How many gauges are enough?

[Republic of Texas]

I overheated a tractor once, and blew it up. Now I believe ALL tractors should have temp gauges.

I have purchased a Yanmar 3110D, and one of the first things on my to-do list is to install gauges. While researching, I've found a lot of additional gauges that aren't exactly necessary, but would still be nice to have. So, let the mission creep begin! I've found about 10 gauges that I could install. Obviously I'm not going to install all 10, but will install more than just 2.

How many gauges are enough? What readings are most important to you? Do you have any pics of custom multi-gauge installs? Does anyone have pictures of a tractor with 10 +/- gauges installed?

 

[Shaneard]

Why would anyone need 10 gauges? Oil pressure, water temp, fuel gauge an amp gauge and you should be good to go.

 

[CobyRupert]

Critical:
Tach
Coolant Temp.

Optional:
Voltmeter or amp-meter
Oil Pressure
Air (differential) pressure (across air filter)
Speedometer (maybe integrated with tach)

Gee, that's 6 right there...

 

[Republic of Texas]

You listed 4 and didn't include RPM or Volt. Would you have RPM and Volts?

 

[Republic of Texas]

Critical:
Tach
Coolant Temp.

Optional:
Voltmeter or amp-meter
Oil Pressure
Air (differential) pressure (across air filter)
Speedometer (maybe integrated with tach)

Gee, that's 6 right there...

What about hydraulic pressure & hydr/trans temp? Would you like to have those as well?

 

[Shaneard]

A tachometer/speedometer (built in dash) on a tractor is like a speedometer on a car, it should be a given. Amp gauge is the same as volts they both measure your charging system. We have 2 Farmall Cubs that have amp gauge and oil gauge, that's it, no tach, no water etc.

 

[CobyRupert]

What about hydraulic pressure & hydr/trans temp? Would you like to have those as well?

Ehh. :confused3: Not really. I suppose if I had a hydro, they might be more important. I'd consider hydraulic pressure more of a trouble shooting, one-shot measurement, like engine compression. Maybe others have different opinions. Although if placed right (say downstream of the FEL lift valve) couldn't you use it to : 1) Indicate how much weight is in your bucket (when valve is closed); and 2) Tell you "system" pressure when valve is open and piston is fully raised/valve open?
The payloaders (literally) at the local quarry have what I guess are electronic load cells (?) on them. So if you want 3 tons, they know exactly how much to scoop.

But I forgot another one I'd (IMHO) place in the critical category: Fuel gauge!!

 

[Industrial Toys]

Sometimes critical conditions occur rapidly. How often do you check your gauge? What about when you are doing ten things at the same time, watching terrain, conditions and tree branches? For me, a gauge is best just to generally monitor your various systems for performance and health.

 

[bcp]

I want a bright flashing light that comes on when I have an incoming cell phone call, that I can't hear or feel when driving the tractor.

Bruce

 

[ovrszd]

Sometimes critical conditions occur rapidly. How often do you check your gauge? What about when you are doing ten things at the same time, watching terrain, conditions and tree branches? For me, a gauge is best just to generally monitor your various systems for performance and health.

You beat me to it. If busy you'll look at the heat gauge when steam is rolling out from under the hood, or you'll only look at the oil pressure gauge when the engine is hammering. Too late.

I'll add this. If I were going to spend dollars and time adding to my abilities to monitor my equipment I would invest in warning alarms. When the alarm goes off then you can glance at the critical gauges to see what's failing. Noisy alarms are your best line of defense if you are paranoid about it.