Converting 3 point hitch wood splitter to BCS pto

[jerzeemaple]

How would I convert a 3pt hitch log splitter to work with a BCS pto on a 730? And where can I get a pto driven hydraulic pump that fits BCS? Thanks

 

[farmerboybill]

You can buy a "power cradle" for $250 and pump (don't know how much) for the Wallenstien splitter from a BCS dealer. You could also buy a BCS-to-540 adapter ($157 at a BCS dealer), a 540-to-1000 rpm PTO adapter ($28 at Farm and Fleet), and a 1000 rpm PTO hydraulic pump ($300 at Surplus Center).

Otherwise, if you're handy, you can buy a 16gpm 2 speed pump for $165 from Surplus Center and make your own speed increaser with V-belts and pulleys in a box. The BCS PTO turns at 990 rpm and the pump needs 3600 rpm to run at maximum capacity.

 

[jerzeemaple]

Nice got my wheels turning thanks. What about screw type log splitter on a BCS?

 

[cmyoung2]

A screw type splitter just scares the daylight out of me, once was enough. I would be concerned about the stability of the BCS, will it turn it over?

 

[farmerboybill]

Nice got my wheels turning thanks. What about screw type log splitter on a BCS?

You'd have to check rotation. As CM mentioned, you'd better have a brace bar to prevent turn over. Personally, I wouldn't like bending that far over to split wood. With a choice between that and wedges or an axe, I'd start swinging.

Now you got me thinking - you wouldn't have to bend over, you could drive the machine into the logs!
Put on super long axle extensions for stability...
...Maybe dual up the tires and add lots of wheel weights...
... have to consider the added stress on the transmission housing and PTO bearings...
...I need to get more sleep.

 

[jerzeemaple]

All great points and probably why they don't off a screw splitter thru BCS. certainly someone out there has tried screw splitter with a walk behind.

 

[jerzeemaple]

What about hydraulic reservoir how big would it need to be for a splitter?

 

[farmerboybill]

The pump should have a minimum required reservoir capacity - probably a gallon. The more the better as the oil is providing cooling as well. More oil equals more ability to disperse heat. I'd go 3 gallons or more. I see guys use out of date 20 pound propane tanks to make a reservoir. Be SURE there's no propane in the tank before you fire up the torch! I've never done it, but I think guys remove the fill valve and fill the tank with water before cutting the hole in the bottom. If you're not sure, take it to a professional welding shop.

 

[kavisiegel]

The BCS PTO maxes out at 900rpm right? Is there any reason not to try and finagle a BCS 3-dog adapter and flange onto a slightly oversized 1000 rpm hydraulic pump? Looks like there's a Prince 1000 RPM 22GPM pump that might do well, hmmm