1st Modification to my JD 455 - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

jeffery_1965 · 08-05-2008, 01:34 AM

Being the curious sort that I am, my 1st modification to my JD455 is a tachometer. It just seems natural that you would want to know what rpm you're running as you're mowing away.

I found a nice tachometer that also has a traditional hour meter, a job hour meter, and two service interval hour meters built in. It's made by Tiny Tach, and comes in two versions for the diesel application, 1/4" and 6mm fuel line. They use a piezo electric transducer to tell when the pressure fluctuates in an injection line, during the injection cycle. It's quite a simple device that only requires switched power, ground, signal, and signal ground. The pictures below should help:

First I made a hole in the dash using a dremel tool and a mill file. It took a bit of time to sneak up on the right size, but it looks pretty good for a hand cut hole.
Next comes sanding off the black paint on the injector line that you want to install the sensor on. 220 grit made quick order and left a nice clean ring of steel.
The sensor is mounted using the two supplied screws, with the red sensor wire going under one of them. The sensor ground wire (white) is connected to engine ground. I used loosened up a 10mm nut on the injection pump,and put the ground terminal under that.
Switched power is pulled from the upper 15 amp fuse using spade connectors. Connect to the lower leg of the fuse.
The ground connection was made to the 10mm bolt holding up the voltage regulator. (under the dash, on the right side)
Fire up the engine and viola, 1240rpm at idle. The picture isn't that great, as the display is very crisp and also has a green back light.

So now I know, it idles at 1240rpm and wide open is 3400rpm. Not that it makes much difference, but it will be fun to play with and see if changing rpms during mowing makes much difference in fuel consumption. Like I said, I'm a curious sort....

Jeff

**Ducati996** · 08-05-2008, 07:38 AM

Nice job Jeff and nothing wrong with being curious! all diesels should have a tach - heck all tractors should (gas engines too).

Mickey · 08-05-2008, 01:29 PM

Nice instructions on the install. Do I recognize that hand in the pictures?

The tach works exceedingly well. Hard to believe the piezo pickup can detect pulsing in the fuel line but it sure does.

You didn't mention you taken delivery on the FEL you purchased on-line. Looks almost new if you'd wash off the Colorado mud found in a few places.

jeffery_1965 · 08-05-2008, 03:22 PM

Yeah, I figured I would do a mini write-up on the FEL install as well.

I'm going to pickup the hydrostatic relief valve today, so I can install the loader and not worry about trashing the tranny. The other item is I need to get some ballast for the tractor. I'm toying with beet juice (RimGuard) in the rear tires, should be good for 200 plus pounds.

Jeff

**gunmaker** · 08-08-2008, 08:52 PM

Jeff, JD makes a weight bracket that bolts up to the rear of these tractors. It will hold 6-40lb suitcase weights. Works well, I have it installed on mine. I frequently see them for sale on e-bay.

**JDFANATIC** · 08-09-2008, 09:17 AM

Very nice!

Mickey · 08-09-2008, 12:05 PM

I'm waitng for another post as I know he has got the FEL on and has used it.

Where's the write up and pics?

jeffery_1965 · 08-12-2008, 10:44 PM

Well, here's some pictures of the FEL. I'm afraid I was too excited to get it installed to spend the time to properly photo document the install process.

The one key item I can speak to is that the bolts used to attach the loader brackets to the rear axle are very easy to install if you remove the seat pan. I know other people have reported having issues with getting these bolts in place, so maybe this tip will help.

Have a great week, cause we're all off camping from tomorrow till Sunday!

Jeff

**gunmaker** · 09-01-2008, 12:14 AM

Jeff...we need to see some pics of that 455 in action!

jeffery_1965 · 09-29-2008, 12:31 AM

Well I really needed to trim some trees, so I thought it would be a good time to throw a set of forks on the FEL and get to work. I threw the forks together in about 15 minutes, but they worked well for today. I'll look at a better design during the winter.

Yeah, I know I still need my wheel weights and rear ballast. I haven't ordered the rear 3pt yet, but I'm working it. I figure I might go with beet juice in the rears, then hang 300 - 500 lbs off the rear.

Enjoy the Fall!

Jeff