Mowing Newbie seeking advice...

[rockotman]

Hello, all - new JD2320 owner and new to this site. The site comes highly recommended, and I have read several threads in selecting the unit and in preparation for delivery of my tractor, which finally arrived on Friday.

Growing up in the city, this country living is new to me, so please excuse the rookie questions, but I have a few. I am sure there are several here that have the experience to answer them.

My wife and I recently purchased a 10 acre piece of property - sort of a retirement place to live and where my wife can keep her horses. Of the 10 acres, I will have to mow about 6.

First off - my rig...

New John Deere 2320
62D1 Mowing Deck
200CX FEL
54" Snow Blade

I read through all the literature, and am comfortable with operating the unit and the attachments.

But nowhere in the literature can I find the following:

1. What is the proper RPM to set the engine at for cutting (being cautious, I cut yesterday with speed set to 2000 rpm)?

2. Should I cut with the tractor in H or L (to be on the safe side, I did cutting yesterday with it in L)?

The land is fairly flat, so I am not too concerned about going "too fast", but I want to make sure I don't overstress the rig or void the warranty.

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I learn the ropes, so please bear with me.

 

[Rob-D]

Hi,
And Welcome,

When you cut with a 3 point implement you run it at PTO speed , mid mower deck runs at this too. You should see this on your tach on the 3320, probably around 2500 rpms.

The 3320 has three speeds in the hydro setting. Probably somewhere in the middle setting but the best thing to do is be comfortable and don't run it too fast to the point where it feels unsafe. Wear your seatbelt, the rule is if the ROPS is up the seat belt is on, rOPS down belt off.

The 3320 is a little beefer, it can take it. Deere recommends that the engine be run at or above 1600 rpms for best results (mower runs at above speed ~2500 rpms- PTO mark). It's also better to run the engine at a higher speed as opposed to lugging it.
good luck, great tractor,
Rob

 

[rockotman]

Rob - thanks... it's a 2320, not a 3320. I assume the same advice holds?

Note that the 2320 tach doesn't have any markings for the PTO speed.

 

[Rob-D]

Sorry about that. The 2320 has a two speed hydro tranny, not three but yes advice still holds. The 24 hp runs a little higher rpms for mower and PTOs but you wil still see the mark on the tach for the PTO speed setting to use for the mower. With the 2320 and tall grass you may have to run a little slower but it has a lot of even power in the diesel just like the 3320, just less hp out the PTOs. If you see your tach dropping when you mow than cut your mowing rate down. What yuo want isto be able to mow and have the tach sit at the same rpms, this way you know you're not over loading the engine. Don't mow for several hours until you hit your 50 hour maint. Mow for the first 50 for an hour or two at the most.

Rob

 

[Gittyup]

Generally, HSTs with no tach marking are run at full rpm's when cutting grass. Actually, high rpms is recommended any time the tractor is rolling because it is needed to build adequate pressure for the transmission to operate without strain. Range selection will be determined by slope, terrain, and grass conditions. Do tasks that allow you to vary the rpms until the engine is broken in.

 

[TripleR]

Generally, HSTs with no tach marking are run at full rpm's when cutting grass. Actually, high rpms is recommended any time the tractor is rolling because it is needed to build adequate pressure for the transmission to operate without strain. Range selection will be determined by slope, terrain, and grass conditions. Do tasks that allow you to vary the rpms until the engine is broken in.

Pretty much the way we did with our 2305, I was pretty disappointed in the Owners Manual as to operation and maintenance compared to others.

 

[Rob-D]

Gittyup,
The 2320 has a tach and a mark on it for PTO rpm. If I remember it's 2700 forthe PTO.
Also it's not required to run the tractor at full rpm for the HST. Deere says just don't run the tractor below 1500-1600 rpms for best engine longevity and performance.
Regulating the rpms for the fist few hours is a good idea though.

One more thing, make sure you check the front screen and the radiator for grass build up when mowing, especially dry grass and dusty fields. This can over heat the engine as the 2320 has not heat gauge.
Rob

 

[TripleR]

Gittyup,
The 2320 has a tach and a mark on it for PTO rpm. If I remember it's 2700 forthe PTO.
Also it's not required to run the tractor at full rpm for the HST. Deere says just don't run the tractor below 1500-1600 rpms for best engine longevity and performance.
Regulating the rpms for the fist few hours is a good idea though.

One more thing, make sure you check the front screen and the radiator for grass build up when mowing, especially dry grass and dusty fields. This can over heat the engine as the 2320 has not heat gauge.
Rob

Very good advice, we had to blow ours out in the middle of mowing due to clogging and it overheated on my wife once.

 

[RalphVa]

Always run your PTO powered stuff at PTO-designated speed. It's actually better for the engine and more efficient for the implement being powered to run at the design speed.

The 2700 rpm sounds about right for the 2320. That's the PTO-designated rpm for my 4010.

The PTO is only turning at around 500 rpm. You're certainly not overstressing the implement running it at PTO speed. That's slow! The implements probably have gearing/pulleys that actually increase the speed of the main machinery several times higher rpm.

Also, an engine speed of 2700 rpm is not very fast. Americans are so used to Detroit "iron" running typically about 1500-2000 rpm. I've driven Italian sports cars and even sedans where you don't dare let them get below about 2,000 rpm because the oil pressure won't be enough to protect the bearings. That's not the case with Detroit "iron" and tractors. The oil pumps likely max out and go on bypass with too much flow at around 1500 rpm. That was even the case with our old 1983 Benz 240D engine.

Ralph

 

[RoyJackson]

Mostly good replies here...

If your 2320 is still in the break-in period, you want to vary the engine RPM. What I did with my 790 was run the machine at PTO speed for about ten minutes, then lower the RPM for a short period (maybe 5 minutes).
This isn't optimal for mowig, but it does help the rings seat.
If your 2320 has more then 50-60 hours, it's as broke in as it's going to get.
As far as which range to be in, just pick the one most comfortable for you. Just don't try turning sharply at higher speeds. And even on level ground, use that seatbelt!