Architectdave 1 Posted February 15, 2013 How do you guys set your max engine speed? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RayS 81 Posted February 15, 2013 I use a tach made by Tiny Tach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Architectdave 1 Posted February 15, 2013 Ray, do you move it from engine to engine or have it mounted on one tractor? quote:Originally posted by RaySI use a tach made by Tiny Tach. id="quote">id="quote"> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superbman101 1 Posted February 15, 2013 I use a Tiny Tach also Mounted to the tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midnightpumpkin 83 Posted February 15, 2013 I bought this one on e-bay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Resolution-Digital-LCD-Non-Contact-Laser-Photo-Tachometer-RPM-Tester-/190725954776?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c68271cd8 I like it and you sure can't beat the price. It uses a piece of reflective tape on a rotating surface to make the measurement. Non-contact. Accuracy seems to be reasonable for my purposes. John U Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMBerst 36 Posted February 15, 2013 I have the same tack for 3 years, and so far works well. And that I can use the tape to check other items, blower RPM or what ever. One of those once or twice a year use things. I believe a 9v battery to power it, so rather easy to keep a spare and change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RayS 81 Posted February 15, 2013 Originally posted by ArchitectdaveRay, do you move it from engine to engine or have it mounted on one tractor? quote: id="quote">I move from engine to engine. Next one I buy will be like John`s. No issue with the Tiny Tach other than it has a battery that can not be changed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HubbardRA 20 Posted February 15, 2013 I use a Vibratach. No batteries needed with them. They also seem to be very accurate and the readings are repeatable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrincheyOne 52 Posted February 16, 2013 I use the "Sen-Dec" which is sold under various branding, primarily the highest priced by Country Home Products aka DRPower @ $39. Available elsewhwre for $19. It is an inductive pickup off the plug wire and requires no batteries. It comes with a bracket, and can be panel mounted (snap in). Wayneid="Book Antiqua">id="size4"> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnwiz 3,290 Posted February 16, 2013 GrincheyOne Can I ask where this tac is available for 19.99? I seen it a various places but price is 69.00? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLT 725 Posted February 16, 2013 quote:Originally posted by fishnwizGrincheyOneCan I ask where this tac is available for 19.99? I seen it a various places but price is 69.00? id="quote">id="quote">This is an accurate tach and at times you can get then for less then $10 free shipping from Hong Kong. They read spark signals for two and four cycle engines. That's the good part, the bad part is that they only have a shelf life of 3-4 years when the battery goes dead. It is supposed to be a sealed unit, hah, battery can be replaced with hot glue gun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnwiz 3,290 Posted February 16, 2013 BLT..Ebay? Where have you seen these in our area for that price? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CarlH 447 Posted February 16, 2013 I have a tach similar to John's I got from eBay. Harbor Freight has them also. Works fine for garden tractor engines and other stuff. I use a tire grease pencil to mark the rotating object because I long ago lost the reflective tape. :I Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
timflury 1 Posted February 16, 2013 I use an electronic tach with a rubber tip that fits into the countersink on the end of the crankshaft. Borrowed from the cabinet at work, but not brought home without a sign out ticket.:D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rich_kildow 278 Posted February 16, 2013 http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-photo-sensor-tachometer-66632.html Works well enough and seems to be repeatable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haykarenhardy 6 Posted February 17, 2013 " I use a tire grease pencil to mark the rotating object because I long ago lost the reflective tape. " Aluminum Foil and double stick tape work to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kenh 37 Posted February 18, 2013 quote:Originally posted by haykarenhardy" I use a tire grease pencil to mark the rotating object because I long ago lost the reflective tape. "Aluminum Foil and double stick tape work to. id="quote">id="quote">I've done both but have a hard time counting fast enough at full throttle to get a accurate reading, That and my eye site is going a bit so I know I miss the mark as it comes around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dhardin 0 Posted February 18, 2013 http://www.manddsmallengine.com/briggs/tools/19200.html Love mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Architectdave 1 Posted February 27, 2013 BLT I just installed that same tach you have pictured. I also got one of the digital handheld tachs that uses the tape. I just set the high and low speeds on my tractor 1200 and 3000. 3600 seems too high for my taste. Well anyway that dash mounted tach doesn't seem to be working properly its only reading 1500 rpm max. I re-wrapped the spark plug wire a couple of times and in differant places, got the same results everytime. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RayS 81 Posted February 27, 2013 3600 RPM is the designed RPM for these to run at. The reason is so the engine will cool like it was designed to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLT 725 Posted February 28, 2013 quote:Originally posted by ArchitectdaveBLT I just installed that same tach you have pictured. I also got one of the digital handheld tachs that uses the tape. I just set the high and low speeds on my tractor 1200 and 3000. 3600 seems too high for my taste. Well anyway that dash mounted tach doesn't seem to be working properly its only reading 1500 rpm max. I re-wrapped the spark plug wire a couple of times and in differant places, got the same results everytime. id="quote">id="quote">Press S 1 button for 4 seconds then hold down until number 3 appears and then release it. That should give you 2 revs per spark and coincide with your hand tach. 3000 RPM wouldn't give you good snowblowing speed. I was there and now up to 3450 and what a difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Architectdave 1 Posted February 28, 2013 FOr some reason the tach settings woldn't take, I did finally get it set right and it stayed set, not sure, must be operator error. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rfsmith1952 4 Posted March 1, 2013 Here's one for $13.07 and no shipping... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120938784092&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160 Must be on the slow boat from China though..not due in till at least 19 March Share this post Link to post Share on other sites