3 point mount / tractor hydraulic log splitter on a JD 2840

[Gafn]

I guess I should have mentioned my method of valve control - it is redneck...

I used the quick connections from my FEL curl function to run my splitter.
I use a bungee cord to keep the curl lever pulled to an open position - yes cheating - but it works like a champ, setup was the same on both the Bota and the Branson.

 

[Shaneard]

I guess I should have mentioned my method of valve control - it is redneck...

I used the quick connections from my FEL curl function to run my splitter.
I use a bungee cord to keep the curl lever pulled to an open position - yes cheating - but it works like a champ, setup was the same on both the Bota and the Branson.

My neighbor growing up used to cheat as well. He had an old Ford backhoe and front end loader and modified one of his outriggers on the rear with a wedge on the end and would use it to split wood.

 

[ptsg]

You may have to modify the splitter's valve to work with closed center. Modern CUTS are open center so the valve will be set up for that. Many valves have a part that can be added or removed to switch between open and closed center. Some do not. If it was me I'd look up the valve and make sure it can be adapted.

23 gpm will be plenty. How large is the cylinder on the splitter? Cylinder size determines the amount of force (since pressure is in the same range on most systems).

The kind of wood you're splitting had a big effect on how easy it is to split. Straight grained wood splits easy but if the grain is irregular it can be a bear.

Does the log splitter valve need to be set up for closed center even if it will be connected through the tractor's remotes?

Anyway, I do use my homemade log splitter connected to my tractor. It's fast enough for what I do. I only use it every once in a while when I have to take a tree down or something.

The tractor has 8.7 GPM (not including power steering) and the cylinder 4" or so. I ran between 1200 and 1500 RPMs and it works just perfectly for me. Not too slow and not too fast.

 

[Gafn]

My neighbor growing up used to cheat as well. He had an old Ford backhoe and front end loader and modified one of his outriggers on the rear with a wedge on the end and would use it to split wood.

Now that is just redneck engineering at its best right there...
Bet nothing stopped that splitter

 

[Tx Jim]

Does the log splitter valve need to be set up for closed center even if it will be connected through the tractor's remotes?

For a hyd component to operate correctly on a closed-center hyd system such as a JD 2840 all hyd valves must be closed center or have a CC conversion plug. If not CC valve the hyd pump will cavitate IE run out of oil

 

[mcole]

Hi Ericm979,

It looks like the one that I found on MarketPlace is a Northern Tool Northstar 1102 (that is no longer made). The specs show 2500 psi, 4 in cylinder bore, 24 in cylinder stroke. I asked the seller and they had it connected to a Kubota L2900. I looked that tractor up and the specs show open center. I found the manual on the 1102 and it talks about limiting the hydraulic flow to 11 gpm on the tractor. They are asking $450 for this one. Northern Tool has a newer model available on their website for $769 (called Powerhorse). It is looks a little beefier and says 3000 psi but same cylinder bore and stroke (4" and 24"). The manual states that the control valve type is open center. I guess I need to better understand how to adapt either one of these to a closed center.

Thank you for bringing that up, I wouldn't have known to look for that.

Thanks!

 

[Tx Jim]

Photo below shows how CC plug converts an open center control valve if it's the convertible type valve.

 

[mcole]

I guess I should have mentioned my method of valve control - it is redneck...

I used the quick connections from my FEL curl function to run my splitter.
I use a bungee cord to keep the curl lever pulled to an open position - yes cheating - but it works like a champ, setup was the same on both the Bota and the Branson.

That is redneck ingenuity. I was wondering how I could make this work with my JD 770 without remotes in a pinch. Thank you for your posts, I have learned a lot from the comments.

 

[mcole]

ptsg, Thank you. That gives me a good idea of expectations. The specs on the one I am looking at is 11 gpm according to the online manual that I found so that is comparable.

 

[mcole]

For a hyd component to operate correctly on a closed-center hyd system such as a JD 2840 all hyd valves must be closed center or have a CC conversion plug. If not CC valve the hyd pump will cavitate IE run out of oil

Thank you, Jim. that is definitely a serious consideration then. I wondered the same thing but now I am starting to understand from the comments and doing more reading and searching. Thanks!