Finding the SWEET SPOT x 2

[AxleHub]

Greetings. This is about scuts. Every motor whether gas or diesel has at least 1 if not 2 points where fuel efficiency and good torque meet . . You can hear it and you can feel it. Motorcycle; truck, car etc..

On my GC1715 engine i didn't have to look too long to find It. The engine smooths out and actually quiets. But although that wasn't difficult to find I noted my new mulcher deck which is just excellent . . Seemed to have a "hydro howl" sound as I cut even when i'd try varying the rpm.

I had the grease gun busy . . Took deck off to get at any unknown zerk fittings . . Checked for anything binding. Still did it. It sounded so much like a hydro's high pitch climbing a hill and straining . . But it wasn't the tractor . . Just the deck . .because when you take the power off the mid pto it quits right away . . And you just hear that smooth engine again.

Well today I was cutting and hearing that sound and I started playing with the throttle a lot. Sure enough . . The deck has a sweet spot too . . Just 150 rpm more than the upper range that I was running. All of a sudden the deck is smooth (it was before too) but smooth sound wise too. Suddenly at that higher deck rpm . . The loudest thing I hear is the smooth rhythymic diesel engine.

My wife commented that all the neighbors big rider tractors sound like lawn mowers and blades whirling . . but the GC1715 now sounds unlike any of them . . Smooth, quiet, and no "straining" to work sounds. No "flailing" of blades or load sounds of engine. Of course . . they are gas engines.

So now with breakin process starting to work well and with my newly discovered SWEET SPOT found for both engine AND mower deck . . I keep wondering . . how come I'm not using more fuel? I know people talk about diesels "sipping" fuel . . but this is just strange. I'm not even using a gallon an hour in steady work mode. Today it was less than 2 gallons in a 3+ hour period. What the heck

 

[AxleHub]

Once again yesterday I was baffled at my fuel consumption on my GC1715. Its a good thing . . but a confusing one.

1. I understand the hour meter on the GC products counts "total rpm" to determine hours . . . Using a standard value of, I believe, 2600 rpm for an hour = 1 counted hour.

2. So yesterday I had filled the fuel tank and ran it 1.9 machine hours (actual time about 2.4 hours). I went to fill the tank and it took 3/4 ths of a gallon.

3. I've always read that a diesel engine should save about 30% fuel compared to gas. But my fuel use is almost 60% less and the GC is almost 1000 pounds heavier. I certainly like paying less for fuel . . but I don't understand why it should be so different.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Just stop complaining and be glad for your fuel consumption. My gas powered zero turn runs about 3/4 gallon per hour running at full power, so if you are cutting that rate in half with good results, don't try to figure it out. Just enjoy the benefits.

 

[AxleHub]

Just stop complaining and be glad for your fuel consumption. My gas powered zero turn runs about 3/4 gallon per hour running at full power, so if you are cutting that rate in half with good results, don't try to figure it out. Just enjoy the benefits.

Gary, my post is pretty clear that I'm not complaining. But short of wind, solar, or nuclear-powered . . I like to understand the physics of power generation. To be able to propel a unit 3 times the weight for only 35% of the fuel with the same 25 horse power output is quite a design improvement . . don't you think?

 

[windcatcher]

Gary, my post is pretty clear that I'm not complaining. But short of wind, solar, or nuclear-powered . . I like to understand the physics of power generation. To be able to propel a unit 3 times the weight for only 35% of the fuel with the same 25 horse power output is quite a design improvement . . don't you think?

I can't wait until I get to where you are tractor wise axlehub. You're getting a lot of work done with very little other expense fuel wise. I've read similar things about competing brands being able to go long periods of time without having to refuel. It's a nice situation to be in, isn't it?

 

[AxleHub]

I can't wait until I get to where you are tractor wise axlehub. You're getting a lot of work done with very little other expense fuel wise. I've read similar things about competing brands being able to go long periods of time without having to refuel. It's a nice situation to be in, isn't it?

Its unexpected that fuel use is this good . . and now that I've worked the kinks and issues out of some other things . . Ive decided I'm going to get spacers and I'm going to fill my front wheels and then I'll work on figuring out the deck lock issue. And soon I'll be assisting in developing a quick attach for the dl95 loader/bucket.

Long range is a small grapple and a snow blade before winter.

Darn tractor has become both work tool and hobby lol.

 

[windcatcher]

"Long range is a small grapple and a snow blade before winter."

Have you seen the youtube video of a JD 4 way blade on a Massey Ferguson GC model? The guy did a great job, and he wrote his cost including supplies (blade and all) was about $400.00.

I happen to have one of those blades myself from my JD 322, and I'm thinking of doing that too. Food for thought.Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omlE8Y9zK-A

 

[AxleHub]

"Long range is a small grapple and a snow blade before winter."

Have you seen the youtube video of a JD 4 way blade on a Massey Ferguson GC model? The guy did a great job, and he wrote his cost including supplies (blade and all) was about $400.00.

I happen to have one of those blades myself from my JD 322, and I'm thinking of doing that too. Food for thought.Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omlE8Y9zK-A

Kind of a similar concept that I have except not frame mounted . . And the 4 way hydraulic is much nicer than 2 way I was thinking of.

 

[windcatcher]

Kind of a similar concept that I have except not frame mounted . . And the 4 way hydraulic is much nicer than 2 way I was thinking of.

Axlehub, I don't know your situation, but I do know the quality of the JD four way angling blade. Very well built, and parts availability is very good. With you living in Wisconsin, you have a prime opportunity to pick up one as they should be in good supply in your area. I know I can mount my JD blade in less than 5 minutes on my JD 322 without tools too.

I hope to get the GC1715 and fabricate a mount for that tractor for my JD blade. We'll just have to be patient and see. Cheers.

 

[jlgurr]

Once again yesterday I was baffled at my fuel consumption on my GC1715. Its a good thing . . but a confusing one. 1. I understand the hour meter on the GC products counts "total rpm" to determine hours . . . Using a standard value of, I believe, 2600 rpm for an hour = 1 counted hour. 2. So yesterday I had filled the fuel tank and ran it 1.9 machine hours (actual time about 2.4 hours). I went to fill the tank and it took 3/4 ths of a gallon. 3. I've always read that a diesel engine should save about 30% fuel compared to gas. But my fuel use is almost 60% less and the GC is almost 1000 pounds heavier. I certainly like paying less for fuel . . but I don't understand why it should be so different.

AxleHub,

With my first few tanks of fuel I was shocked at how it seemed to sip fuel. Found out that using the FEL was not really work for that tractor, thus the great fuel conservation. When you run the mower or tiller or other powered attachment you will realize fuel consumption more inline with what you expected. Even then I can cut my grass with much less fuel than my 14HP gasoline powered mower.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet