Grain dryer

[Case290]

Master 12t yr98 ish
380v alternator it’s dropped to 300 v and burner cut out . it’s that a sign alternator gone bad checked and tightened the belts and was fine again for almost a load. And dropped to 300 volts again. Any one know how to test or service them. Or is it a case of throw away and get a new one. ??

 

[JLLM]

@Campbell

 

[RmfJ]

Master 12t yr98 ish
380v alternator it’s dropped to 300 v and burner cut out . it’s that a sign alternator gone bad checked and tightened the belts and was fine again for almost a load. And dropped to 300 volts again. Any one know how to test or service them. Or is it a case of throw away and get a new one. ??

Blow the crud out of that box for a start. If tightening the belts sorted it for a time it would suggest it needs a new set, it can be that simple.

 

[Flatlander]

As said above the belts can be harp string tight but if the width is worn down and it’s running on the inner flat of the wedge it won’t drive the alternator under load fast enough. Or could be simply the voltage regulator is on the way out. Should be places to get it serviced,generator repair,or starter motor/alternator repair. Bearings could be worn also making it short inside.

 

[Campbell]

Take it off the machine and give it a good air blast clean up. May be just the brushes, or worst case failed windings. The windings can be easily tested.

 

[Gadget]

I have left ours disconnected and have run two wires to the tractor battery.

 

[Longpod]

Mecc Alte UK Ltd are in Oakham, Rutland. I’ve had spares off them before for one of our generators. ​

 

[Case290]

Took of and cleaned Bearings are good. I’ll try new belts. Dryer probably done 1000 hrs so not vast amount.

 

[Case290]

I am by a 240/ 415 electric socket so could I just run the burner off that ? Guess that’s all it’s doing

 

[Longpod]

From what I gather, you have to be really careful doing a home conversion to mains. When tractor powered and the fan fails, the burner also stops working. When mains powered and the fan fails, the burner will keep burning and cause a fire without the addition of a air flow sensor to kill the burner if the air stops flowing.

 

[Flatlander]

From what I gather, you have to be really careful doing a home conversion to mains. When tractor powered and the fan fails, the burner also stops working. When mains powered and the fan fails, the burner will keep burning and cause a fire without the addition of a air flow sensor to kill the burner if the air stops flowing.

On mine the gas is turned off via a solenoid that is turned on/off by air pressure in the dryer. If anything Cause pressure to drop it shuts the gas off. I put a bye pass switch in as when it’s below -10 propane takes a fair bit of heating to get it bavk to gas from liquid and running the fan slower while the burner heats the ring up to do this help with it freezing up or even staying lit. Seen some put a diesel space heater on the propane tank to warm it up but I can think of safer way to travel south.

 

[David.]

Just install a pressure/vacuum switch with the sensor tube secured in place in front of the fan grille, and wire it into the burner stop circuit.
Converted a Mecmar to mains because alternator died this harvest, fine but you MUST install safety cut-out; tractor never runs out of diesel whilst you are stood by it, and burner running with no fan will set drier alight in about 2 minutes.

 

[Nearly]

Check if there is cracking on the bracket for the belt tensioner or base plate.

 

[Case290]

Cleaned and back in. new belts ordered

 

[RmfJ]

Did you have a successful outcome?

 

[Case290]

new belts but they were slipping got to tighten them really tight but been on other jobs maybe get back to it this week.