3pt wood splitter modification question

[NPurdy1112]

Hello all,

I have been using an old, over sided ram splitter that was given to me by the FIL. I would like to try and speed things up for my one man operation of wood processing. Running this thing off the rear remotes is time consuming and painfully slow.

Wondering how I can add an auto cycle valve, like something here; Prince hydraulic control valves LOW $$$$$ ?

If I plumb it up according to the instructions, how would the machine work? Would I have to bungee the handle by the tractor seat open and then use the new valve or is it more complicated than that? I do not fully understand hydraulic systems just yet.

View attachment AutoCycleParts (1).pdf



Thank you,
Nick

 

[motownbrowne]

If you want to speed things up, the best way to do it would be to add a separate reservoir and plumb it up to a PTO pump, like the ones made by Prince. That's the way my three point splitter is set up and it's pretty quick, even with a 5" cylinder. The auto cycle would be a good addition too, but it's not gonna change the ram speed. It'll just make it so you don't have to stand there the whole time. And yeah, I'm thinking that you'd just need to bungee the remote valve open. Is that what you do now?

 

[crazyal]

I'm not an expert on hydraulics but what the Rapid Extend Control Valve does is make it so you don't need a two stage pump on a small gas engine. It can't speed up hydraulic flow of your tractor. To do that you'll probably have to either convert it to a PTO powered pump to get more flow or swap out the hydraulic cylinder for a smaller one to reduce the amount of fluid needed. The problem then comes down to just how much do you spend on modifying what you have vs just buying a stand alone splitter (or 3pt). For me I ended up with a stand alone and I use my loader to lift large rounds up so I can just roll them onto the splitter.

Do you know how big the cylinder is? I'm sure someone here can tell you how many tons it develops. My stand alone is suppose to be 27 tons (but probably less) and has never had a problem splitting anything. How far does it extend? Most people use around 16" for their fireplaces. If the thing can extend 30" or more then you can help speed thing up by not letting it retract (if you don't already) all the way back between rounds.

 

[NPurdy1112]

motown: I agree, The time I would be saving is not having to stand by the tractor seat handle cycling the ram. I can "work" while the auto cycle valve does one stroke. I have not got a quote from Chris at Wolfe Ridge on the 3pt pto splitter yet. Was hoping by adding the auto cycle valve, it could buy me some time before biting the bullet on a brand new setup. I run the valve on the tractor back and forth now, there is none on the splitter. It just connects to the tractor rear remotes.

crazyal: The cylinder is large. I would have to go measure, but I am at work till 0700. It was re purposed by the FIL from a large dozer 30+ years ago.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

On my 3 point splitter that runs off the remotes, I put a valve on the splitter and then leave the one on the tractor open.

That way, I can just stand at the splitter to run it...

SR

 

[NPurdy1112]

On my 3 point splitter that runs off the remotes, I put a valve on the splitter and then leave the one on the tractor open.

That way, I can just stand at the splitter to run it...

SR

Thanks SR. I didnt know if the tractor valve needed modification or just having one open was enough. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[4570Man]

Have you been setting a piece of wood on the splitter and walking around to the tractor to hit the lever? In that case any valve would speed production time a lot. An auto cycle valve like you’ve got would speed it up more. A PTO pump of higher GPM would speed it up more.

 

[NPurdy1112]

Have you been setting a piece of wood on the splitter and walking around to the tractor to hit the lever? In that case any valve would speed production time a lot. An auto cycle valve like you’ve got would speed it up more. A PTO pump of higher GPM would speed it up more.

Yes that has been my process this far. Time consuming. If I add a PTO pump then wouldn’t I need an external hydraulic fluid reservoir?

 

[4570Man]

Yes that has been my process this far. Time consuming. If I add a PTO pump then wouldn’t I need an external hydraulic fluid reservoir?

Yes, and it would be an expensive process. Just adding a valve would increase production significantly.

 

[NPurdy1112]

Yes, and it would be an expensive process. Just adding a valve would increase production significantly.

Thank you. I will look for a valve to put on the splitter itself. Appreciate all of the information everyone.