2320 iMatch with Countyline Log Splitter

[rocketjeremy]

Good Evening,

I picked up a Countyline 3-point log splitter for a great price today. I was pleasantly surprised to find the hoses that were already attached to it were a perfect match for my power beyond. The only issue I am having is that the iMatch quick hitch I have been using is too "short" to pick it up properly. I believe from what I saw the newer iMatches have an adjustable top hook but alas mine is about 10 years old now. Is there a solution to change the top link hook to make it that I can pick this up easily? Is there an adapter of some sort that people use for "longer" attachments?



Thanks in advance!

 

[Wagtail]

I also have the older iMatch and use an 'adaptor' that I had knocked up at a local welding shop. I also use a curb chain on certain ground-running implements (landscape rake, slasher, ballast roller) to ensure that the adaptor doesn't come out of the hook.

 

[KennyG]

If you can drill a new top link pin hole 3 inches below the existing one, it will make the splitter QH compatible. I can't tell from the picture but there may not be enough space to do that. In that case you will have to go with the link that Wagtail recommends. I got a QH with adjustable hook because my 3 point splitter couldn't be modified.

Have you used it yet? It looks like it has a 4 inch cylinder, in which case your 2320 may be a little short on hydraulic flow. My splitter has a smaller cylinder, and is a two way splitter which makes it acceptable on my 2320.

 

[rocketjeremy]

Wagtail...I may have to look into something like that. Just to give me that extra distance.
KennyG...I will have to go up and measure and look. I get the feeling I MAY be able to get another pin hole 3 inches down but I wouldn't be able to "pick" it with the QH but I would have to pick it from the bottom and manually pin it through the hook.

I have used it only to test split like 3 pieces. I bought it used and thought I was going to have to make up new hoses to fit the power beyond but I was pleasantly surprised to find it had acceptable hoses. I wasn't actually planning on being able to try it today. It certainly didn't win any speed awards (didn't time it yet) but I knew it wasn't going to. I'm honestly not looking for it to. Without hard testing it seemed like it would be just enough for me to stack the splits, gather the next piece, repeat.

Of course tomorrow they want it to pour so probably not too much more testing until next weekend.

 

[beenthere]

Just alter either the top or the bottom to fit.. might have to find a welder to help fabricate to make the fit.

 

[rocketjeremy]

I went up and took a look at it in more detail today while it rained. Not only is the QH too short for the thing there is not a MMs worth of clearance left to right. In fact I think with the shape of the arms I don't know if if it would really sit that nice at all.

I'm thinking for now I might subscribe to the KISS method and just finally replace the cotter pins in my QH with lynch pins and just pop the quick hitch off when I want to use the splitter. For now it's going to be a lot less aggravation than trying to weld an adapter just to grab it with the quick hitch. Maybe when I have more time I'll make and adapter and a new set of legs for it all at the same time.

 

[beenthere]

Don't give up so easily. Remove the lower pins and drill out a hole to re-mount those pins at a higher point.. looks like a couple inches.
Might have to find a drill bit the right size..

Move to the white circled spot.

 

[RoyJackson]

Had the same problem with an implement a few years ago....
Like the OP, I had one of the early Deere brand QH with a fixed upper hook.
I ended up buying a fairly inexpensive QH (with adjustable hook positions)from one of the aftermarket outfits. However, the hook wouldn't fit the Caroni flail mower (not enough clearance for the hook on the Caroni's upper attach point. The same outfit the made the QH also made a pivoting U shaped bracket (replacing the hook) which allows the flail mower to float.
All told, this setup works fine with the two implements (flail mower and wood chipper) I currently have. The only implement I'm considering (next year) might be a verge mower (look it up on YouTube)

 

[Wagtail]

Don't give up so easily. Remove the lower pins and drill out a hole to re-mount those pins at a higher point.. looks like a couple inches.
Might have to find a drill bit the right size..

Move to the white circled spot.

That would work. Simple solution to this situation beenthere. :thumbsup:

If the OP is going to stick with that old-style iMatch (and why not? It works) I'd still recommend making up/getting one of those implement top-link extender thingys for future implements.

 

[beenthere]

The verge mower would be a great tool to have for trail maintenance..
MAJOR Verge Mower - YouTube

My iMatch QH is the old style fixed top hook. For my rotary brush hog, I have a short 6" link (flat steel) that I slip over the top pin of the QH. Easy to do and need to hook up the PTO anyway, so works well when off the tractor.
I have adapted my attachments to the QH, but is 6 of one, half dozen for the other.
I use the top hook on the iMatch for logging tongs, and for other lifting and pulling tasks, so don't plan on modifying that top hook.

 

[RoyJackson]

The verge mower would be a great tool to have for trail maintenance..
MAJOR Verge Mower - YouTube

Yep, it'd be pretty handy for getting under branches and such. It would keep your tractor (and you) clear of whipping branches. For me, with a cab tractor, I don't want to beat up the cab or break forward facing work lights (again)
One reason I want one is to mow an embankment along the road. Township is supposed to do that, but they aren't reliable. The weeds get tall enough that smaller cars are too low for the driver to see traffic. I've hit that area with a string trimmer more then once...but I'm not going to clear a couple hundred yards of weeds...

 

[workinonit]

I've been looking at the ditch bank flail cutters as well. What I really want is a boom cutter but they are too expensive to justify. One of the verge mowers will suffice I think. I have miles of ditch banks to keep up and my old Hardee hydroslide is too slow.

 

[beenthere]

Which one are you looking at? and what prices are you finding for them? Sounds like a great idea.. for the trails and the road sides.

My JD 4300 probably is "too small in the britches" to handle a side cutter.. but will be looking, just the same.

Maybe pattern a carrier like my wing plow to get side reach and have a 2-3' cutter head to do the cutting.. may give that some thought....

 

[workinonit]

I've looked at all of them online. After the new year I will probably actually go look in person. There are lots of companies that are making them now and you can find them from a couple of thousand to 10 grand. I'm thinking of putting 6 grand or so into one and getting a good one.