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View Full Version : Digitial readout for RPM, MPH, Fuel Usage, Power Band, etc.


JLH
08-16-2009, 01:21 PM
Mower Consultant,

I have a 2005 super Z, 60in. 28 EFI. I only cut my personal property, aprox. 2 acres. At present time iI have 295 hrs. on mower.

Mower is maintained and serviced meticuously. I use Kohler oil.

Question No 1. Oil consumption: 1/8 in. per 2.5 hrs. of usuage.
It takes me approximately 2.5 hrs to mow, I always check oil before starting, and my mower always drops about 1/8 in. on stick.

Operators engine manual says not to screw stick in, but to only seat on threads to check oil level.

It has always done this since new. I called Kohler tech. support last week, and was not really given a direct answer, but was told to keep a close eye on it.

My curiousity was aroused by the fact that my Father has a Scag Turf Tiger - Kawasaki 29hp V-Twin DFI (water cooled) Engine. His mower never drops oil level between 100 hr. oil change. He puts 500 hrs on mower per season.

Is it normal for my mower to consume this amoujnt of oil?


Question No. 2 Digitial Readout

I have instralled a Tiny Tack on my mower, but would really like to have more feedback during operation.

I usually operate in the RPM range from 3320-3280. It drops below 3300 when going up a very slight hill.

I cut twice a week and usually am only taking off 1/2. I constantly listen to mower and try to keep it in the most effecient power range.

Would it be possible or feasible for Hustler to install some type of read out on mower to monitor RPM, MPH, Fuel Economy, most efficient power band, etc,

This would be very helpful for operator, and would also extend life of mower, would allow better fuel economy, and give most efficient RPM to keep mower in its maxium power range without over extending mower.

This should be standard equipment on commercial models, and if not should be offered as a factory option, installed at factory.

Is there any after market option that you are aware of that meets this type of description.

I called Hustler last week and ask to speek to someone in Engineering and Design to ask if this is something that could be considered, I was informed that it would not be possible for me to talk to anyone in that department, but was offered to talk to tech. support, which was not available at the time.

It's the people like me and other members here who have made Hustler and the other companies what they are today.

Thanks for answers to the above questions.

JLH

mowerconsultant
08-17-2009, 11:28 AM
1) Kohler has stated many times that 1 ounce of oil per hour of use is acceptable usage.

2) As to the RPM's, what are your full throttle no load RPM's? nothing engaged, just sitting in park? it should be in the 3600 to 3650 range.
As to putting a device on board for everything you mention.. I am not aware of anything available in the industry, I am sure it can be done, but at what cost? development cost? extra cost of the mower at the retail level?
I'm not against it and I will make sure the engineers see this.

Pj

JLH
08-17-2009, 05:51 PM
Mowerconsultant

I checked RPM's today:

All of the following reading are according to Tiny Tach which was installed at 50 hrs.

At 50 hours these are the readings:

1. Full throttle nothing engaged: 3550-3610

2. Full throttle blades engaged: 3450

3.Cutting: moderate speed: 3300-3370

The following readings are from today 8/17/09:

1. Full throttle: nothing engaged: 3410-3430

2. Full throttle: blades engaged: 3370-3380

3. Cutting: modrerated speed: 3270-3330

I have been noticing a gradual decrease in power. Would changing spark plugs have any effect on power?

Can you help diagnose possible causes?

Thanks

JLH

mowerconsultant
08-18-2009, 12:41 PM
How many hours are on it as of 8/17/09?
It looks like you need to get your engine RPM's adjusted to full throttle max no load setting of 3750 per our specs for your model.

Pj

JLH
08-18-2009, 01:27 PM
298 hours as of 8/17/09

mowerconsultant
08-19-2009, 02:01 PM
298 hours as of 8/17/09

Ok.
Please get your unit to a dealer to get the engine RPM's adjusted.
Once done I am sure you will be much happier.

Pj

JLH
08-19-2009, 05:52 PM
I called Kohler Tech support and explained RPM situation and lack of power to tech.

He told me exactly how to increase upper RPM's. He suggested upper limit be set at 3700.

I immediately followed his instructions. Yesterday I went out and cut where I usually do an I could not believe the difference.

Cutting now under load, tach stays around 3550, that's a world of difference from 3270-3330.

My mower has never had that kind of power even when new, because upper RPM's have never been set where it should have been.

Throttle cable could not slide far enough because inner cable was hitting cable body. After loosening cable clamp and moving cable to rear about 1/2 inch, then I could adjust stop screw to change RPM"S.

I can't explain how much difference it makes with a few huindred more RPM's.

This is a perfect example of the importance of having a tach to keep the operator aware of what the motor is doing at all times.

If I hadn't had a tach I would have been clueless.

This example confirms the importance of having gauges to monitor performance.

I hope this situation helps someone else.

Thanks for your help.

JLH

mowerconsultant
08-19-2009, 06:07 PM
Perfect! all the better reason to have the tach or at least have the unit checked by a dealer on a yearly basis.

Pj

Imow4u2
08-19-2009, 09:59 PM
I can't believe you were using that much oil at 3400-3500 r's.. Mine used to be set at 3600, I went to 3850 and wont go back QOC and productivity are alot better.. The jist has been the further north of 3600 you get the more oil you consume.. IMO I'd rather add a little oil than go back to 3600=SLUG...