Engine RPMs for 540 PTO

KENB · Apr 11, 2005

Bought my new rotary cutter this weekend. Rhino SE6. It works great, and is surprisingly quiet. On my Mahindra 4110, the engine RPM speed to reach 540 PTO seems really high. Anyone else think so? That is a higher engine speed than I have ever ran doing anything so far with my 4110. Is it common for CUT tractors to have to run at that engine RPM for the PTO to be at 540?? I have a neighbor that has a FarmTrac, and I never hear his engine running at the RPM speed that my Mahindra does. Just curious about this topic.

BobG_in_VA · Apr 11, 2005

Just my $.02 worth: You don't need to run 540. My 6000 will cut the heaviest stuff at 1700 engine rpm (540 rated at 2050 rpm or so--this engine is low reving, thankfully). Do what feels right for the stuff you are cutting. I think the gear you choose is more important than having the rpm at 540. Don't go too slow or too fast for the conditions. I'm sure some smart individual will come along and say "If the manufacturer set it to run at 540 rpm then who are we to say different?" Well, I'll go my own way then....Good luck and once you find where it cuts well, use the heck out of it. BobG in VA

JerryG · Apr 11, 2005

Like Bob, I hardly ever run 540. If the cutting get tough, then I kick the RPM up to 540 as needed.

hudr · Apr 14, 2005

Seems like all late model tractors have a higher engine speed for PTO. I think a lot of it has to do with engines getting smaller but having to make the same power. To get the same power from a small engine as a larger one, you have to turn it faster. I'm like the other guys, I only run my engine at the rated speed if it feels like the tractor is bogging down. As long as the equipment seems to be handling it OK I can do without the extra noise. Just remember, it can be harder on your engine to lug it around at low RPMs.
My .02