Connecting a Log Splitter to a TC-35D

GATC35 · Nov 3, 2004

OK guys I think I have this figured out. Please let me know if my logic here is flawed. I just purchased a 3 pt. hitch log splitter from Northern tools that operates from the tractor hydraulics. I have a 2003 TC-35D with 16LA FEL and 757-C BH. I could connect the log splitter hydraulics the same way the BH hydraulics connect, pressure coming from the connection under the FEL valve, and return to the fitting on the aft end of the tractor under the seat right side. But this would make the 3pt hitch inoperable since the fitting under the FEL valve is now disconnected. This is actually a safety feature to keep the lift arms from moving with the BH attached. Or I could hook the log splitter in series (press to 3pt is now press to splitter, return from splitter is now press to 3 pt) with the 3 pt hitch by connecting it to the connection under the FEL valve since this is a open center hydraulic system. This would work fine unless I tried to split wood and move the 3 pt hitch at the same time.

What do you think guys ? Is this the correct approach ?

Thanks...

markie61 · Nov 3, 2004

I don't have a backhoe, but do have a single remote. When I plug my splitter into it and bungee the control, the 3PH is inoperable. I don't find this inconvenient at all. When I am splitting, I am off the tractor and using the splitter control. When I need to move the tractor, I just remove the bungee cord, lift the splitter, and go. No big deal.

Mark

RickB · Nov 3, 2004

That setup will work as described, but is not totally correct. If the 3pt circuit should build high pressure while trying to lift(which it should not with just the splitter attached), the outlet side of your splitter control valve will be subjected to pressures higher than its design standards. This may cause the spool seals to fail prematurely. Not terribly likely in this application, but you should be aware. If for instance the follow up linkage on the hitch gets ut of whack, the damage could occur. This is one reason backhoe and loader valves dump directly into the tractor's rear axle housing

MadReferee · Nov 3, 2004

If you use your backhoe connection your splitter will work fine and the 3pt will be disabled since it is removed from the circuit making the backhoe connection the last in the circuit. This should present no problem since you will be making the connections after you lowered the splitter into position.

If you have a factory remote you can use the work ports and the bungie cord method as was previously mentioned.

If you want to add a non-factory remote you will have to have a valve with power beyond. You can connect it in series by disconnecting the loader's power beyond line from the hydraulic block and connecting it to your new valve's inlet port. The PB port of your new valve will connect into the hydraulic block where you just disconnected the loader's PB line. You will now have to run a hose from you new valve's return port and tee it into the loader's return to tank line, usually where the line goes into the sump.

You now get to decide how much you want to spend for maximum covenience.

GATC35 · Nov 4, 2004

Rick and Mad,

Thanks for the reply. I understand what you both are saying. What I should do is just breakdown and add a aux. hydraulic connection from NH, ($320 for one, $640 for two). The wife will shoot me if I spend another dime on my big toy......I mean tractor. I have changed my way of thinking on this issue. A friend of mine does allot of tree felling and land clearing. He suggested I mount the log splitter on a small trailer ( I just happen to have one lying behind my barn). Position the trailer/splitter in front of the tractor so the split wood falls directly into the FEL bucket. The hydraulics would be attached thru two 12 foot sections of hydraulic lines connected to where the backhoe would connect. This would keep me from moving the split wood again, and I could actually leave the backhoe attached to the tractor. The backhoe would be inoperative, but it would only take 3 minutes to swap the hydraulic lines from splitter to backhoe.

I think this is the route I will take for now.

Thanks again !

RickB · Nov 4, 2004

Hook it up the easiest/cheapest way possible first and test it to see if you can live with the (lack of) speed. Not a lot of flow there for a 4" cylinder.

tilleym · Nov 25, 2005

I realize not quite the same hookup or equipment.. but a question... I have a New Holland TC29 tractor, 29 hp, 7308 FEL, do you think a TSC 3 point log splitter would run fine off the FEL lines, have quick disconnects there.. thinking of leaving the log splitter mounted next to the barn and pull up the tractor alongside to power it. Would have to bunge the loader control open ( or just maybe in the float position?) Also, a more inventive question... if I were to have a splitter built, cylinder but no control valve.. hooked up like above to the FEL connects.. would the lever valve on the FEL then operate the log splitter ram? Any opinions appreciated....just a homeowner with infrequent splitting work, trying not to spend $300+ on the NH rear remote kit..

Mike

kennyd · Nov 25, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I realize not quite the same hookup or equipment.. but a question... I have a New Holland TC29 tractor, 29 hp, 7308 FEL, do you think a TSC 3 point log splitter would run fine off the FEL lines, have quick disconnects there.. thinking of leaving the log splitter mounted next to the barn and pull up the tractor alongside to power it. Would have to bungee the loader control open ( or just maybe in the float position?) Also, a more inventive question... if I were to have a splitter built, cylinder but no control valve.. hooked up like above to the FEL connects.. would the lever valve on the FEL then operate the log splitter ram? Any opinions appreciated....just a homeowner with infrequent splitting work, trying not to spend $300+ on the NH rear remote kit..

Mike )</font>

You could certainly power the splitter from the FEL remotes, But you would have to "bungee" the joystick. The FLOAT mode will not work, there is no pressure in the lines when in FLOAT.

Using the joystick to operate the splitter's ram is doable, but might be very awkward trying to reach the tractor and the splitter at the same time while trying to hold a log in position for splitting. Of course, if you have a helper operating the joystick, it would be easier, but maybe not safe do to the fact that the operator may not be able to see the splitter well, and with the tractor running communication may not be perfect.

tilleym · Nov 26, 2005

kennyd,

thanks for the reply on my splitter question. I want a splitter, but won't get alot of hours, and don't minde hooking up some hoses when using. I local welding shop can build me a splitter frame, ram, inexpensively, and was thinking of driving the tractor alongside, using the FEL connects and the valve control off my FEL, right to the splitter ram. I do think I can reach that lever easily with a spliter alongside att waist level. Just wanted to know if I hooked a 24" x 4" ram with hoses to my FEL connects, would the system on my New Holland TC 29 power this OK? In your view? The dealer is not much help, says he does not know, just wants to sell me a $835 three-point splitter, with another $350 rear remote valve to run it. Will it power it OK? thanks for the info..

Mike

mrpoppy58 · Nov 26, 2005

I have a Mahindra 2810 tractor and a tsc 3pth splitter. I set the splitter beside a post on my tractor shed and secure it with a chain. I hook it to my fel controls an tie the lever open. The splitter works faster than I can. I am well pleased with this set-up.
mrpoppy