Oil & Fuel Question regarding fuel efficiency

pjwbx2230 · Apr 19, 2006

Just got done cutting my grass for the second time in a week with my bx. Installed the rear bagger and I swear I can wartch the needle drop on the gas gauge. Does running the rear pto affect fuel efficiency? Forgive me again for a simplistic question.

Mike_Lipke · Apr 19, 2006

More work done by the engine, more fuel used.
To keep the rpms at the throttle setting, as the load increases, the governor increases fuel to the injectors, thereby increasing fuel consumption. Your rear pto running the fan is a big load.

JWE · Apr 20, 2006

I also notice an increase in fuel consumption when I use the bagger. However, I would not describe it as a significant increase. I haven't measured it for a long time but I think that I consume about 2/3 gallon per hour when I am using the bagger and just over 1/2 gallon per hour w/o the bagger. That would be running the engine at 3100 RPMs.

John

kingoflawns · Apr 21, 2006

PTO use drinks up the fuel big time, I'm amazed at the fuel consumption running a front snowblower. On the other hand, i core aerated 14 acres of turf last week and only used 5 gallons.

proudestmonkey · Apr 21, 2006

I am curious about your question. Can you be more precise, though, than "watch the needle go down."

On my BX2230, I have run it for 15 hours. I have gone through 6 gallons of fuel. That seems so much better than my JD gas engine (23HP Kohler V-Twin air cooled). On the JD, 15 hours of anything would have taken more like 10 gallons, or more. I have been using the FEL on the 2230 to cut hillsides, fill low spots, move stuff around and pull fence posts and stumps. So, although no PTO, I've been working it.

JWE · Apr 22, 2006

Hopefully they have improved the fuel gauge on the newer BX series. The gauge on my 2200 is only useful when the tractor is parked and perfectly level. When I operate the tractor the fuel level fluctuates considerably, especially on hilly property. So… he may be getting a false impression of fuel consumption if he is basing his conclusion on fuel gauge readings.

John