IthacaJeff 151 #1 Posted June 12, 2009 WH'ers I've been mowing some heavy grass and weeds with my 310-8, sort of doing a bit of brush-hogging. Even with only taking half a swath with the 42" RD deck, and the throttle maxed out, the engine slows down more than I like. The question is, what is the lower limit on RPMs under load? Anyway to keep the RPMs up without stressing the engine? What would be the best way to measure RPMs while under load? Thanks, Jeff in Ithaca Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #2 Posted June 12, 2009 I would mow with the deck up don't even drop the lever. Also make sure you have the belt on the bigger pulley on the pto. I'm not sure what gear you are mowing in but try slowing down also. I've gone as far as mowing in low range 3rd for heavy patches. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lotus1967 0 #3 Posted June 12, 2009 If it's an 8 speed, have you gone to low range? I can't imagine it bogging down in 1st, or 2nd low. I would also suggest sharpening your blades for this job. Aside from that, and not knowing how high the grass really is, could the tall stuff be restricting air to cool the engine causing overheating and resulting power loss.? Don't know if any of this makes any sense, but just brainstorming. Even my 418-8 struggles in some grass at times. Low range always seems to solve the problem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodge 6 #4 Posted June 12, 2009 It sounds like you are just at the horsepower and torque limit of the Kohler 10 horsepower. Before you do damage to your engine, work within the parameters of what you have. In other words, mow what a 10 horsepower will mow, not a 16. That is an excellent engine, with lots of torque, but it does have its limit. If you overwork it and overheat it for long, you will do damage. I love mine, and have a lot of faith in it, but I wouldn't try to do what my 520 would have done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,981 #5 Posted June 13, 2009 My 310-8 mows very well with the 42 SD deck, but it does work pretty hard in the heavy stuff sometimes. The suggestion to use low range is a good one, but if it's still hard on it, I'd definitely look for a bit more power than the 310 has. The 37SD deck is a much better match to your tractor if power is an issue. Mine would run out of power fairly easy before I overhauled it. After that, it has power to spare compared with before. I didn't have any trouble with the engine smoking too much, but the engine compression was way below what it should have been. Might be worth looking into. Also make sure you have the belt on the bigger pulley on the pto. This would result in higher speeds for the blades, but will place even more strain on the engine. I'd stick with the smaller groove for more power, at least for this particular use. Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #6 Posted June 13, 2009 I have blown up 2 engines on my 308-8,the original 8 hp kohler magnum,totally destroyed the engine,next motor was a rebuilt 8 hp (coulnt afford a bigger one at the time)it to blew up cutting heavy grass,i have a fair bit of grass to cut,I now put a 13 hp in it and it is almost unstoppable,like my 14 hp kohler,but i agree,use the machine accordingly or it can cost you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IthacaJeff 151 #7 Posted June 15, 2009 Gents, Thanks for the suggestions. My blades were sharp (just sharpened), I mowed in 1-high and even 2-low, and though it cut, I may be stressing the engine too much. I'll leave the belt on the factory recommended PTO pully. . . that just seem safe. In sum, I'll eave the 310-8 to do the job of a 10 hp and look for a bigger tractor! Jeff in Ithaca Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodge 6 #8 Posted June 15, 2009 Gents, Thanks for the suggestions. My blades were sharp (just sharpened), I mowed in 1-high and even 2-low, and though it cut, I may be stressing the engine too much. I'll leave the belt on the factory recommended PTO pully. . . that just seem safe. In sum, I'll eave the 310-8 to do the job of a 10 hp and look for a bigger tractor! Jeff in Ithaca See- it isn't so hard to justify another tractor. You have to preserve what you have since they aren't made anymore, and different tractors fit different needs. That's our story, and we are sticking to it! :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #9 Posted June 15, 2009 See- it isn't so hard to justify another tractor. You have to preserve what you have since they aren't made anymore, and different tractors fit different needs. That's our story, and we are sticking to it! That's the reason I bought a second. It just didn't seem right to make the ol 312 mow and drag the garden cart around.(Pretty weak I know, but it got me a C-120A) :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodge 6 #10 Posted June 16, 2009 From the wisdom of my father, "You can justify anything if you want it bad enough". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites