. We will verify the compatibility of the configuration with you.
Risk of an outage
The principle in four steps
1. Tractor engine runs
The tractor engine drives the PTO shaft at the required speed — typically 540 or 1000 rpm depending on the model.
2. PTO shaft transfers the drive
The cardan shaft connects the tractor's PTO stub with the generator input.
3. Generator produces power
The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy at the rated output.
4. Power for your equipment
The produced electricity powers tools, machines, buildings or site equipment — wherever the tractor can get to.
Where it fits
Where PTO generators are used
Agricultural buildings
Power for livestock buildings, stores, workshops and farm infrastructure — where the tractor is part of everyday operation.
Backup during an outage
An emergency source during a distribution-grid failure. The tractor with PTO generator covers critical circuits of the farm or workshop.
Remote sites
Places without access to the distribution grid — fields, forests, distant plots and mountain locations.
Seasonal work
Harvest, drying, irrigation and other seasonal technologies with situational power needs.
Construction sites
Temporary power for site facilities, tools and technologies on sites without a permanent connection.
Events and mobile operations
Mobile operations, events and temporary installations where a flexible and movable power source is needed.
Comparison
PTO generator or diesel generator?
Both solutions have their justification. The right choice depends on how often you need power, what output you require and what equipment is available on your farm or site.
PTO generator
- No separate combustion engine — the tractor provides the drive.
- Lower purchase price at a comparable output.
- No additional fuel, oil or filters to maintain.
- Uses equipment the operator already owns.
- Suitable for situational, seasonal and standby use.
- Requires the presence and availability of a suitable tractor.
Diesel generator
- Fully autonomous — starts and runs without a tractor.
- With ATS it provides automatic takeover during a grid failure, without an operator.
- Suitable for permanent standby of critical operations.
- Higher purchase price and its own service requirements.
- Independent of the availability of other machines.
Design factors
Sizing and compatibility
The output of a PTO generator must always be matched to the specific tractor and the way it is used. These are the key parameters we verify together before an order.
Tractor power
The tractor's engine power determines what generator output can be reliably driven. As a rule of thumb, an output corresponding to a portion of the engine power is available at the PTO — the exact value depends on the model.
PTO speed
Standard PTO speeds are 540 and 1000 rpm. The generator must be configured for the speed available on the specific tractor.
Drivetrain compatibility
The PTO stub type, shaft length and the drivetrain's power transmission must be matched to the specific tractor and generator model.
Continuous power
The generator's continuous output at PTO drive is lower than the short-time peak. We design the sizing according to the real load of your equipment.
Starting currents
Electric motors of pumps, compressors or conveyors draw several times more at start-up. The configuration must tolerate these peaks.
Load management
With higher-output connections we address the order and method of switching on consumers so the tractor is not overloaded.
Process
Configuration and options
- Step 1
Single-phase and three-phase
Depending on the powered equipment, a single-phase or three-phase execution is chosen.
- Step 2
Connections and switchboard
Socket output configuration, residual-current protection and connection to the building's or site's installation.
- Step 3
Frame and mounting
Execution on a frame with mounting for stable placement and safe operation.
- Step 4
Cardan shaft
PTO shaft matched to the specific tractor and generator — length, coupling and torque.
- Step 5
Changeover
For standby use we address safe disconnection from the grid and transfer to the generator.
Typical operations
The role of the PTO generator on a farm and site
Cheap emergency source
Where a tractor is available and outages are not frequent, a PTO generator is an economical way to back up critical circuits.
Mobile power
The tractor and generator travel together — power wherever it is needed, without transport of a separate unit.
Seasonal operation
Drying, irrigation, cooling or processing during the season — power exactly when it is needed.
Combination with a diesel unit
A PTO generator and a diesel unit do not exclude each other — the PTO covers mobile and situational needs, the diesel unit covers automatic standby.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What output can a PTO generator provide?
The available output depends on the tractor's engine power and the specific generator model. As a rule, the generator can draw a portion of the engine power via the PTO. The exact combination of tractor and generator is always confirmed for the specific model before an order.
Does a PTO generator need a special tractor?
No. Any tractor with a standard PTO stub (typically 540 or 1000 rpm) and sufficient engine power can drive a PTO generator. The drivetrain compatibility and PTO speed are verified for the specific tractor.
Can a PTO generator back up a building during an outage?
Yes — with safe disconnection from the grid. For permanent automatic takeover we recommend a diesel unit with ATS; the PTO generator is suitable as a manual emergency and seasonal source with an operator present.
Is this a diesel generator from your stock?
No. A PTO generator is not a stock diesel unit — it is a configuration of a generator driven by your tractor via the cardan shaft. The availability of specific models and their compatibility with your tractor are confirmed individually before the order.
What maintenance does a PTO generator need?
Minimal. There is no engine in the generator — no oil, filters or fuel system. Maintenance covers mainly the cardan shaft, bearings and electrical parts. The tractor is serviced as usual.
References
Why choose a PTO generator from ESKO.
Verified compatibility
Before the order we verify the compatibility of the generator with your tractor — PTO speed, drivetrain and power. No guesswork.
Configuration per application
Single-phase or three-phase, sockets, switchboard, frame and cardan shaft — the configuration is matched to your use.
Advice before the contract
We help decide whether a PTO generator is the right solution for your operation — or whether a diesel unit with ATS would serve better.
Authorised AKSA dealer
As an authorised AKSA dealer we provide industrial units, parts and service for the whole portfolio.
By power
Related generator power pages
Ratings are indicative, not a full-facility guarantee — the required PRP or ESP rating is confirmed from your load profile, starting loads and critical circuits during project sizing.
Keep reading
Related topics and pages
Czech projects — scope as agreed
For Czech projects the delivery may include, as agreed: generator supply, design of the installation, commissioning on a prepared site, turnkey realization and a service contract. The scope is always clarified together during consultation and confirmed in the quotation.
International supply — EXW CZ/NL
International direct sales are preferably EXW Czech Republic / Netherlands; transport is agreed individually. Installation and service abroad are possible in agreed cases and are always confirmed individually by location and model. Manufacturer warranty.
We will verify the compatibility with your tractor
Send us your tractor model and a description of the intended use — we will confirm the compatibility and propose a suitable configuration.