Question 1: During normal usage like light hauling on pallet forks or front loader, what RPM do you run at? Whatever RPM suits the task. Using the loader is usually at mid-RPM's.

Question 2: Using a mid-mount mower like the 54" or 60", at what RPM do you engage the PTO? The manual specifies engaging the PTO at idle.
Question 3: Once the mower deck is engaged, what RPM do you mow at?
Under normal usage, I start the 1025R at "idle" speed, the rev it up and run it at about 2500. Is that good or bad? The book says start at "fast idle" and then increase it. I always started at minimum idle and stayed there. I do not like higher RPM's until the engine gets warmed up.

I mow with the mower deck elevated (the guys at the dealer said that is OK.) which gives me about a 5" cut. I engage the PTO at 2000 to 2500. (I don't like the sound it makes when I engage it at a lower RPM). Then, I mow at 2500 to 2700. Again, I don't know if that is good or bad? (the dealer said I should mow at about 3000). The manual says engage PTO at idle. Anything above that is unnecessary wear and tear. I always mow at max RPM. In light grass/weeds, you could reduce the RPM's some, but remember that lower RPM produces a cut of lesser quality.

I could use some advice. Thanks!

Answers highlighted in red above.

Dave

 

Read your owner's manual - engage PTO at idle only.

http://www.greentractortalk.com/forums/sub-compact-utility-tractors-scut/122250-mowing-rpm-s.html

http://www.greentractortalk.com/for...compact-utility-tractors-scut/23362-power-take-off-rpm-60d-mid-mount-mower.html

http://www.greentractortalk.com/for...lity-tractors-scut/19957-advice-rpm-mover-deck-sub-compact-utility-tractor.html

http://www.greentractortalk.com/for...orums/sub-compact-utility-tractors-scut/14978-what-rpm-you-run-your-engine.html

http://www.greentractortalk.com/for...orums/sub-compact-utility-tractors-scut/7714-1026r-common-rpms-attachments.html

 

Answer 1: Typically low idle (1575 RPM) with the forks. Higher RPM means faster ground speed at any given pedal position, quicker acting hydraulics (not stronger, just quicker) and more fuel consumption, things I don't necessarily desire when I'm moving heavy loads around with the forks. Using the front loader with a bucket, I'd change the engine RPM to match the task. Moving dirt/gravel, I might run it faster (2000 - 2500) to get the job done quicker. I don't have to be slow and steady if I'm just picking up dirt and dumping it. If I'm wanting to be more delicate, like dumping material where I have limited clearance, I'll drop the rpm to make the tractor less responsive at the pedal and slower with the hydraulic action.

Answer 2: Always engage and disengage at low idle (1575 RPM). It puts a shock on the PTO system when you engage the PTO and more RPMs equals higher stress on the components.

Answer 3: 3200 rpm (rated speed for 2100 rpm mid PTO).

Adjust the tractor RPM to suit the job at hand. More RPMs equals more speed at a cost of more noise and more fuel consumption. Keep in mind that with the hydraulics, more RPMs does not equate to more lifting power; it means faster hydraulic response. If you are moving dirt, you can up the RPMs to get a quicker acting loader. If the job requires precision maneuvering and a delicate touch, drop the RPMs.

 

There was a thread about this already... there were hundreds of responses, name-calling, insulting of mothers, and even riots.

:hide:

 

You can read through the one I started. It may help

http://www.greentractortalk.com/forums/sub-compact-utility-tractors-scut/112777-what-rpms.html

 

Always engage/disengage the PTO at idle.

When operating a PTO powered implement, run at the designated PTO RPM.
That is the speed that the implements are engineered for, for optimal performance.
It is so important that there is a mark on your tachometer for it.

 

I cold start my tractor at idle, after a minute or two go to 18-1900 rpm. I leave it there until I see the temperature gauge move. I run it at 2000-2100 rpm driving around to and from work areas and light work.

Heavy loader, fork work I run 23-2500 rpm. If I'm working up and down little hills I will do heavy work at higher than 2500 rpm.

Back hoe I run 2000- 2200 rpm

Mowing I run 2070-2080 PTO rpm. No particular reason. You can round it to 2100.

Whenever I work my tractor I always let it run at lower rpm adjusting it down more til idle for a few minutes to cool down the engine.
Example: if I run 2500 rpm for a while working and I'm done I'll turn down the rpm to 2000 for a few minutes then I'll turn it down to idle for a couple minutes. that's just what I do.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice!

 

Yes, as said always throttle down to engage the PTO. As for operating RPM I generally put throttle as low as possible to do the job without bogging the engine. In fact I cut my entire lawn at 1800 RPM just to see what would happen. It was at less ground speed too but I actual believe the whole lawn looked better. Maybe the slower turning blades creates less blowing around of the grass blades prior to cut. Bad part was my beer was all gone before I finished mowing.

 

See the Summit Racing catalog and others - for 'in car' refreshment systems so you don't have to mow faster!!:laugh:
Remember: its not how fast you mow, its how cold your koozie stays!!:lol: