At what rpm to engage mower deck

[Steve67]

As the title says what rpm do you all engage your deck? Took delivery of my b2601 today, couldn't find anything in manuals . Thanks

 

[Jimc3165]

I do it at idle then throttle up because at a higher RPM it puts undue stress on the drive components.

 

[Dalroo]

I do it at idle then throttle up because at a higher RPM it puts undue stress on the drive components.

^^this^^^ too high and you will also snap a shear bolt.

 

[rkidd]

Same here. Slip it in nice and easy at idle and then set it to pto rpm and go.

 

[hiho silver]

My local lawn mower dealer suggests engaging at low rpm for a mechanical (lever) engagement. If using an electric clutch (like an a/c compressor would) he wants to see high engine rpm's before flipping the switch. Doing so minimizes the chance of burning out the clutch from what he says.

 

[armylifer]

I engage mine at 1800 RPM. When I engage it at idle (1400 RPM) it seems to engage harshly and when I engage it at 1800 to 1900 RPM it engages much more smoothly.

 

[tempforce]

my pto clunks loudly at higher speeds. so i have the engine in the 1200-1600 rpm range...

 

[Steve67]

Thanks for all the input!