Dual operation of 3-point hitch and log splitter (JD 4600)

[ikelsey]

New to the forum but have accessed periodically and found it to be a great source!
I have a Wallenstein 3-point hitch log splitter which I believe is the WX310 or equivalent as I purchased it in ~2004. The tractor is a ~2000 or 2001 JD 4600 (43 HP). If possible I would like to be able to have the log splitter hooked up to the tractor hydraulics and still be able to operated the 3-point hitch without switching hoses around. That way when repositioning the tractor around the pile of wood blocks I can raise and lower the splitter as needed without switching hoses constantly.

This question has likely been discussed in a thread already so if someone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[KennyG]

Could you clarify how you power the splitter? If you have a power beyond (aux output) or are running the splitter off the loader connections, the 3 point should be fully functional.

 

[ikelsey]

Running the splitter off the power beyond

 

[KennyG]

I'm at a loss. I don't know why the 3 point wouldn't be functional. I have a 3 pt. splitter on power beyond and I raise and lower the splitter to adjust height all the time.

 

[ikelsey]

I will hook up the splitter this weekend and take a picture of it. These two pictures show the power beyond hose when not hooked up to anything. The other picture is the return valve where hose hooks up from the implement like wood splitter or backhoe which I guess bypasses the 3-point hitch.

 

[KennyG]

I'm really guessing here, but is your splitter valve an open center valve? It should be. That way, when the splitter is not in use, the flow continues through the same return path it now travels through the power beyond hose and everything else in the hydraulic system should be functional.

I'm pretty sure the 4600 is an open center system and running it with a splitter with a closed center valve would be bad for the hydraulic system.

 

[Jabonee]

I will hook up the splitter this weekend and take a picture of it. These two pictures show the power beyond hose when not hooked up to anything. The other picture is the return valve where hose hooks up from the implement like wood splitter or backhoe which I guess bypasses the 3-point hitch.
View attachment 458067View attachment 458068

You should not have anything connected to that second picture. (R side rockshaft) thats return to tank. You basically have you power beyond returning to tank instead of going to your lift valve.:thumbsup:

 

[ikelsey]

I'm really guessing here, but is your splitter valve an open center valve? It should be. That way, when the splitter is not in use, the flow continues through the same return path it now travels through the power beyond hose and everything else in the hydraulic system should be functional. I'm pretty sure the 4600 is an open center system and running it with a splitter with a closed center valve would be bad for the hydraulic system.

Here's a photo of the splitter control valve.

 

[ikelsey]

You should not have anything connected to that second picture. (R side rockshaft) thats return to tank. You basically have you power beyond returning to tank instead of going to your lift valve.:thumbsup:

The current fittings don't allow any other hose hookup arrangement. I'm the second owner of the tractor and I believe this setup is original. I wonder if the setup from factory/dealer purposely doesn't allow the operator to engage the 3-point hitch while backhoe is attached as it would fight the attachment pins?

 

[kennyd]

The power beyond is designed to disable the 3PH for when your using a backhoe, the return line goes directly to the tank bypassing the 3PH/rockshaft valve. You'll have to plumb the OUT of the splitter using the other fitting-the one that's used when nothing is attached.

 

[KennyG]

I don't know enough about valves to be able to tell and open center from closed center. Some valves can be converted so they look the same outside. I did a little research. Wallenstein valves apparently are not convertible. They supply the one valve or the other. From the factory a closed center splitter has a C at the end of the model number (i.e. WX310C). Of course, a dealer can switch the valve if needed, so the serial number won't tell you for sure.

Maybe someone else here knows how to tell an open center from a closed center valve.

 

[KennyG]

KennyD - Is the backhoe Power Beyond different from the one I have on my 2320? My 3 point hitch works with the Power Beyond in operation.

 

[xring100]

The power beyond is designed to disable the 3PH for when your using a backhoe, the return line goes directly to the tank bypassing the 3PH/rockshaft valve. You'll have to OUT of plumb the splitter using the other fitting-the one that's used when nothing is attached.

+1 agreed

 

[kennyd]

KennyD - Is the backhoe Power Beyond different from the one I have on my 2320? My 3 point hitch works with the Power Beyond in operation.

Short answer: Yes.
The larger JD tractors are different in that they have one feed, and two returns-one of which bypasses the rockshaft valve. They are clearly shown in JDParts, sorry I can't post a picture from there right now.

 

[ikelsey]

New to the forum but have accessed periodically and found it to be a great source! I have a Wallenstein 3-point hitch log splitter which I believe is the WX310 or equivalent as I purchased it in ~2004. The tractor is a ~2000 or 2001 JD 4600 (43 HP). If possible I would like to be able to have the log splitter hooked up to the tractor hydraulics and still be able to operated the 3-point hitch without switching hoses around. That way when repositioning the tractor around the pile of wood blocks I can raise and lower the splitter as needed without switching hoses constantly. This question has likely been discussed in a thread already so if someone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Thanks for all the help guys, I appreciate the advice!

Ian

 

[dlrfarms]

I made my own power beyond for a JD 4300. Simply replaced the steel line from loader control valve to left side of tractor where it fed into rockshaft valve. Put male and female couplers in the middle of new hose. I am currently running a JD 48 backhoe off of this set up and it seems to be ok. I think that if you where going to put heavy loads on your 3 pt while PB is hooked to supply other implement,you would need to have a PB valve on implement .