Hour meters

[JHZR2]

Hi,

Ive seen a few questions about hour meters, but none really followed up or thuroughly discussed operation of them... so I have a couple of questions.

I want to install hour meters on my yard equipment, some of it is battery powered, some of it is not. Id also be interested in installinga meter on a vehicle or two, just to see how things stack up. The vehicle meter and the battery-start lawnmower would use the same kind of DC meter, but for the others, I don't know, thus the questions:

-On an LCD based non-battery start engine, how long does the battery effectively last? Some sites claim 8 or 10 years, but this might be some ideal situation, not real life use, including it sitting in a shed over winter, etc... all the things that can reduce life.

-On a generator, one could tap a DC output (I have an inverter generator) for power to run an analog meter (no fear of data loss). Is there such thing as an analog surface.panel mount hour meter that can run off of 12V? Compactness is important.

-On a machine with a battery start, and an LCD hour meter, does the number stay in meter memory even if the battery dies or is disconnected?

-What meters do you use on outdoor equipment or vehicles? What brands should be avoided? What have you found to be the best install?

Im thinking of at least starting with a $30 sears unit... Id guess that the ones that are powered by the equipment themselves will be cheaper, but this one is nice as it just uses the spark plug cable, is compact, easy to mount and simple:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...es&vertical=SEARS&pid=07124175000&tab=des#tab

Any info, discussion, hints, tips, etc. would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

JMH

 

[Kestas]

To me it seems like a lot of expense, trouble, and maintenance to deal with this kind of meter just for lawn equipment. I would rather change the oil every year, or whatever any rough calculation would tell you. These timers are probably designed for use on equipment that is remotely used and starts/stops on its own. The marketing people are simply trying to expand its sales base.

Time your equipment use, then multiply by how many times you expect to use it. This should give you a rough idea on when to change the oil.

Life is complicated enough as it is. I try to simplify whenever I can.

 

[JHZR2]

Different personalities, I suppose (or the fact that Im unmarried and have no kids, so have lots of extra free time)...

I agree it is extra expense, but to me, an engineer who can be very 'geeky' sometimes, I think its a wonderful gadget to have on my equipment

I agree that its actual use may be relatively silly for my application...

Thanks,

JMH

 

[9296D21B14]

Tiny Tach. I installed one on my Yamaha 25 hp 4 stroke outboard for the tach and hour meter. Less than $50 I think. Nonserviceable battery included. Easy install, helpful people on the phone. I love it for the marine application due to prop considerations and avoiding WOT redline, etc. but it is also widely used on most small engines. Lawn equipment? It's your buck.

 

[JAYCEE]

I just bought a cheap chinese genset. I was thinking of looking on ebay for one of these. I think hour meters are a good idea.

 

[benjamming]

What was your final decision? I am looking for one to put on my mower. I have found SenDEC p/n 806-100-1032 here. Any thoughts? Were you also putting one on a trimmer?

 

[JustinH]

My vote is to buy 30 dollars worth of discount oil for your mower, and keep it changed regularly.

 

[Master ACiD]

just buying and changing oil isnt good enough for geeks like jhzr2 and i.
of course it would be more practical to buy $30 in oil and change it often, but thats not the point.
i guess its just a geeky toy that appeals to some people.

you can pick up 12v hour merte for very cheap at places like tractor supply. they are analogue 2 inch gauge face similar to an oil pressure gauge. i think they were about $10 last time i looked.

 

[benjamming]

I'm looking for an induction type hour meter. I have also found Tiny-Tach.
Does anyone know the country of mfg for the Tiny-Tach or the SenDEC?

 

[TallPaul]

I've see hour meters for as low as around $25. Google for it. Try JCWhitney, Harbor Freight, Northwesttool etc.

 

[beanoil]

I have the SenDec installed on an '04 KX250F from October of '03. Still going strong.

 

[oilyriser]

A pencil, wrist watch, and log book?

 

[benjamming]

oilyriser,

I think that you forgot the icon needed prior to your post ->