Engine Noise? Or am I hearing things?

[conquistador]

Ok, another dumbly entertaining newbie question. I'm running my Kubota L2050 with a 5ft Caroni finish mower. Rpm's set around 2100. Engine purrs like a kitten on the flat parts of the yard, but when it gets under stress, I hear what sounds like a little valve chatter. It doesn't spit any smoke or act strangely, I just hear something like the valves chattering coming from the engine. So, is this something I need to be concerened about or am I just a new, over-protective parent??:D

[eserv]

I think you are hearing the classic combustion sound of a diesel engine under load. Have you listened to any other diesel's under similar condition's? I don't think I'd be concerned about it.
Ed

[conquistador]

I kinda figured that was what it was but I figured I'd ask here to be sure. Just another over protective parent concerned for his new child I guess. Then again, I'd rather look dumb than have something go wrong and not ask a question!! (That must be the teacher coming out in me.)

[Service Dept Vic]

Ya, I'm with Ed on that one. You should be seeing some black smoke when that Kubota starts makin' power too.

You are mowing using PTO speed #1 (540rpm), right?

[conquistador]

Yep, running at 540rpm. I was cutting the in-laws grass which had gotten high in some places, plus factoring in that I was mowing on hills and I gave my little Kubota a decent workout. I figured what I was hearing was probably normal, but the little voice in my head told me to go ahead and ask anyway. I'd rather ask an obvious question than be looking at a dead tractor with a dumb look on my face.