3pt log splitter How much GPM is too much?

[InnerFarmer]

Hi all
I was about to buy a powerhorse 3pt log splitter and was trying to decide between the 13 ton and the 20 ton model. I have a 1972 International 454 with stated hydraulic flow of 11.9 GPM and wanted to make sure it was enough to run the splitter. The specifications say the 13 ton is rated "3 GPM maximum" and the 20 ton is "11 GPM maximum". I am new to tractors so called powerhouse and talked to their help desk and they told me that the teacher was TOO MUCH and I shouldn't buy either.

I find this hard to believe as all the helpful threads here were about having enough flow not too much. Was this service guy out to lunch or am I missing something? They have a no return policy so if he is right the splitter would become a $700 doorstop but even my beginner's instinct would seem to say that not all the fluid leaves the tractor and would swamp the splitter, but welcome any advice
Thanks!

 

[lungdoc]

Pretty sure those are minimum and not maximum - see here Powerhorse Horizontal Dual Split Log Splitter — 3 Pt., 13-Ton Ram Force, 3in. x 18in. Cylinder | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment, "Requires a 3 GPM or larger pump to work properly".

Maximum flow shouldn't be an issue anyway, it would be maximum pressure if anything that would cause a problem. Obviously those are related but the flow can be regulated by the valve very easily.

 

[InnerFarmer]

Lungdoc
Thanks. I believed it was backward and couldn't believe the tech was telling me not to buy their splitters. What tractor would have LESS than 3 GPM! Do you think if my tractor is "rated" 11.9 GPM that would be sufficient for the 20 ton with the min. Required of 11 GPM? The reason I'd pay more was more force but also ability to handle bigger logs. Would the 13 ton be enough for splitting would for my house and sugar shack but still less than 8 cords pa.?

I really appreciate your quick answer and the power of this forum. Thanks

 

[InnerFarmer]

To all
Powerhorse is likely scaring off buyers with this spec on the front page of their on line listing For the 20 ton 3pt splitter. "Pump: Requires 11 GPM max.". This is obviously what the tech specialist (so called) is reading from. Glad to find real experts at TBN instead!

 

[lungdoc]

We have this one Split-Fire Sales Inc. :: 3203 Woodsplitter :: Quality Built. High Performance. Split-Fire - Your Best Choice which is a 14 ton unit, min 4 GPM recommended, running on a Deere 4320 which has a 17 GPM rating. It splits anything we've thrown at it, I think a smaller cylinder on the same tractor would have a faster cycle rate which is preferable; 99% of the time you want speed over absolute power. I can't speak to the specifics of those units but I'd be wary of using a tractor close to the minimum spec.

 

[InnerFarmer]

Thanks. The split fire looks very cool and may solve one concern about the 13 ton powerhouse which was a shorter stroke which could limit log size. I think I am good to go on the hydraulics question. Will surely have others as I gear up over time!

 

[KennyG]

I think the PowerHorse may actually be able to USE a maximum of 3 gpm. On my 2320, the speed of the splitter seems to max out at about a 10 second stroke at a little over 2000 rpm. Running the tractor faster doesn't speed up the stroke, which tells me it's not flowing any more to the splitter. I'm guessing it may have flow limiter so it doesn't stroke too fast if you put it on a larger tractor. That's just a guess though.

 

[AndyG]

GPM=Gallons Per Minute this is the flow rate and controls how fast the cylinder moves in and out. Pressure=force that the cylinder will produce. Higher pressure = more force. i think that most compact tractors are set at 2500 psi pressure. The log splitter probably has a maximum pressure rating. I don't know why there would be a MAX flow (GPM) rating on a splitter. More GPM = faster cycle time which is good. I did lookat the splitters on Norther Tool and the specs do say 3GPM Max or 11GPM Max. I believe that the "Max" is a typo. It should be "MIN"