Export thread

Multimeter recommendation for riding mower troubleshooting

#1

J

Jlandd

I have my first riding mower (a not recent Craftsman/Briggs). Always been finicky to start but now it just clicks and rotates a few inches. So I need to get my first multimeter as I begin to learn to troubleshoot it. I’m certain if I went by reviews and then bought one based on general internet research it would be missing a critical function for this, since I’m a total noob here, but looking forward to doing the stuff owners can do.

What multimeter can anyone recommend that is a good unit under $100 for riding mower checking? Thanks in advance!!!

J


#2

R

Rivets

Any of the Klein or Triplett brands will work fine for your needs. Do a google search and you will find them at Lowes, Menards, Tractor Supply, Home Depot stores.


#3

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10



you'll want to set it on 20Volts DC for voltage checking
1625675464876.png


#4

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10

I also have this meter i keep in my "go box". it's always accurate with my klein... i can also use it to hook on charging system wires to check amperage...

KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter High Accuracy (0.001A), 2000 Counts, Auto-Ranging, AC Current Amp Multimeter with AC/DC Voltage, Ohm, Capacitance, Diode and Continuity Test: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter High Accuracy (0.001A), 2000 Counts, Auto-Ranging, AC Current Amp Multimeter with AC/DC Voltage, Ohm, Capacitance, Diode and Continuity Test: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com


#5

J

Jlandd

Thanks so much, Rivets and Scrubcadet10, for your quick and helpful replies!
Noob question about the Clamp Meter: How do the functions of it compliment the multimeter? Is it mostly redundant but handy as an extra and smaller tool? Or do they share some functions but the Clamp Meter is what one would need for certain things and a worthwhile expense?


#6

cpurvis

cpurvis

I like Velleman better than Klein.


#7

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10

Jlandd said:
Thanks so much, Rivets and Scrubcadet10, for your quick and helpful replies!
Noob question about the Clamp Meter: How do the functions of it compliment the multimeter? Is it mostly redundant but handy as an extra and smaller tool? Or do they share some functions but the Clamp Meter is what one would need for certain things and a worthwhile expense?
Click to expand...
I went without a clamp meter for years... i only occasionally use it to check A/C amperage on charging wires... but for $5 more the klein will do you good.


#8

cpurvis

cpurvis

The clamp meters are for measuring amperage. Multimeters can only measure up to about 10 amps because they're actually measuring amperage. Above that, you need the clamp meter. They sense the magnetic flux around the wire carrying current..


#9

R

Rivets

Personally I would for go a clamp on Amp accessories. Couldn’t tell you the last time I used one while doing small engine work, if ever.


#10

StarTech

StarTech

If anyone is buying one these clamp meter I would getting the does both AC and DC amps so you can check starter current draw.. Here I got a regular DVMM with a add-on clamp adapter. I seldom use it but it is nice to have when I do.


#11

cpurvis

cpurvis

The thing I use a multimeter for most on lawn mowers, etc., is continuity. Make sure the audible function is loud enough that you can hear it clearly and reacts instantly to a complete circuit. That was what I liked about the Velleman.

I'm on my second Klein and neither one reacts instantly and the audible tone is weak. I returned the first one, thinking it was defective but the second one is the same.


#12

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10

cpurvis said:
The thing I use a multimeter for most on lawn mowers, etc., is continuity. Make sure the audible function is loud enough that you can hear it clearly and reacts instantly to a complete circuit. That was what I liked about the Velleman.

I'm on my second Klein and neither one reacts instantly and the audible tone is weak. I returned the first one, thinking it was defective but the second one is the same.
Click to expand...
Hm, my klein has a pretty good beep to it.... that cheaper tester i linked also has a red light on it that lights up when it detects continuity.


#13

J

Jlandd

Thank you everyone for the gracious info :)


#14

B

bertsmobile1

I use a test lamp more than a multi meter , I find it easier.
What eve you buy make sure it comes with a clip lead
You spend a lot of time checking for a ground short and it is so easy to clip one end to the battery +


#15

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

Autel PowerScan PS100 Circuit Tester Support Update Online

Autel PowerScan PS100 is the most revolutionary circuit tester to data. Autel PowerScan PS100 is truly the ultimate in power and affordability, allowing users to check circuitry in one single step.
www.autelsale.com www.autelsale.com

Use this 90% of the time

www.zoro.com

Fluke Digital Multimeter, 1,000 Max. AC Volts, 1,000 Max. DC Volts, 10 Max. AC Amps, 10 Max. DC Amps Fluke-87-V | Zoro

Order Fluke Digital Multimeter, 1,000 Max. AC Volts, 1,000 Max. DC Volts, 10 Max. AC Amps, 10 Max. DC Amps, Fluke-87-V at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.
www.zoro.com www.zoro.com

Got 2 of these.

Amazon.com: Electronic Specialties 180 LOADpro Dynamic Test Lead : Industrial & Scientific

Buy Electronic Specialties 180 LOADpro Dynamic Test Lead: Test Probes & Leads - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Handy because it loads the circuit.

www.topdon.us

ArtiBattery 101 12V Battery, Charging and Starting System Tester

The TOPDON USA ArtiBattery 101 is a digital 12-volt battery tester with extensive compatibility on all battery types.
www.topdon.us www.topdon.us

Good battery analyzer.


#16

J

Joed756

I don't know your age, but if it was me, I'm old, I would have to ask myself mow badly I need a clamp-on ammeter if I've never used one before. In fact, based on what you have told us, I'd buy the cheapest meter I could find.


#17

M

Mower bandit

Jlandd said:
I have my first riding mower (a not recent Craftsman/Briggs). Always been finicky to start but now it just clicks and rotates a few inches. So I need to get my first multimeter as I begin to learn to troubleshoot it. I’m certain if I went by reviews and then bought one based on general internet research it would be missing a critical function for this, since I’m a total noob here, but looking forward to doing the stuff owners can do.

What multimeter can anyone recommend that is a good unit under $100 for riding mower checking? Thanks in advance!!!

If its a ohv check valve clearance
Click to expand...


#18

E

ec121

If the starter just clicks and moves a few inches, clean your battery posts then buy a meter. My mower and JD tractor both need cleaning once in a while..


#19

G

Gord Baker

Put in a known fully charged Battery and try it. Then look for clean battery and starter connections. Then look for loose terminal block near Key.


#20

gamma_ray

gamma_ray

Jlandd said:
I have my first riding mower (a not recent Craftsman/Briggs). Always been finicky to start but now it just clicks and rotates a few inches. So I need to get my first multimeter as I begin to learn to troubleshoot it. I’m certain if I went by reviews and then bought one based on general internet research it would be missing a critical function for this, since I’m a total noob here, but looking forward to doing the stuff owners can do.

What multimeter can anyone recommend that is a good unit under $100 for riding mower checking? Thanks in advance!!!

J
Click to expand...
I've had several over the years. The one I use almost daily, I believe I got from The Home Depot and it works well enough for my purposes. I paid less than $40 fir it, I believe. The display lights up which is a plus for my almost 60 year old eyes.


#21

S

slomo

Like most are saying, don't spend a lot of money on one. If you are looking at a lifetime investment tool, look at the HVAC meters. Heat and air guys have some nice ones these days. Fluke is top of the line IMO. UEi and Fieldpiece are great too. I'm a Fluke nerd myself.

slomo


#22

StarTech

StarTech

One of the problems I found with cheap meters is everything is cheap. Things like very short lead thin leads. Since I use meter in the shop I needed a decent unit. Even some these don't come storage cases. my Tenma meter didn't but I still had my Beckman case.

Also some DVMMs don't like being dropped. I my Tenma has pass that test multiple times here. My Beckman fail but it was due to it being 15 yrs old and I just worn it out.

Mentioning Fluke the Basic 101 is around $50 which is a good starter DVMM.


#23

E

ec121

We had Fluke instrument meters at work. They could be used for instrument and valve calibration(4-20ma output), but they were about $800 8yrs. ago.


Footer Links 1

Top