4120 & 3-point log splitter confusion

[12VOLTMAN]

Hi guys,

I own a Deere 4120 with a third SCV, but I do not have "power beyond". I'm looking into buying a Countyline 3-point log splitter from Tractor Supply, but I'm getting confused on the difference between open and closed center valves. The online manual for the splitter says it comes with a conversion kit to change the valve from open to closed, but I'm not sure if this is all I'll have to do to make it work or even what that means! Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jd110]

Your 4120 tractor has open center hydraulics. That means that any attachment you connect to the tractor needs to be open center. To use the log splitter you have 2 choices. You can connect to the third scv you have and tie the control lever engaged with a bungee cord, or you can add power beyond and then connect to that. The benefit to using power beyond is there is constant flow to the splitter without tying a lever into engaged position and you will probably see faster cyinder cycle times with power beyond since you have one less valve to restrict flow.

 

[om21braz]

Your 4120 tractor has open center hydraulics. That means that any attachment you connect to the tractor needs to be open center. To use the log splitter you have 2 choices. You can connect to the third scv you have and tie the control lever engaged with a bungee cord, or you can add power beyond and then connect to that. The benefit to using power beyond is there is constant flow to the splitter without tying a lever into engaged position and you will probably see faster cyinder cycle times with power beyond since you have one less valve to restrict flow.

+1 Don't "dead-head" the system as it could make for a very expensive lesson in hydraulics.

 

[12VOLTMAN]

Thanks for the help guys. I don't know anything about hydraulics.
om21braz how could I dead head the system? I am assuming that when I release the valve lever on the splitter it will divert flow back to the tractor. Is this not correct?

 

[om21braz]

Thanks for the help guys. I don't know anything about hydraulics.
om21braz how could I dead head the system? I am assuming that when I release the valve lever on the splitter it will divert flow back to the tractor. Is this not correct?

As long as you are pumping to an open-center valve on the splitter you'll be ok. That way when the splitter cylinder is stationary or stopped (either extended or retracted) the flow to the splitter valve, which is constant from the tractor, will be returned to the tractor sump from one port on the valve. With the hoses disconnected from the splitter valve, you can test this with an air hose. In simple terms, the flow of hydraulic fluid needs to be maintained from the tractor into an implement and back into the tractor on a tractor as the Deere 4120.

 

[12VOLTMAN]

Ok, I think I've got it. The manual for the splitter says that it comes set up as an open valve and there is a kit to changeover to closed, so I should be ok. I'm going this weekend to take a better look at one and possibly buy it. Then I guess the only thing left will be to see if it moves too slow. If it does, I'll have to look into the "power beyond" setup.
Thanks again for the help!

 

[pat32rf]

When I ordered my 4300 I tried to explain to the salesman that I needed Power Beyond. He gave me the 3rd SRV. There is QUITE a difference in speed between the two when used on a splitter. I eventually bought a back hoe and needed the Power Beyond anyway. When connected to the splitter you NEED an open center spliter valve with a power beyond. I don't think it matterts with the 3rd SRV

 

[larboc]

Not sure how much you're planning on using it but they are usually very slow and use a lot more fuel compared to a dedicated small engine gas powered splitter with a 2-stage pump. Usually about the same price too.