Engine speed for YM1700

pruntyc · Nov 2, 2005

I generally run my tractor at the little red mark on the dial. which is, I think 2400 rpm, and that runs my pto at around 588. I guess I should run it at 2200, to have the 540. But anyway I understand the working speed for it is between 1800 and 2400 rpms. I have read that some run theirs in number 2 pto speed at 1700rpm, to get the correct 540 also.
Now is that going to hurt the motor? I tried it for just a little while, and it makes it run so quiet, I sure would like to run it at that speed, if it wouldn't hurt it. That is in light cutting of grass. But as its below the 1800, is why I'm asking you guys that know more about it than I do. Thanks for you answer, Dick

Turbys_1700 · Nov 2, 2005

Dick,
I run mine at 2400 like you. If I go to the 2nd range on the tractor it tends to run hot here in humid N.C. A water pump would remedy that problem. If you have a water pump and it doesn't lug too much I don't think that you would hurt her. These are TOUGH little buggers. I've put over 600 hours on my machine mostly finish mowing and still have not turned 1 bolt on the engine. Over 1200 total engine hours now. I'm really sold on Yanmar Diesels. If I was buying new it would be a Deere. Nothing like a GREEN YANMAR!!!

greatrandini · Nov 2, 2005

Dick, I run my 2210 on pto 2 at about 1800rpm if i am moweing shorter easy stuff. If you get into anything thick it would lug the engine and motor. I don't think it is good to lug the motor alot....I do it when I can get away with it... Sharp blades cut down on lugging also....
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

EFC · Nov 2, 2005

Running at a lower RPM just lowers the horsepower. At 1800 RPM your 17 hp tractor is running about 9 hp at the PTO. It doesn’t hurt to lug a diesel it does hurt to overload a diesel. If it starts to heat up you are exceeding the available hp at that RPM so kick it up till it isn’t overheating.

Jagmandave · Nov 2, 2005

Speaking of Deere, I saw a red one being used by the hiway dept to mow, I didn't know they made 'em in red.........

greatrandini · Nov 3, 2005

The engine lugs when it is overloaded! It is my opinon that if you can run your engine at less rpm without overloading it(causing it to lug) that u save fuel and wear and tear on your unit. It is also my opinion that lugging an engine and overloading it are the same thing! I am not trying to start an argument just stating what I think. I have been accused in the past of saying things just to start an argument and I am not doing that....I happen to value your opinions!!

Eddie · Nov 3, 2005

I totally agree. When I'm just clipping my yard I run mine about 1800 rpm and it handles it really good. When I'm cutting heavy grass I drop a gear and run full throttle.

arthr31 · Nov 3, 2005

Engine lugging occurs when the engine is being pushed at full or near full throttle in too high a gear (or too tuff a patch of grass to cut, or too heavy a load to pull). An example of this is if I try and start my truck (ram w/ cummins) in third gear from a standstill, this'll possibly cause the engine to bog down and "lug". Lugging at full throttle is bad, can damage the transmission and engine. Overloading, as EFC stated, is worse and may cause the EGTs of the engine to get into the danger zone where the engine can begin to fail since it can't cool down. This could possibly happen if I ran my cummins at full throttle for several hours at too great an RPM.

How this effects the yanmar diesel? I'd say kinda the same applies. Some say that lugging is considered engine abuse, and will shorten the life of both engine and transmission. Plus, it's kinda embarrassing if you are lugging and end up stalling.. like uh, oh, we'red you get the license! Generally speaking, you should try and run the engine near the top of the torque rpm speed to get the most. Anything way less may result in lugging, and WAY over the torque speed will result in overheating.

I mow with my 1601d at about 21-2200 RPM and the PTO in 540. I believe that these rpm speeds are the max/peak torque speeds of my 20 hp yanmar. I sometimes enter a slight overloading stage when going uphill in thicker grass. To compensate, I downshift and go slower allowing the engine more time to compensate and recover.

I've been reading about this very topic in relation to my truck, so I think the same may apply. Pls, anyone jump in and shed more light!! Dick, good luck. -Art

HGM · Nov 3, 2005

Dick,
I'm sure you've seen the other posts regarding this and everyones arguments about it. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I know your not starting anything either, so I'll avoid rehashing that.

As long as the engine isnt working hard to maintain the RPM you're probably not hurting it. My recommendation is, dont let it idle more than 10min at a time and run it at 22-2400 while loaded. I'm not sure how much gas you'll save running it at 1800, but dont believe it would be much. If you can run it at 1800 in 2nd PTO without loosing RPM at any given time orsmoking it should be good.

I do wish I had a use for, or could at least understand the extra gears we have on these things. Seem kind of useless to me.

arthr31 · Nov 3, 2005

they may seem useless 'cause we are not using the tractors (grays at least) for their intended purpose - rice farming. use a lot of my gears, all except the highest range, they seem to be a little silly too fast for me, except for heading down the road!

My sweet spot for mowing is: 2nd range (out of three), second or third gear, 2200 RPM and 540 PTO.
-art