Hour Meter Issue

[big bubba]

i do apologize in diverting this thread from the op question. i guess what i'm getting at is the actual hours on your engine can depend on the type of tach/hr meter you have. in my own mind i would rather know how many actual real time hours are on my engine for maintenance purposes, rather than hrs based on rpm @ 540 pto output. as pointed out, this may not make a difference in fluid changes, or regular maintenance etc. however from my pt of view, it is something to keep in mind esp when buying used tractors with say w/2000 plus hrs on the mechanical meter. that's all.... just to keep the discussion at a peaceful level

 

[LD1]

because it's a more accurate way of recording engine hrs simple

But not a more accurate way of recording engine wear. (as far as valve adjusts, major overhauls, etc) is concerned.

With a straight electric "clock" tach, there is a BIG difference between 2000hrs of light use and 2000hrs of hard use but no way to tell the difference.

A mechanical tach is a more accurate way of determining what condition the engine is in.

 

[big bubba]

A mechanical tach is a more accurate way of determining what condition the engine is in. ld1 sorry, will have to have more evidence than just your word. may be wrong, but not convinced...just my opinion... perhaps you should post another thread on this as this is getting lost.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

because it's a more accurate way of recording engine hrs simple

Accuracy in this case is subjective.

I know that if I'm looking at a machine with rpm hrs, it will be adjusted regardless of how it was used. On a straight time machine, how do you know if the hrs were mostly idling or full throttle? Trust the seller? I know I wouldn't.

You could always add a 12V hr meter to a rpm machine if you felt that was better info to have. Pretty hard to add an adjusted one

 

[sycamore]

Thanks everyone, this is great information. I guess this old farm guy didn't really know how hour meters worked after all. So you've answered my question. The best question for me came from Kanook - "Sure you want to let them (my dealer) work on your tractor"? They don't seem to have a clue. I think I will be searching for a different dealer.

Most annoying thing about an hour meter not recording actual run hours is that I use this info for my business records and I am also involved in a farm partnership where we get reimbursed for our equipment use. Guess I will just need to carry a stop watch or remember to use the timer on my IPhone.

At any rate, thanks for the great education.

 

[DK35vince]

Most annoying thing about an hour meter not recording actual run hours is that I use this info for my business records and I am also involved in a farm partnership where we get reimbursed for our equipment use. Guess I will just need to carry a stop watch or remember to use the timer on my IPhone.

You can always install a 12 volt run time hour meter if you feel you want/need one.
They are low priced and easy to install.
12 volt hour meter | eBay

 

[skyhook]

I just noticed, my hour meter clock has no big or little hand.

 

[Bird]

Don't some trucks have both kinds of hour meter? I would think that some of the bigger tractors would, too. When my brothers were Matco Tool Distributors, of course the trucks had the usual odometer in the instrument panel, but since those trucks are rolling showrooms with lots of lights and air-conditioning, they were never shut off during the day, so they spent a lot of time idling. As a result, there was an hour meter that was used to determine maintenance schedules; i.e., oil changes and such.

 

[Bird]

I just noticed, my hour meter clock has no big or little hand.

Contact your dealer and ask if he can fix it.

 

[big bubba]

"they were never shut off during the day, so they spent a lot of time idling. As a result, there was an hour meter that was used to determine maintenance schedules; i.e., oil changes and such. " bird there ya go... was thinking along the same lines...i would much rather schedule fluid changes on a 1:1 hr meter basis rather that engine speed hrs that almost always would end up being more hrs on engine than recorded. that was my only point in this discussion