Attachment/Implement Hour Meters?

[cray54]

I have been looking at ways to count hours on PTO driven implements to keep better track of maintenance. So far, I've found:

• Rotating-shaft-hour-meters (Usually requires a magnet and a pickup)
• Vibration-hour-meters (Just counts time when vibration is high)

The examples I've found so far have internal batteries. I'd prefer something that measures rotation and can be powered by the pickup, but I just need something that is reliable.

There appear to be many very low cost options on Amazon, but I'd like to choose something that lasts.

Any suggestions for this sort of thing?

Thank you, Chris

 

[bmaverick]

I have been looking at ways to count hours on PTO driven implements to keep better track of maintenance. So far, I've found:

• Rotating-shaft-hour-meters (Usually requires a magnet and a pickup)
• Vibration-hour-meters (Just counts time when vibration is high)

The examples I've found so far have internal batteries. I'd prefer something that measures rotation and can be powered by the pickup, but I just need something that is reliable.

There appear to be many very low cost options on Amazon, but I'd like to choose something that lasts.

Any suggestions for this sort of thing?

Thank you, Chris

If you must, then rotating shaft is the way to go.

For my atachments,
- the disc harrow gets a 1X year greasing on the zerks.
- Brush mower grease on the zerks and 1X per year check the oil and how clean
- 3PT straight blade gets oiled when it squeaks and just prior to winter plowing.
- PHD gets the least use. Gets a look over when it's required.

Would I spend the money on a gadget then, nope. However on a commercial farm or someone who has a side job mowing pastures keeping the weed seeds away, then I can see this as a big help.

 

[oosik]

My ONLY pto implement - Wally chipper gets greased before its annual use and again when I'm done with it for the year. I use it approximately thirty hours per year to chip small pines ( 1" to 6" ). I thin my pine stands.

Otherwise - the tractor, rear blade, 3-point system, FEL and grapple get greased about every twenty hours of use.

 

[John0829]

I just grease PTO equipment each time get I get done using them, better to much than not enough. But if you really want to keep up with time then simply get a notebook and record the tractors hour reading each time you use the equipment.

 

[5030]

That seems way over the top to me. Whatever blows your dress up I guess.

 

[cray54]

To explain my motivation:
I understand the concept of "each time used" or "once a year"... but this is a family farm where anyone might use some equipment at any point, and recording usage would not be reliable. I'm thinking it would be easier to have one person oversee preventative maintenance if they could just check hours.

 

[timbatrader]

How about going with the simple to install battery powered vibration meter but replace the battery and zero the counter at each major service

 

[ptsg]

I wouldn't sweat it too hard. Just grease it often, pretty much.

As far as oil changes, most of the attachments out there will only see an oil change after one of the seals starts leaking and eventually gets fixed.

 

[John0829]

To explain my motivation:
I understand the concept of "each time used" or "once a year"... but this is a family farm where anyone might use some equipment at any point, and recording usage would not be reliable. I'm thinking it would be easier to have one person oversee preventative maintenance if they could just check hours.

That being the case then the simplest thing would be to pick a time/day yearly or semi annually to grease all the equipment and then be done with it till the next time. Not many pieces of equipment (though there is some) needs grease each time it is used. Pieces that do need extra care should be only used by those people that willing to make sure it is done, dealing with family, good luck with that. Probably best to just grease it yourself anytime you have a minute or think about and it will still likely be more than enough.

As I said I grease mine after each, this is simply because it may sit for a year plus between uses and I would not remember if I did or did not service it. Much simpler to hit with a quick pump or two and know anything I go to use is ready. Although I do keep all my PTO equipment under roof, as a kid all of my grandfathers equipment sat outside and I have seen the affect sitting in the weather had on it. Where a little extra oil/grease could have gone a long way.

 

[cray54]

That being the case then the simplest thing would be to pick a time/day yearly or semi annually to grease all the equipment and then be done with it till the next time. Not many pieces of equipment (though there is some) needs grease each time it is used...

I suppose this is the a realistic approach, one person to be designated who tells the others annual service is complete. I'm still interested to know what hour meters other people use, but I think I'll plan to adopt this approach.