Hydraulic Line ? for Log Splitter Project

[LanceH]

Hey Everyone.

I'm trying to figure out the hose setup on my homemade log splitter that I'm putting together.

As I'm sure you are aware, the fluid follows this path:
1. Tank to 2 Stage Pump
2. Pump to Valve
3. Valve to one end of cylinder
4. Valve to the other end of cylinder
5. Valve (through filter) to tank

My questions is can Item #5 be a low pressure line or does it have to be high pressure?

I plan on using a braided clear piece of tubing from Lowe's or somewhere for the suction line from the tank to the pump. Next will be 3/4", 2 wire, 2250 psi Apache hose from Northern for Items 2 through 4, and Item 5 will be dependent on what you all advise me of.

Thanks a bunch.
-Lance

 

[Craig Clayton]

I use hydraulic line on all the lines, no collasping ,no problems and they do not get brittle. I buy hose by the 50' on sale and screw on my own ends. Even if you buy off the shelf made up lenghts you can always swap a lenght somewhere.
Craig Clayton

 

[LanceH]

I use hydraulic line on all the lines, no collasping ,no problems and they do not get brittle. I buy hose by the 50' on sale and screw on my own ends. Even if you buy off the shelf made up lenghts you can always swap a lenght somewhere.
Craig Clayton

Thanks for the info Craig. Where would you recommend me looking at prices for such a roll of hose and the fittings? Do you need a special tool to put them on or do the simply 'screw' on?

 

[Craig Clayton]

I live in Ontario so I guess you would need to check around your suppliers. There is a very good posting about screw on fittings. Under search type in( reuseable fittings ).
Craig Clayton

 

[Craig Clayton]

Found it
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/158654-re-usable-hydraulic-hose-fitting.html

Craig Clayton

 

[LanceH]

I'll read up on those ends. Thanks for the link.

On another note, something I left out of my original post, is about the pressures on the lines and how it realates to the force the splitter is able to create.

If this hose and the 3/4" from Surplus Center are both rated at 2250psi, depending on the formula I use, wont get me anywhere close to the 35 tons continuous that I'm aiming for.

I say Force=Area*Pressure, so [(3.1416*2.5^2)*(3000psi)]/2000 lbs = 29.452 tons of force.

The 3000 in this equation is the max pressure that my 16 gpm will create. But it contradicts my 2250 working pressure (9000 max psi) on the hose.

I just dont understand how the manufacturers are getting a higher tonnage with the same components I'm using?

 

[J_J]

The two stage pumps normally work at around 2550 psi, with a max of 3000 psi. I would go with a higher pressure hose. You might have to reset the relief pressure if you use lower psi hose. The pressure will determine the force, and the GPM will determine the cycle speed. With a 4 in cyl, and 2550 psi, you should get about 16 ton of force. If you could get 3000 psi out of that pump, the force will increase to about 18.8 ton.

The cycle time will vary, because the pump is sometimes pumping at the 16 GPM rate, and at other times, it is pumping at 4 GPM rate.

 

[J_J]

Here is an auto cycle valve by Prince that once set, it will split and return and set the levers to neutral with no more action by operator. That leaves you free to get the next log ready or re-split the larger pieces.

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL PRINCE AUTO CYCLE LOG SPLITTER VALVE

 

[LanceH]

Here is an auto cycle valve by Prince that once set, it will split and return and set the levers to neutral with no more action by operator. That leaves you free to get the next log ready or re-split the larger pieces.

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL PRINCE AUTO CYCLE LOG SPLITTER VALVE

I looked at this one, but can't justify spending $268 when I could spend $90 on this: Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL 25 GPM PRINCE LS30002 VALVE

The two way detent is the same price, but I've got a 3 year old crumb cruncher and I've got to keep his safety in mind. Maybe when he gets older I can graduate to the auto valve.

 

[LanceH]

The two stage pumps normally work at around 2550 psi, with a max of 3000 psi. I would go with a higher pressure hose. You might have to reset the relief pressure if you use lower psi hose. The pressure will determine the force, and the GPM will determine the cycle speed. With a 4 in cyl, and 2550 psi, you should get about 16 ton of force. If you could get 3000 psi out of that pump, the force will increase to about 18.8 ton.

The cycle time will vary, because the pump is sometimes pumping at the 16 GPM rate, and at other times, it is pumping at 4 GPM rate.

Thanks for the input JJ. I think I would feel better stepping up to a better hose versus turning down my pump.
My cylinder will be 5" not 4" so do you mind telling me how you figure your forces so I can run them myself?

You have offered a lot of advice and knowledge to me on dang near all of my threads....all relating to this homemade log splitter or my previous one. Thanks again!!!!

I have a 10 hp diesel engine, 16gpm 2 stage pump, 5x24x2.25 cylinder. I am not concerned with speed as much as I want to have the power available to power through tough pieces of wood. Do you see anything negative with this setup or offer any other suggestions?

Thanks again.