Old tractor PTO rev counter

[Ashes_Firewood]

I've just bought a firewood processor and planning to run it off an old Ford 4000 most of the time. Is there a way of fitting a PTO rev counter to it so I can set the correct PTO speed to run the processor at?

 

Thanks

[monkeybusiness]

Does the tractor’s rev counter not work? It’ll often be marked where 540rpm at the pto is, or a plate will tell the operator ‘540pto at 1800rpm’ for example. 
On a processor accurate pto speed is  not too essential - just run it at a speed that feels and sounds right. 

[GA Groundcare]

You can get a laser tacho gun for a few quid, tip'ex the PTO shaft, run the tractor up and see what revs 540 equates to. Then mark your throttle accordingly.  

[Ashes_Firewood]

1 hour ago, monkeybusiness said:

Does the tractor’s rev counter not work? It’ll often be marked where 540rpm at the pto is, or a plate will tell the operator ‘540pto at 1800rpm’ for example. 
On a processor accurate pto speed is  not too essential - just run it at a speed that feels and sounds right. 

No it doesn't work. I don't think it does tell you the 540 PTO speed on the rev counter on the 4000 even if it did.

 

The other tractor we have does tell you but that's got a loader on so want to keep that free for loading the lengths and moving IBCs and bags.

Edited January 28, 2022 by Ashes_Firewood

[Ashes_Firewood]

1 hour ago, GA Groundcare said:

You can get a laser tacho gun for a few quid, tip'ex the PTO shaft, run the tractor up and see what revs 540 equates to. Then mark your throttle accordingly.  

Something like this?

 

Digital Non-Contact Handheld Laser Photo Tachometer Motor speed Gauge Tester Rotational Record(60 Data)MAX/MIN/AVG ±0.02%+1 Accuracy Measuring Range:2.5-99999RPM distance:50~500mm with Reflective Tape : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK

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Buy Digital Non-Contact Handheld Laser Photo Tachometer Motor speed Gauge Tester Rotational Record(60...

 

[monkeybusiness]

This is a Ford 3000 (ultimate firewood powerhouse!), you might be able to find a 4000 manual online which should shed some light on the subject.

 

That tacho above would do exactly what you want - I’m pretty sure you can get cheaper ones that will meet your requirements equally well. 

[Ashes_Firewood]

Now you've put that picture up I've remembered it does have that sticker saying what engine speed you need to get 540 on the PTO. Surely wouldn't be too hard to get the rev counter working again. If its the same on the 4000 then I need 480 on the PTO for the processor so 1600 engine revs if I've worked that out right. Thanks for your help.

Edited January 28, 2022 by Ashes_Firewood

[headgroundsman]

Ford 4000 flat out is about 2300 if a remember correctly so about 3/4 throttle would be good

 

[htb]

Tacho driven by cable, so easy to check if driving up to tacho or not. Process of elimination.

[Peter 1955]

No idea at all about this but on the sprayers we used to use RDS instruments did shaft speed monitors. All it consists of is a magnet lashed to a shaft, and a sensor on a bracket. Pretty simple.