3 pt log splitter help needed

SmokyMtnMan · Dec 7, 2002

I've read all of the posts on here about log splitters attached to hydraulics of tractors, some seem to go with FEL rather than rear remote valve hook up, but I have two sets of hyd valves on rear of my Kubota 4610 cab tractor. I recently bought the TSC 3 pt splitter simply as a matter of saving money from buying a gas powered model and it didn't bother me to have tractor unavailable while using the splitter. I got the hoses, the quick connect coupler to fit my hyd valves, hooked up pressure out to in valve of tractor and pressure in from out valve of tractor, went inside cab and bungee corded the lever for that set of valves, cranked her up, went to log splitter, pulled the lever and split one log...then as the splitter was retracting, the valves connectors popped off, leaking fluid. not a big high pressure squirt, just a slow leak. I stopped tractor, re-hooked connectors and tried again...same result. Connectors pop off and log splitter doesn't work.
I know my Kubota has flow rate that's ok for the TSC splitter but i'm not sure about this 'open system' vs. 'closed system' stuff.
Anyone out there familiar with this or know what I'm doing wrong?

hazmat · Dec 7, 2002

<font color=blue>i'm not sure about this 'open system' vs. 'closed system' stuff.</font color=blue>

Open center: Hyd fluid returns to tractor from valve when valve is in nuetral position as well as operating

Closed center: Hyd fluid only returns to tractor when valve is operating. It dead ends at valve in nuetral position

Here is a web page with some more info <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/bae/courses/bae311/hydrauli.html>NC State Bio & Ag engineering</A>

Edit here: Most tractors are designed to run with open center valves. If the splitter came with a closed center, you might have a problem. Sorry, not familiar enough with them to tell which it is, but if you can get a part number off the valve, check speeco

Hoeman00 · Dec 7, 2002

I saw a note on these splitters that if they
have a 'detent' on the return stroke u
can't use w/ quick disconnects.
I'm not sure if yours has a detent return
but from your description I think that is
what happened.

SmokyMtnMan · Dec 8, 2002

The following was in the manual for the splitter.
"This splitter is of the open center design. If you have a closed center, system, please see dealer for information on closed center valve. Do not use a detente valve with tractors that have hydrulic couplers on return line. "

also, in the catalog description for this splitter, it states:
"hydraulic hoses and quick connect couplers not included"

now, i would think that if it says those items were NOT included...that it meant that you were to purchase them yourself to be used on splitter.

that's like saying batteries not included BUT you DO USE THEM.

as for Detente...I'm really lost on that one, but my hyd. lever on splitter does not have any detente positions or any temporary stops, etc.

all i know is the thing won't work.

SmokyMtnMan · Dec 8, 2002

ok, here's what i know so far. My Kubota is an open center valve system. I have two double-acting remote valves on the rear.
The pump capacity is 9.6 gal. per minute....log splitter can be used with any between 6-25 gpm.
The splitter requires anywhere from 1500 to 2500 psi to operate efficiently. I can't find what the system pressure is on tractor.

Question: if you didn't use quick connect couplings, what would you use?

or should I just forget this and try to use loader hydraulics. Seems a shame since I have remote valves.

or should i take the darn thing back and get a gas splitter?

DUMBDOG · Dec 8, 2002

Take it back and get the gas splitter, saves lots of hours on the tractor.

hazmat · Dec 8, 2002

Return it if you want, but the engineer in me wants to solve your problem. At least you should get it working so you can decide if the self contained is more convenient.

When exactly did the couplings pop off? Was it in the middle of the return stroke or at the end?

I'm wondering if maybe you got the "wrong" quick connectors. I think they are supposed to be built to a common standard, but sometimes you want them matched from the same company. Did you get them at TSC or your Kubota Dealer? Any markings on them or the female side on the tractor?

I'd call Speedco on monday and ask for their help.

DFB · Dec 8, 2002

SmokyMtnMan,

Several times I've experienced quick connecters pop apart under pressure load, Most noticably it happens on one of the hydraulic angle lines after attaching my ol' Western snowplow, but its also happened a time or two on the tractor's aux hydraulic quick connect that I have installed to power my hydraulic toplink and the 3.5x24 cylinder I use on my dump trailer. In either situation the problem was always with the connector not being properly locked together. The spring loaded balls weren't fully engaging, especially on the snowplow, grit and corrosion would make it hang up even though the coupler sleeve seemed to snap down in place. Same on the tractor the sleeve connectors would sometimes hang up (dirt). Cleaning them out with WD 40 usually solves the problem getting the connectors to fully seat together.

On my tractor the two aux connectors I purchased as a set from my JD dealer, female couplers/male tips work great together, exactly the same connectors that the factory loader uses. Pioneer. For my dump trailer I got the male tips at the local PARKER supplier, had to bring them one that I had to get the right match because they had so many different types. Even so one has always been a kind of a problem. Doesn't always properly connect. Likes to pop back off now and then.

Have you used the remote outlets before this?

DFB

Hoeman00 · Dec 8, 2002

Some splitters on return stroke the handle
will latch back and kick off after the
cylinder has retracted.
That way while it is retracting u can grab
another pc of wood.
The manual might cover different splitters,
w/ or w/o detent valves.

ns_in_tex · Dec 8, 2002

SmokeyMtnMan
I think I can answer one of your questions, Pressure.
I have same tractor as you & wanted to know hydraulic info for a mower I was building. I borrowed a hydraulic flow & pressure meter from my dealer to check & found the following.
GPM remains constant in relation to engine RPM regardless of pressure. As load increases the pressure goes up until bypass is activated.
975 RPM = 4.25 GPM
1200 RPM = 4.90 GPM
1500 RPM = 5.75 GPM
2000 RPM = 7 GPM
2800 RPM = 9GPM

It would produce 2000 PSI at any RPM including idle.

I think I remember, last year when my brother came to split wood with my 3 point splitter, that I had some problem when I connected it to the Kubota. I think I just grabbed another tractor & used it.
It may have been something to do with the detent on the splitter, I do not remember.

It only seems logical me that it should work, since it works on all my other cylinders that are double acting.

If I get a chance in the next few days, I will try hooking it up again & refresh my memory & report back.