BX24 Engine RPM when using MMM

[thavil]

I am a brand new owner (30 hrs in 3 weeks) of a 2008 BX24. This is the first tractor I've owned, so I am trying to learn everything as fast as possible. What is the recommended engine RPM when using the MMM. I have a 60" MMM and mow 5 acres of horse pastures. Right now, the grass/weeds are approximately 6" tall. My salesman told me to always mow with full engine speed but when I read my manual, it said to never run at full engine speed for the first 50 hours. I listened to him before I read the manual for my time out, so I have about 2 hours of running time at full speed. Needless to say, I didn't get the best fuel consumption either.

Full RPM on my BX24 is around 3300 RPM and I have been mowing at around 2800 RPM. Any thoughts on the best RPM to mow at? Thanks.

 

[sixdogs]

You should break in your engine with a variety of speeds for the first hours. I wouldn't worry about it as the tractor will likely outlive you and the kids/grandkids anyway.
In thicker grass I run towards the higher end of the PTO@ 550 RPM speed and at lower grass maybe 25% less. I see no need to run at full RPM with regular height grass. Works for me but answer is very subjective so it's open to debate.

 

[thavil]

Thanks sixdogs. After I typed the post, I realized what a subjective question it was. I guess I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't common knowledge to run the MMM at full RPM.

 

[slewisma]

Mow at the RPM that gets the job done. If the weeds or grass are high, use a higher speed to spread the clippings better. Otherwise, mid-speed will save fuel. One other rule: high RPM on hills. The HST will work MUCH better with more RPMs in terms of holding position on the hill.

I mow at about 2,500 RPM with the 54" finecut MMM and bump it up closer to 3,000 on the steep parts.

 

[Renob]

I usually engage the mower at approx. 1800 rpms then increase to the Kubota recommended operating rpm of approx. 3100 rpm for the MMM. Great cut and thats where Kubota says to run it.

 

[dannydan3]

Mow at the RPM that gets the job done. If the weeds or grass are high, use a higher speed to spread the clippings better. Otherwise, mid-speed will save fuel. One other rule: high RPM on hills. The HST will work MUCH better with more RPMs in terms of holding position on the hill.

I mow at about 2,500 RPM with the 54" finecut MMM and bump it up closer to 3,000 on the steep parts.

After the nasty experience of buying a new one, I am not taking any chances with the lower RPM's and the lower fluid pressure to the HST.

 

[thavil]

Thanks everyone for the great input. I will put your experience to good use. Renob reminded me of something I tend to forget. I sometimes forget to lower the RPM's before I engage the MMM.

 

[slewisma]

After the nasty experience of buying a new one, I am not taking any chances with the lower RPM's and the lower fluid pressure to the HST.

That's exactly why I crank up the RPM's for anything steep or thick but I may take your advice and run it higher all the time. I don't want to replace HST anytime soon.

 

[Mustangous]

In thicker grass I run towards the higher end of the PTO@ 550 RPM speed and at lower grass maybe 25% less.

How do you know what rpm the pto is at?

After the nasty experience of buying a new one, I am not taking any chances with the lower RPM's and the lower fluid pressure to the HST.

What do you mean? Could you elaberate? Sorry if i missed something?

 

[actionaj]

I mow at about 2950 RPM with my RCK54 it seems to give the best cut. I ingage and disingage the blades at 1500 to 1600 RPMs.