running a loader at 1/4? 1/2? 3/4? or full throttle

[z4lunch]

Steve here... I have a really dumb question. When you guys are running your loaders, is there any rime or reason to throttle speed... Does the pump need full rpm to work efficiently, or can you run at 1/2 or 1/4 throttle. I was moving loads of topsoil with mine at about half throttle, and seemed fine. But does the diesel/pump need high rpm or low rpm to run better and last longer. Hope my question is clear Steven

 

[73Eldo]

I would think that 1/2 would be ok if you are not working or driving that hard. My manual (single cyl air cooled gas machine) says 3/4 but part of that could be a (air) cooling issue.

 

[Tazza]

Run it at whatever throttle you require. If you are doing heavy digging you will want 3/4 to full throttle, if you are just moving light loads 1/2 or less is ok. As long as you aren't fighting to keep the engine running its ok. Down hills i usually drop my speed rite down as there is little load, using my hoe attachment i do say 1/2 and digging 1/3 - full depending on how hard i need to push. Its really a thing you get a "feel" of, the higher the speed the less noise you hear from the drive but as long as its not so low that you feel heavy vibrations through the sticks.