Mowing PTO speed for mowing

[firefighter jim]

At what engine speed (rpm) can I mow grass. If I go by the 540 indicator mark on the tac the engine seems like its really screaming (23-2400 rpm). I have both a B7800 and L3400. I typically keep the revs under 2000. Thanks in advance. Jim

 

[Dr. Bob]

I have a B-7800 and a 5ft Woods brush hog (I keep the blades sharp!). Depending on the type of grass I am mowing, I will run at 1900-2300 rpm. I look at the quality of the cut and adjust accordingly. As you suggest, I try to run it as low as possible.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I increase my RPM's to near max then back off a bit then see how the cut is. If it's not cutting good, I increase rpm's a bit then check cut. I had been running my F2680E a bit to low and when I increased the RPM's the cut really improved. Same with my BX2660 which I run at around 2200-2300 rpm's. When I had the B7800 I think I ran it at about 1750rpm's. My theory is check your cut and never let the motor bog down, if it's bogging at all your RPM's are to low.
I had a L3240 with a 6' RFM and to keep it at the 540 PTO RPM I had to really run the revs up more than on any of the other tractors.

 

[Toolguy]

I have a B3030 (same engine) and mow at 2400 rpm, just under full throttle. I have found that the engine is much more fuel efficient at that rpm compared to full throttle. It will sound like it is screaming when you first rev it up, but you soon get used to it. It doesn't hurt the engine one bit to run it at or near full throttle. It gets the blade tip speed up on the mower blades and that is what makes them cut. If you can get a good cut at lower rpm then I suppose it is OK to to do that. I know it will not work on my grass. The suction is not there to pull the grass up that the front tires push down. Also, my ground speed goes down and it takes longer to mow. I would recommend running the engine at or near 540 PTO speed to get the best performance from your machine. It is designed to work best that way. Good luck.

 

[TripleR]

I always go by my manual and run at the required engine speed to get the mid or rear PTO at the indicated speed. If I am mowing just weeds with my rotary cutter I will back off a bit. As said previously, that is the way they are designed and yes when I use to get off my Case CX80, the rpm's on my Kubota seem high, but I am use to it now.

 

[whistlepig]

I always run at PTO speed. That's what the engine manufacturer recommends and that's what the PTO equipment manufacturer recommends. There is a reason for that. I think a better reason than I could come up with than me not doing what is recommended.

 

[easygo]

I have a 5' belly mount mower that I usually run around 2200RPM and that gives a good enough cut for my taste. Sometimes I cut heavy tall grass in a field for my compost pile. Then I rev it up to official PTO RPM and go very-very slow. My tractor is only 21 engine hp.

 

[crbr]

60" mmm with sharp blades, moderate height field grass - 2100 + / - 50.

 

[whistlepig]

Why do you do this?

 

[BigD23]

No tach on my BX23...Engine up to WOT then back off a smidge...Can't get any more accurate than that...

Don