Toolguy
Platinum Member
While I don't disagree with any of the advice given for operating PTO implements, I believe your actual question was what RPM to run the engine when not using the PTO. I have a B3030 and I generally operate anywhere from idle (about 1100 RPM) to 2100 RPM. Most of the time it is about 1400-1600. The B3030 has so much power for its' size that high RPMs are rarely needed for most jobs. I typically drive around my yard in H range at a little above idle. I plow snow off my 300' driveway with a 6' RB in H at 1600 RPM. When I use the loader for light work I drop down to M. The only time I use L is if I am using the loader to dig dirt or to plow with my 2 bottom Ferguson. I can easily use L to get a full scoop of topsoil off of a pile and then shift to H to idle across the yard to where I want to dump it. I mow lawn at the low side of the orange PTO speed indicator on the tach. I mow in M which is ideal. At full HST pedal in M you are moving right along. If the ground is rough or the grass is wet and tall I will not run at full pedal. As you get more hours on your B3030 you will see what a good tractor it is. I like to use mine at the lowest RPM necessary to get the job done. On the other hand, you could do everything at WOT and the only thing that would suffer would be fuel consumption. The engine is designed to run its' whole life at WOT and last a long, long time. Change the oil regularly, keep the air filter clean and feed it good fuel and it will give you faithful service for many years. Good luck.
