Have I harmed my new BX2200?

pignslop · Aug 15, 2003

Just found this site couple months ago while researching compact tractors. Bought the last new BX2200 I could find in my area. Driver delivered it Monday, said he was a "sub" for the regular guy. He spent a few minutes giving me a brief overview on this tractor. One thing he told me was it's "recommended" to run full throttle when using the mower or loader, etc. I asked him again to be sure. (Been about 30 years since I used a tractor) So, couldn't wait to drive it. I have put 3 hours on it, mostly mowing but also used the loader to move a couple of downed trees. Based on what he told me I have run it about 70-90% throttle mostly, and did have it wide open part of the time. Then I sit down with the manual (I know, should have done that first) and it says don't run it fast until after the first 50 hours. Do you think I have caused any damage or affected it's longevity? I tend to keep things forever... my Chev p/u is a '90 w/160k and running strong/looks good.

MReeter · Aug 15, 2003

Put your mind at ease,you hav'nt hurt anything...As long as the engine is under a load,you won't harm it...

mountain_man · Aug 15, 2003

When I used to deliver new Cessna's, the official factory procedure was to run them at 90% for the first 50 hours to "seat the rings" and stabilize oil consumption. Made it awfully tough to land tho...

Hoosier_Daddy · Aug 15, 2003

I doubt you caused any problems. Probably just broke it in a lot sooner than most.

I seldom run full throttle with the mower on and when doing loader work I let the machine tell me if it wants more fuel poured to him. (or her)

I want to go on record as saying my 2200 had more power than all of NY on Thursday.

Ya can't say that every day.

Bird · Aug 15, 2003

You have not hurt the tractor. However . . ., I think you'll find that PTO speed (540 rpm) is accomplished by pulling the throttle wide open, then back off just slightly (just enough to hear the change in the sound of the engine) and that is the recommended engine speed for mowers and tillers; not absolutely necessary for them to run that fast, but they work most efficiently at that speed. For loader work, you don't really need to run it that fast, though you certainly won't hurt it by running it that fast. The higher rpm will simply enable you to raise and lower the loader faster which is good in some applications and not so good in others. And to raise the loader to maximum height with a maximum load in the bucket, you may need maximum rpm, but not otherwise.

TresCrows · Aug 15, 2003

Pigslop person, no, I am absolutely sure there has been no harm done /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. BUT, FYI, you do not need to run your BX "fast" all the time. You can mow at about 3/4 throttle, it is quiet at that speed and still get a great cut. The loader should be worked between 1800 and 2200 RPM or approximately half throttle to 3/4 throttle. Full rated PTO speed is full throttle and back off a smidge. You will use that speed for heavy work, heavy grass and apparently max lift capacity (I dissagree but others claim it is so so maybe it is /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) and brush cutting etc.
Running the engine fast will not hurt it, abusing it, not performing maintenece, loaning it to fishing buddies will. Good luck and enjoy your new little tractor. J

Bird · Aug 15, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( apparently max lift capacity (I dissagree but others claim it is so so maybe it is )</font>

You'll notice I say "may" need it; not an absolute. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif And I say that because of what I learned with my B2710. Example: With some chains, I lifted a Chevy 454 engine with transmission attached over the grill to place it into a Suburban. I was running about 2200 rpm and found that my FEL reached its limit and I still needed to raise it another inch and a half or two inches to clear the grill and the FEL simply would not lift it any higher. So I pulled the throttle wide open and tried again and the FEL lifted it that additional distance and I got that engine and transmission in there. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jlbota · Aug 15, 2003

I doubt you hurt it a bit. These are some pretty tough diesel engines. Alot of these are made to run wide open all the time. I realize you are worried about the initial 50 hour time. But all the more you ran it especially if it was under load at the time shouldn't hurt it a bit. I have 80 hours on my BX and have found a sweet spot while mowing at about 3050 RPM. Of course I have a tiny tach which helps for those RPM readings. I highly recommend one. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Just change your oil and filter when it comes due and you will be fine.

TresCrows · Aug 15, 2003

Sorry Mr Bird, I was not disagreeing with you, I had not even read your post. I was referring to an earlier thread where maximum lift capacity vs engine RPM had been discussed and I remembered that you and several others stated that there was in fact more lift capacity at or near full throttle--I was deferring to that thread in my parenthesis statement. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. J

hfd376 · Aug 19, 2003

This year, where I'm getting two weeks grass growth in a week, I had to start mowing at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, with a few times at near wide open. Normally I mow at 1/2 or below depending on the "sound" of the engine load. I doubt you did any damage to your machine.

Doug