RPM for bucket

[Todd R]

Greetings!
New tractor owner here. LX2620HSDC. What is the correct RPM for running my LA535 with B23671 bucket? I can find no useful information in my Owner's Manual, and YouTube will drive you nuts. Thank You!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

There is no set RPM.
You run the tractor at the RPM needed to do the job.

you're either running it at too low of rpm or working it too hard.

If it keeps stalling or you can't do what you want to do you're running the RPM too low, or the job your trying to do is bigger than the tractor you have!

 

[RCW]

Congratulations and welcome to OTT!

I just saw an LX2620 at the local dealership with a front-mounted snowblower. Nice machine!

I do not believe that the LX2620 has EPA Tier IV emissions equipment (DPF).

As such, you don't need to be as concerned about lower RPM fouling the emissions system.

You want enough RPM so the engine doesn't "lug." That's not good.

Looks like PTO-rated RPM for the LX2620 is 2,500 engine RPM. That 2,500 would turn the rear PTO at 540 RPM and mid-PTO at 2,500 RPM.

Here's the specs I was referencing: lx20_specs.pdf

The loader hydraulics will have the same lifting/curl force at 50% throttle as 100%, it just moves faster at 100%.

I'm guessing some. Without knowing your skill level, I would probably start at half (2/3?) throttle. Adjust as needed. Will also depend on what you're doing with the loader (heavy/light, need to go slower for "finesse," with forks, etc.)

I've had a BX with loader for 12 years now. I seldom look at the tachometer. I simply adjust the throttle for what I'm doing.

PS - - @North Idaho Wolfman was typing while I was......

 

[TheOldHokie]

The higher the engine speed the more pushing power you have and faster the loader will raise. If I am doing REAL loader work I set engine RPM close to max. That gets me good loader response and full pushing power. Ground speed is easily controlled with the HST transmission,

Dan

 

[Todd R]

Thank You All! Real newbie here. Have 5 hours on the tractor, so VERY little experience. I will not be pushing it until it's 50-hour maintenance. I am SO glad I joined this forum. Thanks again! Todd

 

[nerwin]

I'm a newbie too and honestly....I ran it at a slower RPM to get used to the controls and just took my time. Once I felt more comfortable with the operations I increased the RPM. It makes the cycle times of the hydraulics much faster and a little more sensitive. The first time you raise the bucket and accidently lower fast is a pucker moment I think everyone experiences this a few times, even experienced operators.

But I do know that when running it at a higher RPM makes everything just run more efficiently and you get a little less HST whine as its pumping more fluid and obvisually you get a little more power.

For the range, this is what I was taught and I think its a good method to follow but doesn't always necessarily mean you have to follow it to the T. Its just a good guideline to follow.

Low - Loader
Medium - Mowing
High - Highway

I have done some loader work in medium range, but it wasn't anything hard just really light stuff...like snow or some organic material like brush or leaves. I know some people will switch to low range to scoop up a big pile of dirt and then move to high range for transport if the distance is far but you have to be careful when using high range with a full bucket...it gets sketchy and bouncy haha.

You just have to use you're own judgement and use plenty of caution. YouTube is the biggest resource and its worth watching a lot of operational content on these machines. It was helpful for me.

Nothing wrong with taking it easy at first until you get comfortable. The man in us just wants to send it lol But take your time and have fun and most importantly...be safe.

Hope this helps. Just trying to share what my "newbie" experience is so far.

 

[BBFarmer]

Thank You All! Real newbie here. Have 5 hours on the tractor, so VERY little experience. I will not be pushing it until it's 50-hour maintenance. I am SO glad I joined this forum. Thanks again! Todd

Heck yea brother.....Get out there and give her the beans!!!

 

[RCW]

The higher the engine speed the more pushing power you have and faster the loader will raise. If I am doing REAL loader work I set engine RPM close to max. That gets me good loader response and full pushing power. Ground speed is easily controlled with the HST transmission,

Dan

Dan brings up a great point.

I was focusing more on loader operation, but Dan brings up operation of the tractor itself.

Higher engine RPM makes the HST tractor more responsive.

For lack of a better term, an HST can be a little "anemic" at low engine RPM.

I regularly get loads of stone for the driveway. About 20 tons every couple years. With some other stone delivered for foundation purposes, I've probably handled 120(?) tons over the 12 years I've had the Kubota.

30% of that is distributed with the loader bucket. Have to push into the pile to get a bucket full. Need nearly 100% RPM to help the tractor do that. Rest is pulled around with a box blade.

A loader can be very dangerous. Always keep loads/bucket low. Have a good ballast on the 3-point hitch as a counterweight. For your tractor, 400# or so would work. Could be an implement or a ballast box. I use an implement.

ALWAYS have it in 4WD when working on slopes. You don't have front brakes like a car or truck.

If you go down a slope with weight on the loader, you could lose traction on your rear tires.......if in 2WD you slide down the hill quickly...... Nothing to stop you....

If in 4WD, the fronts will help slow you down as they're connected to the HST drivetrain.....

As a veteran of 5 hours tractor usage, it's best to start slow and increase as skills improve.

If your location is your zip code, I'm guessing you have some slopes. I used to spend a lot of time in Warrensburg while in college. Visit the area regularly. Love it up there.

 

[Todd R]

Dan brings up a great point.

I was focusing more on loader operation, but Dan brings up operation of the tractor itself.

Higher engine RPM makes the HST tractor more responsive.

For lack of a better term, an HST can be a little "anemic" at low engine RPM.

I regularly get loads of stone for the driveway. About 20 tons every couple years. With some other stone delivered for foundation purposes, I've probably handled 120(?) tons over the 12 years I've had the Kubota.

View attachment 152271

30% of that is distributed with the loader bucket. Have to push into the pile to get a bucket full. Need nearly 100% RPM to help the tractor do that. Rest is pulled around with a box blade.

A loader can be very dangerous. Always keep loads/bucket low. Have a good ballast on the 3-point hitch as a counterweight. For your tractor, 400# or so would work. Could be an implement or a ballast box. I use an implement.

ALWAYS have it in 4WD when working on slopes. You don't have front brakes like a car or truck.

If you go down a slope with weight on the loader, you could lose traction on your rear tires.......if in 2WD you slide down the hill quickly...... Nothing to stop you....

If in 4WD, the fronts will help slow you down as they're connected to the HST drivetrain.....

As a veteran of 5 hours tractor usage, it's best to start slow and increase as skills improve.

If your location is your zip code, I'm guessing you have some slopes. I used to spend a lot of time in Warrensburg while in college. Visit the area regularly. Love it up there.

That would be Putnam Station. Bought in '88, built cottage in '90 and finally added on and retired here last fall. All the time knowing I'd need a tractor when we were finally "full timers". I just put another hour on her, using all your tips. Thanks!

 

[bird dogger]

I was going to mention...but @RCW mentioned it above....

One of the most important if not the most important thing is to keep the loaded bucket as low as possible while doing your work. Keep it low between points A and B if your moving materials. Raise it up to dump only when you're at your destination...and preferably at a standstill.... until you get more time in the seat.

As a newbie, it wouldn't hurt to keep your right hand on the loader control lever and ready to shove that stick forward to dump and lower the load if things get iffy or feels tippy. It's better to pick up a spilled bucket load of fill than to have to upright your tractor and inspect for damages.

If your bucket is high up and a wheel drops into an unseen divot or hole....that could be all it takes to get to the tipping point. Keep the center of gravity as low as you can...and be extra careful when you do need to raise the bucket up high to dump. You'll gain experience fast, once you start using it.

Enjoy!! and be careful.

 

[McMXi]

Greetings!
New tractor owner here. LX2620HSDC. What is the correct RPM for running my LA535 with B23671 bucket? I can find no useful information in my Owner's Manual, and YouTube will drive you nuts. Thank You!

Everyone seems to have covered the basics so all I will add is to say, nice first tractor!

 

[mikester]

Good rule of thumb...avoid lugging the engine!

 

[chim]

With a heavy load in the bucket, I back down hills to maintain effective rear wheel braking.

 

[skeets]

Welcome to the orange! One thing, think about what you are going to do, then think it through a second time. Things can happen in a heart beat so just think it through and use it, don't baby her. If she sound like she is lugging bump the RPM up a bit, till you reach the point of her purring not screaming. It will all come, It takes time, everyone in here has traveled this same road. Oh and yeah keep the pictures coming we love out tractor porn,, Right wolfman,, lol

 

[JonM]

if you are operating with a load in the bucket go slow very very slow. the most dangerous thung you can do besides running the pto while off the tractor seat is using the front end loader for a lifting task