Mowing hi-gear vs. low-gear mowing

[roamerr]

My BX mows at full throttle and high range. Full throttle allows me to be able to cut rocks in two when I hit them with the blades...

 

[RoyJackson]

This brings up and interesting question, with the mowers its a good idea to run at 540 or 1000 regardless of the expected work load. In other threads I see people running PTO stuff like PHD's at barely above idle. Being new I thought you ran everything at 540 or 1000 if it attached to the PTO. How do you know which attachments are ok to run below 540 or 1000?

First place to look is the implement manual. I've had two RFM's and one rotary cutter. Manuals for those three recommend a 540 PTO speed (You want that blade tip speed up for mowing most efficiently).
The manual for the Woods chipper also recommends 540 RPM.
I don't have a post hole digger, so I've no idea what's recommended for them.

 

[clemsonfor]

post hole diggers say 540 as well, but just like a bushhog will work at less rpms so will a phd. But lower rpms on a bushhog will cause the blades to swing away easier when they hit thick brush like small trees, or easily bog the tractor in thicker grass that full rpms to turn the 540pto would not.

 

[TGF]

My PHD says do not exceed 540. It also says you should always run it at the PTO setting of your tractor. Not much info on going slower.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I do not like lugging a engine so I do as Sound Guy said and set the throttle to PTO speed then select the gear or range that gives me a satisfactory ground speed.

Both of my tractors have a tach and could not imagine running one without it but I guess that is out of the equation on the tractor in question.

Chris

 

[missourithunder]

GardenFence,
When we lived on the base, the backyard was as flat as a pancake. I had it in high range with the throttle wide open every time I mowed and never had any issues.

So then we move to the new property. One very, very steep side yard. Figured out real quick that on hills that low and slow is the key. Low range and 4WD at all times for me now.

MT

 

[Rod in Forfar]

Hi, I'm new here, looking for answers to the question posed at the beginning of this thread: at what speed do I run my mower?

It's a recently-acquired '81 Bolens G174. That's a 41" wide, 17 hp, 4WD, diesel tractor with tall wheels and turf tires. It came with a 3 pt. hitch-mounted Woods 48" finish mower, model RM48YM-2. The thing cuts like a bandit, but the manual's specifications add another element to your debate, and some urgency to my desire for a tachometer on this tractor.

You see, the mower's manual calls for 840 rpm or 1000, giving blade rpm of 3126 or 3722. At top speed that's 16,380' per minute, or about 180 miles per hour tip speed.

Then we come to the Bolens's 3-speed PTO. At 2700 rpm, it offers choices of 472, 752, and 1177.

I have put a tank and a half of diesel through it so far, mostly cutting hay out from between young trees -- pretty heavy work. I don't run it at anywhere near full speed, more like 2/3, and it cuts very well at PTO selection 2. When the blades get dull the tractor doesn't lose speed, just beats the daylights out of what it can no longer cut.

My question is for someone who owns a similar tractor with a 2 cylinder Mitsubishi engine: how fast is full speed? (2700?) what's idle? (1000?) what's a reasonable speed for cutting in 1 High? For very intricate or heavy cutting I drop down to 3 Low, but it's a huge drop in ground speed and the mower plugs more readily.

The tractor has impressed me with its strength and versatility. I'd like to know if reasonable revolution choices can hurt it, or can experience with other old engines carry over to the 2 cylinder Japanese wonder.

Thanks,

Rod in Forfar (Ontario, Canada)

1947 Massey Harris 30
1960 Massey Ferguson 35 (Perkins)
1995 TAFE 35DI
1981 Bolens G174
2006 Simplicity Regent (Kohler 18)
1979 Troy-Bilt Horse II tiller

Walnut Diary

 

[Transit]

Ok, for those of you without a tach, go to harbor freight and order the PHOTO SENSOR TACHOMETER p/n 41727, its a great tool and very accurate. Measure the PTO revs and mark the position on the throttle. You also may make a bracket to hold the throttle in place. Remember to set the speed a bit high to allow for loading, say 540 +25 rpm.
You surely will find other uses for the tach.:thumbsup:

 

[GardenFence]

yes, it's HST. thanks !

 

[Soundguy]

This brings up and interesting question, with the mowers its a good idea to run at 540 or 1000 regardless of the expected work load. In other threads I see people running PTO stuff like PHD's at barely above idle. Being new I thought you ran everything at 540 or 1000 if it attached to the PTO. How do you know which attachments are ok to run below 540 or 1000?

phds need idle or else you can cork scre them intot he ground around a root and then spend the next day backing them out with a pipe wrench.

use common sense.. tillers, and mowers need to be run at correct pto speeds.. so do generators.

things like water pumps and sprayers, and phd's it varies based on application.. etc.

soundguy