Raising RPMs on Kawasaki Engine.

[joed]

Does anyone know if it is safe to raise the rpms on a 6hp OHV Kawaskai engine (found on the John Deere and Toro 21" mower) from the factory setting of 3350 to 3600. My dealer did this to the Kawasaki engine I have on my John Deere. This has increased the speed on my mower tremendously along with the cut. However, the engine has become quite loud to the point where I am concerned about its long term health. Any ideas?

[Albemarle Lawn]

Find out what max RPM is and then set the governor to 3600 only if it is specified.

Are you talking about a jx75 or jx85 push mower? Remeber that mower has a clutch and those clutches are known for high failure rates. It could be that Deere "de-tunes" the mower for the purpose of clutch longevity.

Ken

[joed]

Ken,

I have the JX85 with the BBC. I checked the manual out but don't see any max RPM for the engine. The Kawasaki web site does say that max RPM is 3600 for the engine however. I wonder if it is o.k. then?

[Albemarle Lawn]

If the Kawasaki can handle 3600 go ahead and set max speed to 3600.

You may want to engage the clutch at less than full speed. There is a member (forgot who) on lawnsite that does a lot of push mowing and owns several JX85 mowers, and he has posted that he replaced several clutches.

I don't know why you would want to speed up a JX85? I have one, and in 5th gear it seems like you really have to hustle to keep up with the machine.

PS I have had mine for 5 years and love it. Only trouble spot has been that the blade clutch lever keeps breaking, have been through 3. And, the handles could be sturdier.

Ken

[Greenstar Services]

We have 2- 21inch exmarks with the 6hp kawasaki. The rpm settings that are with in the safe range is 3200-3600.We run ours at 3400 rpm with no problems. If you concerned for the life of the machine than increase your oil changes.