The correct way is to move the throttle control lever to approximently the mid throttle position then engage the PTO, then you can advance the throttle lever to operating speed.
My question would be why the differences in engagement spends. I checked your link and it's like you said and at the same time I checked my manual for my ZTR and it says The correct way is to move the throttle control lever to approximately the mid throttle position then engage the PTO, then you can advance the throttle lever to operating speed.( full engine speed) so why the differences.
I looked at the power curve for the Command and contrary to what I thought the most torque is produced at about 2600 or so-that would be between midway and full throttle...guessing most engines would be the same.
Why the recommendation from Cub, most power is at full throttle perhaps that is their reasoning.
I talked to a service tech at the Cub dealer and a couple of smaller area small engine outdoor equipment techs and they all said yes they were aware what the manufacture says but they all recommended dropping the rpm about half way or 2/3rds for engaging the clutch.
My GT 1862 Cub with a 18HP Magnum at max rpm really squalls when I engage the clutch. Drop back to half throttle and it engages quicker with no squalling.
With an electric PTO clutch ... there is no way to 'feather' the clutch in... it is either On or Off... very similar to sliding your foot off the clutch in your car or truck... if you do it at idle... you are likely to stall the engine. If you do it at Full Throttle you are very likely going to brake something sooner or later...
it is only reasonable to engage a clutch at the Lowest engine RPM to not stall and and high enough without shocking the driven components... but your the one who will likely be replacing belts, pulleys and spindles... all the parts are expendable if you treat it like it doesn't matter... :smile:KennyV
I engage the PTO at the lowest engine rpm possible without stalling it, which is about 1/2 throttle on my mower. IMO, engaging the PTO at full throttle is comparable to revving your car engine to 3,600 rpms, then dropping it into gear.
#11
Ric
I posted earlier in the thread that The correct way is to move the throttle control lever to approximately the mid throttle position then engage the PTO, then you can advance the throttle lever to operating speed, and that's what the manual says.
So my next question is if the manual is right why then do they use these stupid safety switches that disengage the pto when you move to reverse and activate the pto at full throttle when moving to forward. Does it not hurt as much doing that as engaging the pto when you start mowing? What's the difference?
The "safety" circuit that disengages when going to reverse... is a liability issue that attorneys arrived at for a economical solution to a non existing problem... If it were truly thought out by the engineering department It would include a Decelerator, and then it could really impact the cost of production... as it is, Most of the clutches and associated drive train will last for a while, even with the abuses this 'design Feature' introduces. That is Not to say it is a good practice Or that it is good for the long life of your equipment... :smile:KennyV
#13
Parkmower
I hate the reverse safety switch!!! Thinkin of modifying it but will prob void the warranty.
