Best Hour Meter Gauges of 2025

"I found the hour meter very easy to install and connect to my boat's ignition."

"We installed it in our tractor, and while it hasn't been long enough for me to verify its accuracy, I'm confident that if it continues to work well, I might forget to update my review."

"I installed this on my new riding mower to keep an eye on maintenance. The rear studs made it simple to mount on a metal strap, and I appreciate the easy readability and the little red wheel to monitor operation."

“I ordered, and it was shipped and delivered as promised. The product is exactly as described and works like the original.”

“I used this hour meter to automatically log run time on my small diesel generator. It was easy, just hook up two wires and it's done!”

“This hour meter worked great for 9 hours before it stopped. I checked everything, and since I wasn't having any wiring or power issues, I'm not sure if I got a defective unit. However, their customer service was excellent, and they're sending me a replacement.”

"I find it works well and keeps accurate time, but it's a bit odd that it measures in minutes rather than tenths of hours."

"Overall, I think it performs reliably, but I wish it offered a more standard time format."

“I found the hardest part was removing the old gauge, but this one works just as I expected.”

“I anticipate that this new gauge will replace the one that failed in my three-year-old mower. Unfortunately, I suspect it may only last another three years until the internal battery dies again. It’s not a perfect solution, and I’d prefer a permanent fix from the manufacturer.”

“While the display is good, its usefulness is limited to the battery's lifespan. I reached out to John Deere with an engineering report, but received no reply. It’s frustrating to have to pay $100 for a replacement display due to a design flaw.”

"I purchased this hour meter for my new air compressor. It's the perfect size, easy to read, and importantly, it doesn’t rely on a battery like cheaper models. The AC compatibility from 110v to 240v was crucial for potential future wiring changes. I installed it in a project box, and now I can track my pump oil changes accurately without guessing. It looks good, works well, and was affordable."

"When I needed to replace a broken hour meter on my John Deere 318 tractor, this product fit perfectly and was easy to mount. I’m really satisfied with how well it works."

"I installed this hour meter on my Carolina Skiff boat. The installation was straightforward as long as I connected it correctly to the ignition. It matched the boat's hours after the first service. I can't comment on its accuracy yet, but I made sure to get the DC version for my applications, which seems to be a common point of confusion."

"I found it easy to install, though a template would have helped. The hole size was provided in the installation instructions, and I wired it in parallel with the fuel pump on my Universal 3 Cylinder Diesel engine in a 1983 34' sailboat."

"Unfortunately, just seven days after the return date, it stopped working. I used it for two trips, totaling 3.8 hours, and it was disappointing. The seller did agree to send a replacement after I sent pictures. When I took it apart, I discovered the sealing method was inadequate—the back of the casing is like a bowl. Water leaks in through the face, causing rust. The advertising claims of it being 'waterproof' and suitable for boats and similar applications are misleading. If it’s kept out of the weather, it might work, but that's a challenge."

"I was a bit let down to see it has a plastic lens instead of glass, as I worry it won't withstand a marine environment."

"This is the second one I've purchased. It attaches easily and works quite well. I have one on my Trenching Backhoe and now one on my 27 ton wood splitter. It helps me keep track of maintenance time, and I'm quite happy with the product."

"I was skeptical because it runs off the spark wire, but it works great and is really easy to install."

"I installed this hour meter on my 2023 TTR 230 to monitor maintenance. It took just a few minutes and some zip ties to install. So far, it tracks engine hours perfectly with zero issues. If you're after a reliable hour meter that’s affordable, this is it!"

"I received this product nicely packaged and it was in perfect condition. It fit perfectly in my Beneteau 281 Yanmar engine panel and was easy to install. I appreciated that it came with a rubber gasket and a nice plug assembly with connectors. I even hooked it up to my motorcycle's battery for a few weeks to advance it to my engine's current hours. Good product at a great price."

"The face of the meter is made of soft plastic. While it came from the seller with a couple of nicks, I found it easy to install and the sizing was correct. I also liked having the spinning star and detailed minutes display."

"I bought a new Suzuki outboard that didn’t come with an hour meter. This one was straightforward to use; it just plugs into two wires in the wiring harness. Once I figured out which wires to connect, it worked perfectly."

"I have no problems with it at all; it seems to keep time perfectly."

"I connected it to my air compressor to monitor run time and maintain intervals, otherwise it's just a guessing game."

"It fit perfectly for my crawler dozer; looks like a factory replacement."

"It's quite loud—sounds like an old-time clock. I can hear it from across a 20 x 20 foot room. The face is clear plastic, not glass, and it's very lightweight. I think it will work just fine for the price, but it's not a fine timepiece. If I needed it to be quiet, I'd have to return it, but the noise of the machine covers it."

"I hooked it up and ran the machine for 5 hours, but the gauge never turned. I tried it on a 12v battery and it still didn't work. Very cheap."

“I found it to be a perfect fit as a replacement. Installation was straightforward, and I had it up and running in no time.”

“The gauge looks great, and I can read the time accurately to the minute.”

“While I think it’s a decent product, there were no installation instructions provided. The wiring is reversible, so I didn’t connect it incorrectly, but it would have been helpful to have guidance before installation.”

“Honestly, I think it’s a bit confusing. Instead of displaying hours in tenths, it shows minutes, which makes it tricky for someone used to standard readings. For example, instead of saying 10.1 hrs, it reads 10.6 hrs for 10 hours and 6 minutes.”

“I had a frustrating experience with this product. The first unit didn’t last even 30 minutes, and the replacement only lasted 4 hours. I wouldn’t recommend it at all!”