B8200DT - best operating RPM?

[lloydd]

Hello,

I now have a new-to-me 1985 B8200DT 4WD geared tractor with an RCB60-I belly mower and turf tires with just over 900 hrs on the tach. Having cleaned and replaced some things that needed work, I'm about to mow with this rig for the first time. This is my first diesel.

I have several old Ford gas tractors from the 50's. I run these at about 1/2 to 2/3 throttle for any length of time. I will be pasture mowing with this Kubota for hours at a time, some flat ground, some rolling hilly stuff, light weeds and grass only. I've read the B8200 operators manual but could not find any recommendations for best continuous operating RPM. The RCB operators manual says run it WOT, which I'd rather not do, given the age of this engine. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Doug
Kingston, TN

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Hello,

I now have a new-to-me 1985 B8200DT 4WD geared tractor with an RCB60-I belly mower and turf tires with just over 900 hrs on the tach. Having cleaned and replaced some things that needed work, I'm about to mow with this rig for the first time. This is my first diesel.

I have several old Ford gas tractors from the 50's. I run these at about 1/2 to 2/3 throttle for any length of time. I will be pasture mowing with this Kubota for hours at a time, some flat ground, some rolling hilly stuff, light weeds and grass only. I've read the B8200 operators manual but could not find any recommendations for best continuous operating RPM. The RCB operators manual says run it WOT, which I'd rather not do, given the age of this engine. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Doug
Kingston, TN

The proper RPM is going to be almost WOT, and running an old engine at WOT isn't going to cause issues, they are made to run like that, they are governed to not over rev.

 

[Roadworthy]

I suspect the optimum rpm will be about what the manual recommends for PTO operation. That will probably be about the point where power is near maximum and efficiency is optimized. Although it has some years on it that is NOT a high hour engine. Listen to the Wolfman.

 

[rjcorazza]

I had a new to me B8200 20 years ago... What a great machine!
Anyway, being new to tractors, I was mowing my 6 acres with a 3pt finish mower at just high enough rpms to get a good cut. Sometimes using the 720 (?) PTO speed to run at an even lower engine rpm. My farmer neighbor marched over and straightened me out by saying "if you have to run a Kubota in Deere territory, please run it at full throttle like it was meant to be run!"


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[lloydd]

OK - I was just concerned about running a 34 year old engine too hard. I've never been one of the "Run it like ya stole it!" crowd. I drive several 1966 Ford pickups and try to keep them below 3K at all times.

The operators manual says the D950 is rated at 2600 RPM. Again, this manual was printed back in 1985. So I checked the tach, and sure enough, 2600 RPM is printed right on the gauge. Ooookay...

Ford tractors have what is called a proofmeter, which is sort of a tach with different markings. Ground speed is sort of a WAG with a variety of tires & rims. But it does help the operator ensure that when a 3 point implement requires a true 540 rpm PTO speed, that they can run it correctly.

Thanks for the feedback. This forum is very helpful.

Doug
Kingston, TN

 

[mikester]

You want to run your implements like your mower at 540rpm, over speeding them isn’t a good idea. Your engine is made to run at speed, dont worry about that. Best practice is not to lug the engine or over speed your PTO when driving implements.

 

[D2Cat]

lloydd, the age of the tractor isn't much of a factor if the machine is well maintained. I have a tractor 20 years older then yours and use it regularly to wrap 1200# bales of hay. It just keeps on grunting! I set it at 540PTO RPM and work it all day.