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Well . . . this is a little different from the auxiliary power issues that most of you have dealt with, but I'm sure some of you will understand my needs better than I do. I have spent hours researching and I seem to be going in circles, so I would welcome suggestions.
I am about to install a compact hydraulic crane on my PM chassis cab (flatbed). The crane will be powered by a 2Hp 12V hydraulic pump. The pump motor will draw about 130A. That is obviously a significant load, but it will only run in ~5 minute spurts. My typical use may be a few times per month, with each use being about three 5 minute spurts with 5 minutes of rest between. My use will NOT be like RV use--running a refrigerator 24/7, etc.
The options I am considering are:
1--Connect the pump motor directly to the starter battery. If the battery alone doesn't supply enough power for my usage, I can run the engine while using the crane. (My PM has the 220A alternator.) Positives: simple, cheap, doesn't add extra weight. Negatives: running engine, hard on battery(?). If I go this route, I will consider a dual-purpose battery when my current battery wears out.
2--Install an isolator and auxiliary battery (or 2 6-volt batteries in series) and run the hydraulic pump off of the auxiliary battery. Positives: less need to run engine, no strain on starter battery. Negatives: more complicated installation, more maintenance, additional cost, additional weight.
If I could get away with option 1, that would be preferable (K.I.S.S.). Any suggestions? Is there another option I am missing?
Thanks
I am about to install a compact hydraulic crane on my PM chassis cab (flatbed). The crane will be powered by a 2Hp 12V hydraulic pump. The pump motor will draw about 130A. That is obviously a significant load, but it will only run in ~5 minute spurts. My typical use may be a few times per month, with each use being about three 5 minute spurts with 5 minutes of rest between. My use will NOT be like RV use--running a refrigerator 24/7, etc.
The options I am considering are:
1--Connect the pump motor directly to the starter battery. If the battery alone doesn't supply enough power for my usage, I can run the engine while using the crane. (My PM has the 220A alternator.) Positives: simple, cheap, doesn't add extra weight. Negatives: running engine, hard on battery(?). If I go this route, I will consider a dual-purpose battery when my current battery wears out.
2--Install an isolator and auxiliary battery (or 2 6-volt batteries in series) and run the hydraulic pump off of the auxiliary battery. Positives: less need to run engine, no strain on starter battery. Negatives: more complicated installation, more maintenance, additional cost, additional weight.
If I could get away with option 1, that would be preferable (K.I.S.S.). Any suggestions? Is there another option I am missing?
Thanks