What RPM do you use?

[MarcusCarr]

I recently purchased a Mitsubishi 2050 with a FEL and small backhoe. I have no idea what RPM to use while doing different tasks.

lifting a full FEL of dirt
Driving in lowest gear
Driving in highest gear
using the backhoe (runs off tractor hydraulics)
pulling the 4' box blade

What RPM do you use for these tasks?

Thanks,
Marcus

 

[Glenn9643]

Higher engine RPM will provide greater lifting power through your hydraulics for lifting heavy loads.
As for RPM's when driving in various ranges/gears, it would depend on the work being done; if running the tractor on the road and the object was to go as fast as possible, high rpms in high gear/range. If pulling a subsoiler in low range/gear I would keep the rpm's up enough that it would do the work and not lug.
Don't have a backhoe, but as it runs off the tractor hydraulics I would suspect you need to be at or close to PTO speed for maximum hydraulic power.
Engine speed for box blade work will vary depending on the task at hand. You'll have to learn what's best with your gear/range selection for your jobs. Just pay attention to how the tractor is performing and don't lug the engine. Too much throttle is probably better than not enough.

 

[3RRL]

Well said Glenn,
Keep the rpm's up to keep the tractor from bogging down. Keep them up for hydraulic use. Reduce them and shift gears when less resistance is encountered. Keep your speed controlled.

 

[MadDog]

I agree with one slight modification; in the beginning, when using the BH, you may want to run the engine in its mid-range while you are getting a feel for the BH controls; you won't have quite as much power, but boom, dipperstick and bucket movement will be easier to control. Once you get a feel for manipulating the controls with a "light hand" you'll be able to run your backhoe with full power from higher engine rpm.

Good luck.

 

[3RRL]

Oh yes, I agree.
My backhoe has it's own pump driven by the PTO and it took me a HECK of a time getting used to how fast the boom moved. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I still have to be careful not to get carried away when swinging it! The dipper stick and bucket are not so sensitive I guess because they don't move everything else.

 

[Davo]

Marcus you can't lose by using the higher rpm's. My dealer told me you may be overworking you equipment by under using your rpm's. The equipment was designed to be used at a certain rpm for a job. And doing that you will not over-work the part. These are mine and my dealers take on this so do as you wish and as you feel is right. Being a new tractor owner you'll make a lot of mistakes but don't dwell on them but deal with them. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Slamfire]

My D1800 develops rated horsepower at 2350 rpm, but I mostly use 1800 which seems to be pretty close to the torque peak.

 

[Youare]

No backhoe but I do have a 3PH winch that is PTO driven and my tractor is gear driven not a hydro.

Driving in lowest gear 1200 to 1800 RPM.
Using the FEL digging into a pile 1200 RPM until bucket is full then a few more RPM's to raise FEl a little quicker.

Driving along road highest gear 1800 to 2000 RPM.
Pulling rake or rear blade 1500 or so RPM and usually in low range third gear sometimes second depending on ground conditions, if it is a driveway that nees grooming sometimes second gear high range works also.

Using the 3PH winch 1200 to 1500 RPM is all that is necessary. Just because 540 PTO RPM is not realized until the engine is at 2300 RPM doesn't mean I have to go that fast with the things I am working with, besides that sounds like the engine is really cranking.

I'm a little slower than normal folks but that's fine by me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Randy

 

[trlong]

Marcus,

I'll 3rd the recommendation to keep the rpm down a bit while getting used to the BH, escpecially the speed at which the boom can swing. Of all movements, that swing can surprise you with it's speed. I'd wager than most any of us, before getting very used to a BH, have created a significant battle scar (or two) in any tree or structure that was within reach. So, please make sure you keep any people or pets completely out of range of the full reach of the BH and find a wide open spot to practice, a lot.

Also, make sure those stabilizers are set well. When that boom swings fast to either side it can change the balance real fast.

That said, I think I have the most fun with the BH.

Have fun, work safe,

Tom

 

[MadDog]

I agree, tr: The BH and FEL are the two things that put me in the fantasy-land of feeling like a "furr-real heavy equipment operator." .....dream on. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif