1863/ch18/gt54 deck max operating RPMs
 

So the throttle control cable broke, installed another, and a thought came to mind......what should this ch18 be subjected to as far as operational RPMs when mowing? I put the cable back to where it advances the control linkage on the motor fully, linkage is complete, it appears the stop screw in the linkage is for WOT. I have a tiny tach on it and at WOT, sitting still, deck not engaged it's running +/- 3320 RPMs on the tach. I found a Kohler web page that stated top of the mark at 3600 RPMs.

I believe it's set at a safe engine speed but just wondered what others might think. This is a high hour ch18 which has been a super power plant, especially considering the lack of care it got from it's original owner. It's had regular oil changes since I've had it, air filter kept clean, cooling fins/fan kept clean. Pulled it a couple years ago for "deep" cleaning behind the covers and crankshaft seal replacement just for good measure. It does not dirty up it's crankcase oil badly between changes.

Any insight is appreciated and thanks in advance.

I would go with what Kohler has stated.

:IH Trusted Hand:

How many hours is on the engine?

1082 on the in dash meter that was not working when I got it due to a damaged harness, I don't have confidence it works everytime it's powered since correcting the wiring. 391 on the tiny tach meter.

I was just curious if anybody paid any attention to RPMs.

I was told by somebody once that hydrostatic lawn/garden tractors were designed to run at WOT. for most small engines that is 3300-3600 rpm's.

both my cubs have over 1000 hours each and they run WOT every time I use them.

I run WOT when it's working, a fat 3300 rpm. I just was trying to satisfy my wonderment, mission creep I guess.

I believe you want your Command (I've looked into when swapping engines on a machine) to run with NO load at around 3800 rpm. That way, when loaded with a deck or heavy load, it will "lug" down to 3600rpm. That being said, I believe I set mine to 3700rpm or so WOT with no load.

And yes, these small air cooled engines are best run at WOT when running a load such as tiller or mowing grass, keeps them cool :beerchug: