Best RPM for Fuel Economy and FEL work

CowwFace · Feb 14, 2011

Hey List,

What do you guys typically run your DK40, 45, 50's at for best fuel economy? I typically run mine at a bit over 2k and that seems to give me good power and fast hydraulic mvt. On my tach there is a little red triangle, and I've always assumed this is were the PTO is running at the 540rpm rating? Or is that something else?

I was reading a post in the New Holland thread and I thought it was a great question...

Tractor on,

Bigturk · Feb 14, 2011

Hi CowwFace,

You are right that the red mark on the Tach represents 540 rpm on the PTO.

I like to operate my DK 40se at just over 2000 rpm. The engine doesn't seem to be working so hard and is much quieter. Even when using my 74 inch snow blower I usually don't rev it up to the 2600 and have no trouble moving snow. Travel speed across the road is faster at full RPM and that is about the only time I rev my Kioti that high. I notice a little hydraulic wine at full throttle also.

I only have 80 hours on mine so I'm still learning.

Take care.

IslandTractor · Feb 14, 2011

I also run my DK40se at 2000-2100 for most mowing and 1800-1900 for backhoe or routine FEL work. I use full PTO speed only when mowing thick spring grass or when tilling new areas.

My rationale is simply that the tractor does the work at those speeds without lugging down and I prefer the lower engine volume. I have no idea if it really saves much fuel or engine wear.

JonKioti · Feb 15, 2011

I was wondering the same thing with my CK-20 with snow plowing and snowblowing.

BigTurk is about where I am...anyone else with the same question on the smaller models?

Jon

IslandTractor · Feb 15, 2011

I used basically the same RPM ranges with my CK20. The only difference was if I tried to mow in high range I needed to use PTO RPMs.

Gittyup · Feb 16, 2011

The only time I run near full throttle is when I'm doing a lot of loader work and want to work quickly. Loader cycle time is faster, the higher the RPMs. Also full throttle for chipper. I don't mow with it. Backhoe 1600 for leisure, 1900 for "fast" work.

Scraper 2000 unless going up hill. Boxblade fully engaged: full throttle.

Fuel usage goes up markedly above 2000 or so.

Putzing around 1600 - 1800 on my gear. HST's might want to be a little faster to maintain good tranny pressure.

tulenutn2o · Feb 16, 2011

I run mine more in the 1800-2000 range most of the time. When doing loader work or anything not steady state, I use the foot throttle and vary rpm, but rarely go over 2000.

Redneck in training · Feb 16, 2011

The PTO speed is usually set to maximum torque the engine can produce. It is also the speed of the best specific fuel consumption [ounces/HP/hour]. My tractor has Kubota 1501 engine and I run it above 2000 rpm most of the time but very seldom over PTO speed.

kidkioti · Feb 16, 2011

Good question. I have a CK 27 HST. Read the posted RPMs, but how many hours or GPH can you expect to get running 1800 to 2000 RPMs? I must have missed something??? Thank you very much! KK

Gittyup · Feb 16, 2011

I've only done this once or twice. I was getting about 7 hours at or near PTO HP on a tank. Tank never ran dry, but probably close, like 6 -7 gallons. From what I've been reading that is about what to expect, right around .8 - 1 gallon per hour.