Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Hour meter on Riding mOwer, mechanical aptitude, hour meters

Question
Hi John,

I have a 1999 MTD riding mower with a 20 horse briggs in it and I would like to install an hour meter so I can keep a closer tab on when to change oil, etc. I know I can get one from JC Whitney for about 25 bucks, which is reasonably cheap.

How are these hooked onto the harness or connected to the engine? I'm not an electrical genius by any means, but have normal mechanical aptitude. I can drill the hole to mount it.

Do you have any suggestions for another meter source?

Thanks for your help.

Rich

Answer
 Hello Rich:

 I have seen 2 Types of Hour Meters and I like Both.  The most Common One I have seen on the Mowers are simply Connected to the Ign Switch so when the Switch is On, Power is going to the Meter. The Other Connects to the Coil Shutdown Wire on the Engine.  Between the Engine and the Shutoff Connection Post. If you feel I can give you the Assistance you Require to install the Meter. Please let me know and we can go into details. Remember the Meter will have Installation Instructions also.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John