Hour Meter for Attachments

[Tractor_Chunks]

I'm looking at the service manuals for some pto powered attachments, and thinking about how to be mindful of the hours put on them so I can check oil levels and chains. Are there any hour meters that I can put them that will log operating hours? Something like the ones available for small engines, but it would need to sense something other than a spark plug.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

off the shelf ?, I doubt it.
can they be made ? sure, easy just count # of revs then some 'math'. the manual says 'check every 12 hours or use' ...so 12 hrs x 60 min x 540 rev = 388,800 total revs. When the 'rev counter' = 388,800, turn on a light, ring a bell, send an email ........ Less than $20 in parts, 2 hrs to code...any 'electronics wizard' can do this.

 

[B737]

they make ones that work based on motion/vibration. They are a bit inaccurate, and I've read reviews where people say just walking near them has caused them to "run". They are widely available on amazon.

 

[gas man]

I'm looking at the service manuals for some pto powered attachments, and thinking about how to be mindful of the hours put on them so I can check oil levels and chains. Are there any hour meters that I can put them that will log operating hours? Something like the ones available for small engines, but it would need to sense something other than a spark plug.

just check them once in awhile, or once a week when in use. there's no need for an app for everything. when people were still using mules they checked them and fed them everyday. didn't have a hour clicker to tell them they might be hungry

 

[Tractor_Chunks]

just check them once in awhile, or once a week when in use. there's no need for an app for everything. when people were still using mules they checked them and fed them everyday. didn't have a hour clicker to tell them they might be hungry

It is actually my infrequency of use that makes it hard to keep track of.

 

[xrocketengineer]

Not that I think is necessary but... you could use one of these:

Amazon.com: Driak 12v to 60v Truck Tractor Diesel Outboard Engine Hour Meter Rectangular : Automotive

Buy Driak 12v to 60v Truck Tractor Diesel Outboard Engine Hour Meter Rectangular: Hour Meter - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Then have a switch and wiring on the tractor to connect and turn it on when the attachment is running.

Just saying......

I like gadgets. You should see my mule.....

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Ok, $20 out of your wallet should buy you a 'bicycle meter'.It's non contact, selfpowered,just install, set for 'time' display,done.

 

[GeoHorn]

just check them once in awhile, or once a week when in use. there's no need for an app for everything. when people were still using mules they checked them and fed them everyday. didn't have a hour clicker to tell them they might be hungry

Sorta like teenagers.

It is actually my infrequency of use that makes it hard to keep track of.

Sorta like teenagers.

 

[mikester]

I use a seasonal hour meter. At the end of the implement's season I do all my PM's and put it away and I know it's ready to go at the start of the season.

 

[skeets]

I think the easiest way for you to do it would be at the end of the season. Put what ever you are using on run the snot out of it all summer/winter and when you take it off for the next season, do you checks, oil grease and so on. 99.7% of anybody that uses this kind of stuff will tell you they do it the same way. There is nothing so critical in any piece of PTO equipment to start with, they are designed to work hard, and in most cases be abused, and still work lke they should. So just do your pre ops and dont worry, it's all good

 

[Thunder chicken]

I have a notepad and a pen. I try to write in the book start/stop tractor hours when using an implement (more for billing a customer) but it requires a pen or pencil that works. That Murphy has always borrowed. And a mind sound enough to remember to write down both times, then the math, then add it to a running total on another page. Every time. Ahhh theory!

 

[Tractor_Chunks]

I think the easiest way for you to do it would be at the end of the season. Put what ever you are using on run the snot out of it all summer/winter and when you take it off for the next season, do you checks, oil grease and so on. 99.7% of anybody that uses this kind of stuff will tell you they do it the same way. There is nothing so critical in any piece of PTO equipment to start with, they are designed to work hard, and in most cases be abused, and still work lke they should. So just do your pre ops and dont worry, it's all good

You're probably right about seasonal service being the most sensible approach.

If there was a $10-20, slap it on with a magnet, vibration sensing meter, I think that's a good idea and I'd buy a few. So far, I can't find such an item.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

see post # 7 or the replay here...
Ok, $20 out of your wallet should buy you a 'bicycle meter'.It's non contact, selfpowered,just install, set for 'time' display,done.

 

[Tractor_Chunks]

see post # 7 or the replay here...
Ok, $20 out of your wallet should buy you a 'bicycle meter'.It's non contact, selfpowered,just install, set for 'time' display,done.

I searched for "bicycle hour meter" on Amazon and didn't really find much - most results are for engines.
Can you link me to something?

 

[BigG]

Look at "bicycle speedometers".

 

[xrocketengineer]

A vibration activated meter?

Amazon.com

 

[GreensvilleJay]

bicycle 'speedomters' today actually have odometers, trip meters, date,time, speed and other 'features' probably got GPS in them too ! You just need the 'odometer' feature to see 'total' distance.