3020 hydraulics

I'm hooking up a log splitter to a 3020--already have a loader that is connected through a third remote...2 options I think I have is to use one of the two remotes controlled by the operating levers and tie the lever open or...there is a single outlet above and to the right of the PTO shaft...could I use it with a close center valve on the splitter???

I haven't done it personally, but if I understood the operators manual correctly, you can adjust the linkage to the remotes to allow you to push the lever all the way forward to hold pressure to supply the valve on the splitter. Check your manual for details.

thats on a tractor with controls on the side by the seat this can also can be done on early 3010s & 3020s also but this not a power outlet this ised to float a loader bucket ect.

Yes, my 3020 is a side console, I should have mentioned that. The left remote is set to hold downward pressure if the lever is pushed all the way forward and clicks to hold. Its not float.

Running the 'closed'center 3020 with the 'open'center splitter valve is not going to work out no matter how you hook it in, the open center system will creat a massive return flow and cause your closed system to cavitate, and reduce flow.

I found the instructions in the manual(have a side console)...thanks So, just to be clear, the system is closed center (the valve on the splitter can be set for either open or closed), yes? Also, any idea what the single hydraulic connector (male) is that's above and to the right of the PTO shaft?

How many remotes are on there? Are you counting the actual number of hoses, pairs of hoses or number of scv control levers?
The loader should have it's own independent pair of closed center valves/joystick. Supplied from a "T" in the high pressure line and returning oil to a ported filter cover.Trying to operate a loader from a scv is mickey mouse and starves the front pump's oil supply.
The splitter will have to have the valve set closed center or it's going to short circuit every drop of high pressure oil directly back to sump.

The side console 3020 hydraulics are way different than the earlier 3020. Deere makes a power beyond block that mounts between the valve and the final drive case to supply pressure and return for additional loads on the side console 3020. Tapping the elbow at the brake and returning to the filter gets the same result for a different price.

B&D is wrong that using the SCVs returns to the sump. It doesn't, they return to the filter. Try to close a single acting cylinder by hand with the valve in the float position once. It won't close because its still getting the precharge pump pressure.

That single connection is NOT factory stock. So we don't know what it is. Trace it to a valve or tap.

Gerald J.

"any idea what the single hydraulic connector (male) is that's above and to the right of the PTO shaft?"

Is it in the location shown in the drawing? If so, it's a "return-to-sump" port, often used to drain the case drain from an auxiliary hydraulic motor directly into the sump of the tractor WITHOUT the backpressure that would occur if returned to the oil cooler/front pump charge circuit.

<img src = "http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u125/27Grainfield/3020maincase.jpg">

There are two remotes...the loader is connected to a third remote that comes off fittings tapped in ahead of the left side remote. I'm assuming I'll hook to one of the two remaining remotes, change the valve to closed center and tie the operating lever open...

Yes, that's the location...just to the right of the 3 pt. center link

My loader is connected through one of the blocks that you mention between the valve and the case...

That single connection to the rear housing was used I believe on hyd. reset plows. Now they are using it with flat face coupler for corn planters with or without a hyd. driven fan

No use having a hydraulic motor when the front pump demand exceeds the trans pump capacity. That is why JD labels the ported cover "for use with hydraulic motors".
150-200psi of back pressure on a hydraulic motors doesn't mean beans with 2250 supply.
As previously stated that trans case port is for use with hydraulic trip ploughs.

That will work well enough for temp operation as long as the trans pump has time to refill the front tank and cooler between strokes.

Isn't a "T" and a ported cover cheaper than a "power beyond" block?

Buick,

If you read my post clearly, I said the CASE DRAIN from certain hydraulic motors is often dumped into that port.

MANY hydraulic motors used on planters and granular applicators have CASE DRAINS that need to be piped direct to the reservoir.

Even some of the BIG airseeders used today with huge 4WD tractors have a separate case drain line from the fan motor that MUST be plumbed clear ahead to the reservoir or the shaft seal will blow.

OBVIOUSLY, this does not apply to hydraulic motors WITHOUT a separate case drain line.

(quoted from post at 14:05:07 11/22/09) I'm hooking up a log splitter to a 3020--already have a loader that is connected through a third remote...2 options I think I have is to use one of the two remotes controlled by the operating levers and tie the lever open or...there is a single outlet above and to the right of the PTO shaft...could I use it with a close center valve on the splitter???

Click to expand...

You are mostly correct Papa John 4... except for the part about the single outlet above and to the right of the PTO thingy. That is NOT an outlet, it is an INLET to sump only. Not pressure, it is a RETURN port. You will be doing NOTHING with that port whatsoever.

Therefore, you really only have ONE option...

Plug your 2 hoses from your splitter into one of your "free" dual remotes on the back of your tractor. Then, move the lever that corresponds with that valve to pressurize the oil going to the splitter valve. (You may have to "swap" your hoses around to get the desired outcome for splitter valve lever direction in case you plug them in backwards the first try.)

Your remote valve lever will need to stay in the "on" position, if you will. This is typically achieved by holding it with a rubber bungee in order to keep the valve from kicking back to neutral when a load is applied to it by the hydraulic back pressure that will be created when the cylinder is splitting wood.

Be 100% that your splitter valve is set up for CLOSED CENTER operation. Most all log splitter valves are OPEN CENTER valves.
Some can be changed by changing a plug in the side from being ported to being plugged off. You would buy this closed-center plug from your local hydraulics supplier, and naturally, for the brand and model of valve that you have (Examples: Cross, Gresen, Prince, etc. are all pretty popular names).

If you attempt to run your log splitter with an open center valve, you will cause major cavitation in your tractor's hydraulic system. You will hear it make some really bad noisy chattering sounds, which is the cavatiation occurring at the high pressure pump. If you hear that sound, STOP!!!! You have an OPEN CENTER splitter valve! To continue on and ignoring the hydraulic chattering would very quickly DESTROY your 3020's very expensive high pressure hydraulic pump! Not to mention, you would have a slow, irradic, and weaker operation of your splitter cylinder.

Anyhow, in lamens terms, look at it this way. In a "closed-center" hydraulic system, the pressurized fluid must "deadhead" in order for the pump to stay in "neutral" and not pump a high volume of fluid. In normal operation, when the remote hydraulic valves on the tractor are in neutral (no flow in either direction), the pressurized fluid from the pump is blocked off (at the valve) from returning to the tractor's transmission/hydraulic sump. This is normal, and this is good.

Now, when you hook your log splitter hoses up to the tractor, you now need a "new" spot for the fluid to "stop" at once you have tied the tractor's remote valve "open" (or "on") with a bungee. That new "stopping" spot will now have to be within the log splitter valve itself. If the valve stops the oil, then it is a "closed center" valve, and you have NO worries - happy splitting.

If the splitter valve allows the oil to circulate straight through it and back to sump, via the return hose (leading to the nasty chattering I was talking about earlier), then you have an open center valve and you must stop immediately.
Now, you must either change the splitter's control valve "plug" to a closed-center plug... OR change the entire splitter valve alltogether if it is not an adaptable valve. Be aware, many older open-center hydraulic valves were NOT able to be adaped to closed-center valves. There are also cheap modern valves on the market that cannot be "converted" either. Once you've installed your "closed-center" plug, or changed the entire valve to a "closed-center" valve, then you are all set. Happy Splitting!

I know, because I've done A LOT of this kind of thing...

P.S. That male nipple/port you speak of in the rear of the tractor is a return to sump. Nothing else. This is there only for two common things that would be used on a JD 3020. One is for the hydraulic trip/reset land plows. The other is for the return oil from hydraulic post pounders. Some hydraulic motor applications where there are seperate case drains would use this port as well (often found on hydraulic blowers, air seeders, and the like - as "Bob" has already pointed out).

I have one of those large volume "return to sump" setups on a JD 4020 and on a JD 2630. Our post pounder uses a 3/4" dia return hose for a fast release of hydraulic fluid from the I-beam lift cylinder. It has a single acting cylinder that raises the I-beam and then it "dumps" the oil directly back to sump of the tractor whenever the remote pounder valve is activated to release the I-beam to drop.

Hope you are understanding all this stuff. (Actually, from what you posted, I'm pretty sure you knew most all of this before you posted.) I get the feeling you were just looking for confirmation to be certain before you accidentally schmucked up anything. Well, you are right on track, and now you know what that pesky male nipple sticking out the back of your tractor is for too! LOL.

Happy Splitting &amp; have a Happy Thanksgiving!
~ AJ

AJ--Thanks--You have confirmed everything I have concluded. The splitter valve came with a closed center spool and I installed it yesterday. Hope to get the hoses installed and the splitter working today--unless I end up spending too much time deer hunting. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well.

(quoted from post at 00:14:36 11/23/09) Buick,

If you read my post clearly, I said the CASE DRAIN from certain hydraulic motors is often dumped into that port.

MANY hydraulic motors used on planters and granular applicators have CASE DRAINS that need to be piped direct to the reservoir.

Even some of the BIG airseeders used today with huge 4WD tractors have a separate case drain line from the fan motor that MUST be plumbed clear ahead to the reservoir or the shaft seal will blow.

OBVIOUSLY, this does not apply to hydraulic motors WITHOUT a separate case drain line.

Click to expand...

OK you are correct, I missed that vital word "case" drains.

B&amp;D