Toro Wheel Horse 522xi RPM question

[Rick_CT]

I have a the Kohler CH22 engine in my 522xi. I purchased the machine used with about 250 hours on the clock. Once in a while when I engage the mower deck the the engine will start to die out, or even quit. I always engage at wide open throttle. This made me wonder if I was low on RPM's, so I borrowed a digital tach from work and with the hydro trans in neutral, I measured the RPM's of the output shaft that goes into the trans. I get about 2100 rpm's. The manual/service book for the machine says that the motors high rpm is 3400, therefore my question is, should I see this 3400 at the drive shaft or does Toro limit the motor to something less, such as the 2100 I get. I have checked the govenor adjustment and it is correct. I did change the oil to Mobil 1 5w-30 after I purchased the machine. The throttle linkage appears to have a high rpm stop installed, via a screw that limits the linkage movement, and my linkage moves right up to this screw. The air and fuel filter have been replaced, and other than this the machine runs great.

Any suggestions or is this the correct top end rpm.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[jeffmazz]

Rick,

I don't think you can gat an accurate engine RPM reading the way you are doing it.

If the governor and throttle linkage all check out you should check the mower deck for issues. You should be able to engage your deck at half throttle without killing the engine. You might have a bad spindle bearing or something else that is binding and causing the engine to struggle and die. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck.

Jeff

 

[arthurb]

Rick,

I have a 2004 model 520xi with a 20hp Kohler. My 520xi does the same thing when the outside temperature is colder. Like 50 degrees and colder. I just finished cutting my grass and leaves for the season the other day. The outside temperature was about 45 degrees when I started to cut the grass.

I have to let the engine warm up for about 2-3 minutes until I turn the mower deck pto on. If not the engine will shut down. As long as I let the engine warm up everything seems to work properly. I have about 250 hours on my 20hp Kohler with no complaints. I'm using a 60" side discharge mower deck. Even during the summer I will let my engine warm up for at least a minute before engaging the pto.

arthurb,

 

[Joe1]

Rick:

When your mowe decks dies out when engaged at half throttle, is the deck down or in the raised position? My Toro 417XT with a 48" deck and a 17 HP Kawasaki will also want to stall out if I engage at 1/2 throttle with the deck down and in fairly heavy grass. With the deck raised, the engine will drop RPM for an instant then pick up speed again. It's easier on the clutch and belts, obviously, if you can engage at lower speeds.