proper rpm for starting the bush hog?

I have a Ford 601 and a new Holland 5' bushhog. I know the best pto rpm to cut at is 540. But what engine rpm or pto rpm are most of you setting these older tractors at when you first let off the clutch to get those blades spinning. I am wondering because I have tried both letting the clutch out at 540 pto and with much lower engine rpm. If the engine rpm is too low it will lug my tractor down and almost die before it gets the blades spinning. Also how should it sound when starting the blades. Mine always makes some rattling knocking sounds when first starting. Is that normal? It sounds smooth once it gets them up to speed. I just want to make sure I am doing it the best what possible to keep from excessively wearing or breaking something.
 
Don't know if it is correct but I start mine at about 800 - 1000 or so engine rpm then throttle up to 1400-1500 engine rpm for cutting. The 540 rpm indicator on the proof meter is 1450 - 1475 engine rpm. Mine knocks for a second or two at first start up. Seems to be the blades spinning out.
 
Thanks for the reply! here is another question that comes to mind. When you are letting up on the clutch as soon as the pto starts to engauge, do you let off in one smooth motion, or more like go as slowly as possible letting it knock for a couple seconds as the blades start to turn? maybe I am going too slowly holding it in that just barely starting to catch stage to long...
 
I used it some this morning and let the clutch off a little quicker instead of holding it in the transition stage. It did seem to go a little smoother. At 900 engine rpm it still drops the engine down for a moment, kinda lugs for a second as it is getting the blades going. I guess thats how its supposed to go? At least with an old gas powered tractor?
 

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