Two engine speed questions

[pejepscot]

Hi Guys,

I have owned and used old tractors for decades (Minneapolis Molines, Fords, Farmalls, etc., never a green one tho'), but my latest (1975 Kubota L260) is both my first Diesel and the first tractor I have ever owned with an accelerator pedal - imagine my surprise when I stepped on it accidentally for the first time not knowing there was such a thing on a tractor and the engine revved up to full throttle

Anyhow, I tend to set the hand throttle and let the governor manage the engine speed - no matter what task I am doing. Here are my questions...

1. I find myself running the engine at very slow RPM for FEL work and hauling stuff. Is there any advantage to putting the RPM up higher? Is it better for the diesel?

2. What on earth would you use the foot accelerator pedal for?

Thanks
Ren

 

[Diydave]

Accelerator petal comes in handy for running a PTO operated implement, like a mower or tiller, and you encounter different conditions, like tall grass or harder ground. On my L2202, the throttle linkage got so sloppy, that I disconnected both it, and the pedal, and replaced with a vernier style locking throttle cable. I still find myself reaching for the pedal with my foot, to try to goose up the RPM's in a tough piece...

 

[Alexisferos]

at the other side are the people like me that use only the foot pedal.
i don't know why i just love the feeling and the sound of the engine when i double hit the petal.

 

[85Hokie]

1. I find myself running the engine at very slow RPM for FEL work and hauling stuff. Is there any advantage to putting the RPM up higher? Is it better for the diesel?

To baby it is bad -if you are using a PTO at a rated speed then run it AT that rated speed - running it Wide A$$ Open all the time is not that harmful, other then louder, more fuel burned, little more strain on the system.....but to baby it is bad, read the posts about the build up in the exhaust of NOT getting the rpm's up

2. What on earth would you use the foot accelerator pedal for?

Pedal does allow another dimension, increase in rpm's for a moment like described - tall grass, just a little goose to get you through then back off to normal

Thanks
Ren

 

[pejepscot]

Hokie, I will kick the rpm up a bit as you suggest. When doing PTO work I set the hand throttle and let the governor keep rpms where they should be - never felt the need to "stomp on it" as the governor does that for me...I'll give it a try next time

 

[MagKarl]

I use the "gas" pedal most of the time, especially when changing direction often. I only set the hand throttle when I have a longer run and don't expect to need to change gear, stop, back up, etc. or when running my PTO implements like my backhoe, chipper, or splitter. With a gear drive, I only shift at idle, so I want the RPM to drop immediately.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Foot pedal throttle for FEL work.
Hand throttle for any pulling of implements.