3 Point Hitch log splitter

[RPK]

I am considering purchasing a 3 point hitch log splitter. Maybe from Tractor Supply. I have an L3130 with a Kubota BH90 backhoe. My question is, in order to hook up the splitter would I use quick disconnect fittings and the appropriate length hoses and connect it the same as the backhoe? Another question. When the backhoe is removed the manual states that the hydraulic hoses should be connected together at the rear of the tractor. Is there a reason for this other than to keep the fittings clean or does fluid need to be flowing through that part of the system??? I'm not much of a "hydraulics guy" but I'm learning.

Thanks, RPK

 

[gordon21]

You will use the same QD fittings that your backhoe uses. The hose connecting the two power beyond fittings is so the fluid has a continous path back to the pump. Stop the flow more than momemtarily with the engine running and you will need to get your wallet ready. ALWAYS hook up that little short hose before starting the engine again. Shut the engine off before unhooking it.

I have the 3pt TSC unit and it works great. You will need to get some hoses for it and the the fittings to match your Kubota. Buy the hoses long enough and then add another foot or two to what you think you need for length. Too short is a pain. They need some ability to move and flex as you work. Adding a 90 degree fitting might make them route better depending upon your fitting locations. Get a gallon of hydraulic fluid at TSC if you don't have some laying around. The splitter will be empty when you get it home. It will fill from your tractors reservoir as you cycle the piston a couple times. You will then add the gallon to your tractor. They will share one fluid supply continously. When you cycle it back and forth a few times, you will be able to tell when the splitter if full of fluid. The noise will change and all will be silent. At that point you then need to fill the tractor reservoir before going any farther. It will be a gallon low.

Beware of the cheap legs. I took mine off and let the splitter hang in the air on the 3PT while working. When not in use, it sits on a furniture dolly for $10 from TSC. If you can weld, you could weld those legs on and add some reinforcement. I personally thought they were in the way anyways. Banged shins.

I use 1500-1800RPM for splitting. There is no need for a screaming engine while enjoying splitting wood. And I did mean enjoying. The sound of oak cracking after the ram goes only 2-3" into the wood is satisfying. Stop the ram, reverse it a few inches and repeat.

There are several good reasons for getting the 3Pt model:

Lower initial cost
Smaller unit to store
No extra engine to maintain (think gummy carbs once a year)
Virtually theftproof (wait till you try to load it at TSC in your pickup)
Few people begging to borrow it like a tow behind

 

[RPK]

Gordon, Thanks for your help. RPK

 

[greg_g]

Informative post Gordon, good job. Just to add a little of my own experience, I too discovered less aggravation with the hoses when using angled swivel fittings at the cylinder ports.

And yes, the stand - as delivered - is somewhat less than sturdy. But horizontal leg braces bolted or welded about a foot off the ground make all the difference in the world.

Where you set your tractor throttle is directly related to the flow rate of the hydraulic pump. Mine KAMA pump apparently pushes more than your JD pump, as I don't have to run my 454 any faster than 1100-1200 rpm to reach full speed/power on the TSC cylinder.

Even though we bought them at TSC, the splitter is actually a SpeeCo.The operator manual is here: http://www.speeco.com/pdfmanuals/logsplittersmanual-d.pdf. Note the cycle time chart on page 10. The max gpm capacity of your tractor pump determines the cycle time. So you don't have to run the tractor engine any faster than is necessary to obtain max output of the hydraulic pump.

//greg//

 

[greg_g]

Too late to edit my post above, but I just noticed on TractorData that the JD790 hydraulic flow is rated at 5.6 gpm. Kubota rates the L3130 implement pump at 8.3 gpm. Armed with those numbers, you need merely determine at what engine rpm the pump reaches the max flow rate. RPMs above that will likely just waste fuel.

//greg//

 

[Corm]

Hi. My brother in law has one of those TSC 3 pt splitters, and he really likes it. He powers it with a small Ford 1310 tractor, and runs it at about 1500 RPMs. I have a 3 pt splitter that I made myself. I'm very happy with mine as well.

I'll also second Gordon's comments about having only one engine to maintain. That is the main reason I decided to go with a 3 pt splitter. An added benefit is that listening to your tractor running at a leisurely 1500 RPMs is a lot easier than listening to a 5 horse B&S screaming only a few inches from your ears, and I like the ability to use the 3 pt to raise the splitter to a comfortable height.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Corm

 

[gordon21]

Corm is right about the working height. It is so much better to set the beam at the exact height that fits you. Your back will appreciate that at the end of the day.

 

[AndyG]

I like mine because I can lower it almost to the ground allowing me to roll very large pieces onto it. I can then raise it to a comfortable working height.

 

[greg_g]

I like mine because I can lower it almost to the ground allowing me to roll very large pieces onto it. I can then raise it to a comfortable working height.

I'm guessing yours isn't vertical capable. The TSC model we're discussing splits on the horizontal, but can be tilted into a vertical position to do those big chunks that are too heavy to lift.

I start in vertical, split the big stuff down to pieces weighing less than 50 pounds - but bending down to do that is hard on the back. So when all the big stuff is split into manageable pieces, I tilt back to horizontal. Makes a big difference being able to work with your back straight.

//greg//

 

[B8FISH]

Anyone using the TSC splitter on a newer 3x20 series with Power Beyond? The PB set-up on my 3320 has 3 connections--the "normal" loop, and an extra on the left hand side (when viewed from the rear). It's not clear to me how to set-up the splitter in this arrangement. If you run the splitter from the loop output and then back into the loop input (the way you would on the older version of the PB) that's fine--but what's that other connector for?? Maybe a higher flow--direct return to the tank? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
B8fish