log splitter engine

[KubotainNH]

Below is a link to the parts diagram for the generator I had that would idle down. Looks like the "Transformer Idle Cnt" is the electro-magnet that throttles it down. I do recall that it was not very strong and everything had to be just right for it to work. I would want a stronger solenoid. The question is where do you get the power to run it? I don't recall many log-splitters that have a 12volt generator on them.

Generac 4000XL Parts List and Diagram - (9777-1) : eReplacementParts.com

Franklin2's thought of a mechanical way could work too. Some sort of throttle cable could be used but you'd want to make sure it had little resistance and at max pull didn't rev the engine too high. The other end could tie to the hydraulic valve handle with a spring assuming the cable is pulled back via another spring. A bicycle cable could do the job cheaply and it would be a simple solution at least to run the piston out. You would lose the speed on return unless you got a bit more ingenious with the setup, still doable.

Any pictures of the splitter you can post?

 

[baddnee]

yes, I just got the splitter I do not know how to post pix. it is a rugged split type 2

 

[baddnee]

I be darn I guess I did it correctly...

 

[mikehaugen]

There are limit switches that have a button instead of an arm, then the button has a little wheel on it. The are usually mounted so a cam or nub will push the button. You could put one on the side of the lever and make some sort of nub on the side of the lever. The swith would be pushed in when the lever was neutral and would extend when the lever was moved either way. Then it's just a matter of using the n.o. or n.c. contacts in the swith to activate the solenoid. I would think you would also want some kind of timer built in to keep it from activating everytime you changed directions and the lever passed the switched.

However, I am in agreement with LD1, it doesn't seem worth it unless you just want an interesting project. You are probably talking over $100 just in parts... it would take a lot of fuel savings to justify imho. If there is a time when you know you won't be using it for any length of time it is easy enough just to turn it down by hand. A few seconds here or there isn't going to do much for you. In fact the welder we have at work won't idle back down for about 45 seconds after it senses a load to keep it from constantly revving up and down.

 

[LD1]

constantly reving up and down is probably harder on the engine than a constant speed anyway

 

[jlgurr]

constantly reving up and down is probably harder on the engine than a constant speed anyway

That makes sense too. Rebuilding an engine detracts from the coolness factor of the auto throttle. Good point LD1.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[orangeandgreen]

How about something as simple as a remote throttle cable hooked to the valve lever. When the lever is in the extend (down) position, it pulls the engine throttle to the "fast" position.

 

[muddstopper]

Seems simple enough to accomplish. Since you only want the engine to rev up under load, I would plumb in a pressure switch in the hydraulic system. Then adjust the switch for what ever load you want to activate the throttle solenoid. I would look for a old holley carburator and rob the high idle solenoid off of it and mount on the small engine throttle cable. When the pressure is reached that the pressure switch is set at, the solenoid is activated and engine revs up. Pressure drops, solenoid is deactivated and engine idles down. Hers a picture of the carb solenoid I am referring to. https://www.google.com/search?q=thr...lenoid%2520Install%2520for%2520AC%2F;1056;792

This the pressure switch I am thinking about (but not the correct pressure rating) Square D Class 9012 Type ADW3 High Pressure Hydraulic Switch 135 1000 PSI | eBay

 

[baddnee]

it would be a interesting project. looks like no one has actually done this.

 

[franklin2]

it would be a interesting project. looks like no one has actually done this.

For me it would be counterproductive. One of my priorities for my splitter is speed. I want it as fast as possible to get to the wood, and then retract fast so I can put another piece in place. Hooking the throttle control to the lever would be ok, since I would not be doing anything with the lever in the neutral position. But when I move the lever forward or backward, I want it to get on with it.