Estimating RPM

[wallacedw]

The tachometer doesn't work on my Farmall 400. Until I can fix it, is there a way to estimate the 540 RPM's needed for mowing with a bush hog? I haven't got the tractor yet so some of my questions may be kinda dumb. I get the tractor next week. I am going to buy an owner's manual and that will help some but without the tach I am not sure what to do.
Thanks,
Dan

 

[old]

Would you believe that 540 number isn't all that important when it comes you useing a brush hog. I.E. if the PTO is spinning 600RPM or if its spinning 500RPM its no big deal. That said if you run the engine about 3/4 trottle you will have it very close to the 540RPMs Also a lot of people like to use the higher gears when brush hogging but its a good idea to use a low gear and take you time doing the work. Using a low gear is better for both the tractor and the hog and doesn't beat either up as bad as using a higher gear
Hobby farm

 

[bradley martin]

Get a hand held tach (available at any auto parts/tool store) and hold it against the end of the stub shaft. As Old said...if you are running 3/4 to 7/8 full throttle you will get along just fine bush hogging.

 

[Janicholson]

The PTO can be run wide open. Ignore the situation (unless the governor has been tampered with, it won't matter a bit. Just not an issue. JimN

 

[Steven f/AZ]

I agree with the others, RPM is not that important with a brush hog. I believe those tractors wouldn't exceed 600 rpm full throttle, no load anyway. If you go full throttle and back off a notch you will be just fine...

 

[D Slater]

If the governor is set to factory settings the IPTO turns at 534 RPM full load and 587 no load.

 

[wallacedw]

Thanks fella's! Sure is nice to have a place for a newbie to ask questions....