Engaging MX6 on a JD 4520 using the E-PTO
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Renthal
New member
What would happen if you are in E-PTO mode and engage the PTO switch above 1700 RPM? Will the tractor automatically drop to 1700 RPM?
I just got a new 4520 cab with a MX6. In normal PTO mode, the set up tech that delivered my tractor told me to run the engine RPM's up to full operating speed before engaging the PTO for the cutter. This seems like it would be hard on the equipment. I also read somewhere that you should engage at a lower 1500RPM. When engaginging at this low engine speed the tractor really bogs down and stumbles. This seems to be really bad for the engine. Could anyone who has experience with this set up help and offer input on what is the best way to engage this cutter with the least strain or wear to the tractor?
I just got a new 4520 cab with a MX6. In normal PTO mode, the set up tech that delivered my tractor told me to run the engine RPM's up to full operating speed before engaging the PTO for the cutter. This seems like it would be hard on the equipment. I also read somewhere that you should engage at a lower 1500RPM. When engaginging at this low engine speed the tractor really bogs down and stumbles. This seems to be really bad for the engine. Could anyone who has experience with this set up help and offer input on what is the best way to engage this cutter with the least strain or wear to the tractor?
OP
eepete
Platinum Member
Renthal:
The "engage at 1500 RPM" is right from the user manual under Engaging Rear PTO Only.
Encapsulating the thread thus far, I've found that if I'm using the E-PTO with the MX6 that I have to be running at about 1750 RPM (the "correct" speed for using the E-PTO). If I'm lower in speed, it's too much load. When I engage the MX6 with the normal PTO, I tend to run about 1600 RPM and the MX6 comes up to speed a bit faster and the engine only bogs down to about 800 RPM.
ddivinia said he thought the MX6 was just too heavy duty to ever use on with the E-PTO. E-PTO output is 32 HP, MX6 minimum HP is 30. So I can see his point- why run at the edge of the envelope if it's not necessary?
jenkinsph has used his MX6 with the E-PTO but just for very light grass cutting. He didn't mention any concerns about lugging the engine down to spin it up. If he's not worried, I'm not worried.
I only use E-PTO on level ground for lawn-like trimming of grass. Where I have a hill or with anything other than grass that has already been mowed and is just being maintained, I use it at normal speed. I go from about 5 gallons of fuel use to about 3.5 gallons of fuel use by doing this, so the fuel savings over the life of the tractor won't pay for a single maintenance problem that might happen due to extra load of engaging the MX6 with the E-PTO. For me it's more about less time lifting the fuel can.
No one has mentioned which gets more wear and tear on spin-up, the clutch or the engine. My guess is they are all being used within their ratings, so it's not worth worrying about (and believe me if there is something to worry about I'm all over it :laughing.
As for your 1st question, you could try engaging the PTO at say 1900 RPM with no load and see what happens. I don't think I'd risk kicking in the MX6 when the PTO was running above spec. I think lugging the engine down to 600 RPM very briefly is not a big deal.
I hope this summary and my experiences help. I'm still coming up to speed, just got my 4520 late last summer.
Pete
The "engage at 1500 RPM" is right from the user manual under Engaging Rear PTO Only.
Encapsulating the thread thus far, I've found that if I'm using the E-PTO with the MX6 that I have to be running at about 1750 RPM (the "correct" speed for using the E-PTO). If I'm lower in speed, it's too much load. When I engage the MX6 with the normal PTO, I tend to run about 1600 RPM and the MX6 comes up to speed a bit faster and the engine only bogs down to about 800 RPM.
ddivinia said he thought the MX6 was just too heavy duty to ever use on with the E-PTO. E-PTO output is 32 HP, MX6 minimum HP is 30. So I can see his point- why run at the edge of the envelope if it's not necessary?
jenkinsph has used his MX6 with the E-PTO but just for very light grass cutting. He didn't mention any concerns about lugging the engine down to spin it up. If he's not worried, I'm not worried.
I only use E-PTO on level ground for lawn-like trimming of grass. Where I have a hill or with anything other than grass that has already been mowed and is just being maintained, I use it at normal speed. I go from about 5 gallons of fuel use to about 3.5 gallons of fuel use by doing this, so the fuel savings over the life of the tractor won't pay for a single maintenance problem that might happen due to extra load of engaging the MX6 with the E-PTO. For me it's more about less time lifting the fuel can.
No one has mentioned which gets more wear and tear on spin-up, the clutch or the engine. My guess is they are all being used within their ratings, so it's not worth worrying about (and believe me if there is something to worry about I'm all over it :laughing
.As for your 1st question, you could try engaging the PTO at say 1900 RPM with no load and see what happens. I don't think I'd risk kicking in the MX6 when the PTO was running above spec. I think lugging the engine down to 600 RPM very briefly is not a big deal.
I hope this summary and my experiences help. I'm still coming up to speed, just got my 4520 late last summer.
Pete
ddivinia
Elite Member
What would happen if you are in E-PTO mode and engage the PTO switch above 1700 RPM? Will the tractor automatically drop to 1700 RPM?
I just got a new 4520 cab with a MX6. In normal PTO mode, the set up tech that delivered my tractor told me to run the engine RPM's up to full operating speed before engaging the PTO for the cutter. This seems like it would be hard on the equipment. I also read somewhere that you should engage at a lower 1500RPM. When engaginging at this low engine speed the tractor really bogs down and stumbles. This seems to be really bad for the engine. Could anyone who has experience with this set up help and offer input on what is the best way to engage this cutter with the least strain or wear to the tractor?
That guy won't be there to put the parts back in when it blows up.
With a PTO device that has lot of weight, etc in the driveline, etc - I like to feather it in. Which on these electric PTOs is not an option. That is one reason I opted for the old fashion lever PTO on my 5525 with the economy PTO.
Now, I love my 4520 cab for use with a post hole digger. I can control it all right there. PTO, draft, etc.
On the 4520 with MX6 (which I have - no economy PTO on my 2008). There is no way I would have the engine at full 540 output and then fire up the PTO unless it is already spinning.
I go about half up or so (don't have the tach memorized). I also have the cutter up some (not in a bunch of thick grass 0 less resistance) - Get it spinning and then bring it up to full speed.
I guarantee you that everything in the drive line will thank you. Yes it lugs the engine some, but I am sure it will handle it fine - all the ujoints, splines, etc along the way are the weak link IMHO.
D.
ddivinia
Elite Member
Renthal:
The "engage at 1500 RPM" is right from the user manual under Engaging Rear PTO Only.
Encapsulating the thread thus far, I've found that if I'm using the E-PTO with the MX6 that I have to be running at about 1750 RPM (the "correct" speed for using the E-PTO). If I'm lower in speed, it's too much load. When I engage the MX6 with the normal PTO, I tend to run about 1600 RPM and the MX6 comes up to speed a bit faster and the engine only bogs down to about 800 RPM.
ddivinia said he thought the MX6 was just too heavy duty to ever use on with the E-PTO. E-PTO output is 32 HP, MX6 minimum HP is 30. So I can see his point- why run at the edge of the envelope if it's not necessary?
jenkinsph has used his MX6 with the E-PTO but just for very light grass cutting. He didn't mention any concerns about lugging the engine down to spin it up. If he's not worried, I'm not worried.
I only use E-PTO on level ground for lawn-like trimming of grass. Where I have a hill or with anything other than grass that has already been mowed and is just being maintained, I use it at normal speed. I go from about 5 gallons of fuel use to about 3.5 gallons of fuel use by doing this, so the fuel savings over the life of the tractor won't pay for a single maintenance problem that might happen due to extra load of engaging the MX6 with the E-PTO. For me it's more about less time lifting the fuel can.
No one has mentioned which gets more wear and tear on spin-up, the clutch or the engine. My guess is they are all being used within their ratings, so it's not worth worrying about (and believe me if there is something to worry about I'm all over it :laughing
As for your 1st question, you could try engaging the PTO at say 1900 RPM with no load and see what happens. I don't think I'd risk kicking in the MX6 when the PTO was running above spec. I think lugging the engine down to 600 RPM very briefly is not a big deal.
I hope this summary and my experiences help. I'm still coming up to speed, just got my 4520 late last summer.
Pete
I agree
On another note: I bet most of our sip cluthes are rusted shut anyway. I learned that on my HX-15 15' batwing. I am trying to slip my clutched every year - just too lazy or busy to do it all the time.
I had it happen on my 467 baler. Had a cedar stick get in there - brought the whole rig to s stop -= baler, tractor, etc - crazy.
So - everybody check those slip clutches and don't go nuts over this ePTO stuff. The fuel savings is nice, but all depends on the implement. I use it all the time for spraying - driving a water pump is a joke for these tractors.
D.
Renthal
New member
Thank you eepete and ddivinia for your help. :thumbsup: I'm a newbie with this machine and am still in the learning stages with it.
