Loader What RPM speed should I use?

azop · Mar 13, 2011

What RPM speed should I set the tractor at for driving around or using the FEL? I was around 1900 and then set it at 2300 when I was going up a hill in reverse. Is there a RPM range I should stick in, no matter the gear setting?

George2615 · Mar 13, 2011

I don't have a Bobcat but for loader use I run my tractor between 1800-2000 RPM for snow removal, dirt, gravel etc. I have high, mid, and low range and mostly use mid range and control speed with the HST pedal.

Crike · Mar 13, 2011

There is a small red triangle on the gage that I believe marks the RPM that one should use for that kind of work, but I may be wrong, it may mark the max RPM that should be used.

whistlepig · Mar 13, 2011

I don't have a Bobcat either but for driving around and and FEL work I run at 1700-1900 RPM. My HST has low, medium, and high range. I use low for heavy loader work. Medium for snow removal and moving loose soil and gravel with the FEL. I use high for road gear.

milkman636 · Mar 13, 2011

The HST and loader hydraulics are alot more responsive when you run over 2000.

I've primarily run in the 22-2300 range for snow removal with my ct335. Sometimes it takes a little more with the heavy stuff. As you get to know your new tractor it'll tell you when it needs a little more or less throttle. It'll feel right and sound happy.

94BULLITT · Mar 13, 2011

I run mine at 2500rpm. The hydraulics and hydrostatic drive work really well there.

Gittyup · Mar 13, 2011

Yes, you have to run an HST a little faster than you would a gear tractor in order to keep the pressure up on the tranny. I don't own one of these, but I'd think you'd want to be 2000 rpms or more. My JD HST owner's manual says to run at full throttle when in motion.

Steelstring · Mar 13, 2011

Is it harmful to the HST to run it at slower RPMs???

94BULLITT · Mar 13, 2011

I heard some of green tractors fluid will overheat if the motor is not revved up enough. Bobcats have a indepent cooling system for the hydraulic fluid. The more it is revved up the better it will run.

Canada_CT230 · Mar 14, 2011

The triangle on the RPM guage is for the PTO operation. The triangle RPM gets you the 540 RPM on the PTO. If you operate over that you can damage your PTO driven implement. Driving around w/o PTO engaged then you can run whatever RPM you want but the higher the better for the HST. I use over 2000 for sure and probably more like 2300-2500 when using the loader.