Throttle at low speed?

[Keef]

The JD lawn tractors have a throttle that go from low to high speed. However we are told in the manual to always keep it at high. So what is the usefullness to have a throttle control when we should always keep it high? Can you have the throttle on low when not cutting the grass and just driving it from Point A to Point B to reduce the amount of gas your burning?

 

[JESSE1]

Use full throttle only when mowing.

 

[jgrreed]

Throttle sets your power, gears or hydro setting sets your speed. If you're doing something that needs power, run the throttle near full, especially if you're machine is hydrostatic and your using the hydraulics at the same time, ie. for loader/backhoe work. If your engine is 'bogging down', rev'er higher (up to the max of course).

-J.

 

[Keef]

Ok makes sense; but how about just driving the tractor. When your are not pulling or cutting anything?

 

[JerryG]

If your just driving around, you don't have to have it at full throttle.

 

[BlackRaptor]

on the 2520 if i'm just driving around the Yard in low i'll run about 1500 RPM's if i'm in high just moving empty around the yard i run about 1800.

On the Little mowers I'll run 1/2 to 1/4 throttle when transporting it.

 

[jdbower]

Typically you want to start the blades at low RPMs as well, saves wear and tear on the belts and can save more than that if the blades are jammed.

 

[Keef]

Typically you want to start the blades at low RPMs as well, saves wear and tear on the belts and can save more than that if the blades are jammed.

Now you are a smart lad, thanks for that info, I did not think about that.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I run 1500 to 1800 when not doing ground engaging work. If I'm plowing or digging then I crank it up to 2000 or a little more.

M.D.

 

[JESSE1]

Typically you want to start the blades at low RPMs as well, saves wear and tear on the belts and can save more than that if the blades are jammed.

That sounds like the way to do it but check your operator's manual. The operator's manual for my JD 997 Diesel ZTR mower calls for engaging the pto at full throttle. I don't know why but that's what JD calls for.

 

[jdbower]

That sounds like the way to do it but check your operator's manual.

Good advice, I know my chipper says to engage at idle RPMs but I never checked for other implements - just makes sense to do so. I suppose with more dedicated mowers they probably assume that most people start at full RPM anyway so they have protections against high speed starup and starting at idle speeds could stall out the engine?