Putting a tach on a TO30

JJHess · May 7, 2017

Hello

My TO30 seems to be running a little slow at full throttle. It
doesn't have a tachometer so I'd like to install one. I have not
tried this before so what should I be looking for?

Thanks, Jeremy

John Deere D · May 8, 2017

These pictures are from the internet:

A Generator or Alternator with a rear Tack. cable drive and then a Tachometer mounted to your satisfaction. Tack must turn either CCW or CW depending on cable drive rotation from back of Generator / Alternator:

Also, you could go the route of an electronic tack:

YT parts can supply parts:

Michael QLD OZ · May 8, 2017

If you just need to check your revs you can install a modern electronic Tachometer. They operat by wrapping one wire round a plug lead, the wire reacts to the ignition pulse in the plug lead and the tach counts that as one revolution, so each time that plug fires it is counted.
I used one on my TEd as it was my first tractor and I had never heard one running before so was unsure how hard to allow it to rev. I pulled a couple of pictures off the net to help with my explanation.

JJHess · May 8, 2017

Thanks for the info. I'll check into both options.

maxwell99 · May 9, 2017

I like Michael idea of the electronic tack, if you just want a tack, not trying to keep the old tractor looking original,

my old 1957 TO35 has a gearbox that runs off the generator shaft, this gearbox runs a cable back to the old dash tachometer, the system still works on my tractor, but has had some bit of maintenance over the years,

Most people want to upgrade to an alternator, much better than old generator, you just can not find anyone to work on them anymore,

Do more research there are low rpm magnetic pickup tachometer that have maybe 4" dials, but they are pricey,

JJHess · May 9, 2017

I picked up a wireless reader today at NAPA. Works by either clamping onto a plug wire or wirelessly by holding the meter next to a plug wire. The meter is showing 1600 rpm at full throttle, so I'll check the meter against the tach in another vehicle tomorrow to make sure it's accurate. The meter was $85 and this way I can use it with anything with a spark. I'd still like a permanent tech but for now I'm happy.

Putting a tach on a TO30

JJHess

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John Deere D

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Michael QLD OZ

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JJHess

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maxwell99

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JJHess

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