Powering hydraulic log splitter

spandit

Member
Bought a log splitter today and after a bit of mucking around (lengthening hoses and changing connectors), had it working using the spare lever spool valve which isn't very convenient as I can't reach it from the back of the tractor and have to walk around to the side to operate it.

My hydraulic setup is like this (ignoring the 3 point lift hydraulics). The rear axle drain valve has a hose adaptor that provides the feed to the pump (mounted on the engine). The outlet from the pump goes to the 3 level spool valve block and the outlet from that goes to the rear axle filler cap, which is tapped to accept the hose.

4915.jpg


Now... when a spool valve lever is operated, it allows forward flow in one direction but does it also allow reverse flow in the other? What I'm thinking is that I could connect the splitter lever valve to the existing spare valve as per the photo, and tie/wedge the latter valve permanently open, thus giving a constant flow into the splitter valve, the outlet of which would go back into the other side of the spare valve. Clear as mud (which incidentally is the colour of my hydraulic oil :()?
 
If it is an open center valve, then yes, when the handle is in the position to power something like a cylinder in one direction then the other side is open back to the center to allow the fluid being pushed out of the other side of the cylinder to return to the sump. But, if you keep it permanently open then the other two valves on the same block will not have the opportunity to work with full flow, if at all. I would use a bungee cord to hold it open while you are splitting logs and remove the bungee when you're done.
 
Oh, it wouldn't be a permanent fix, bungee cord or ratchet strap. Not going to be using the loader at the same time anyway but glad my logic seems to hold up, thanks
 
Could buy a couple of these:

https://www.industrial-supply.co.uk/3-8-bspp-female-swivel-equal-tee.html

(or a larger size, because I think the pump outlet is bigger than that) and just fit a couple of quick release fittings towards the rear of the tractor
 

Might be worth fitting a check valve in the return line...

https://www.flowfitonline.com/hydraulic-valves/check-valves/hydraulic-intergrated-check-valve-vui-38
 
I put the external flow adapter on the hydraulic ports on top of the main casting, just in front of the seats, under the current cap plate. I
plumbed that to a Cross brand (from TSC) open center single control and from there to in/out fittings on the rear of my '65 3000. To that I
connected a 4x24 cylinder and splitter.

I positioned the tractor adjacent to the splitter and operated that tractor control to operate my splitter. At 7 gpm it was a dog.

After several years of that I had an old Scotts riding mower chassis with a Kohler 15.5 hp engine. I went to Northern Tool and bought a 16
gpm dual stage pump which requires 7-8 hp for full flow and pressure with all the trimmings and their log splitter control valve with auto
kick out in the retract mode. Works much better. I have pics I can post if needed. Some folks smirked at my rig when asked me for pics
and I posted them previously, but it's my rig, I built it to function from available parts that I had sitting around, and best of all it works. That
suits me.
 
I built one for my Ford 5000 and I just bungee the lever forward that normally goes to the lift cylinder since i'm not using it when
splitting.
a175830.jpg
 
I've ordered a load of bits to give me 2x1/2QRC at the back and hoses to connect to the splitter valve. Will update once they arrive - can't wait!
 
Well. It all arrived today and I connected it up...

...doesn't work :(

I think what is happening is the fluid coming from the pump normally goes straight to the loader valve return and without shutting off this path, the feed to the logsplitter isn't running at pressure.

The valve on the logsplitter is a Gresen 550.

Think I need to buy and fit a shutoff valve to isolate the loader valve block when the logsplitter is in use... Will see if I can plumb it directly into the pump to check that the Gresen 500 is actually working...
 

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