garbage truck pump on logsplitter

[mrmikey]

Do I need a suction filter

Nope, with a pump of that size you're asking for a cavitation problem, that's why you couldn't find one on the origonal installation. A suction strainer maybe if you're determined you want something but I wouldn't.

Could a 3/4 line act like a blockage in this setup because of the fluid volume?

Yes definetly, wouldn't matter if you had a 3" line, the back pressure is going to be caused bythe smallest line in the circuit, the 3/4"

Do I need to move it to after the cooler and install it on a larger line

Wouldn't, any blockage in the filter is going to pressurize the cooler, I would imagine it's only rated for 2-300 psi or so. You might have to split the flow going to the cooler as that might be part of your problem, you might be pressurizing it now, as JJ said, get a gauge. A larger line is definetly a good idea.
They do make tandem filter heads btw

Max return line size because of tank fitting size is 1". Will that be large enough?

IMHO, no.....Mike

 

[me0418840987]

Ok, I ordered a new filter head, because when I blew the gasket out, it cocked the filter so hard, it stripped the threads on the nipple in the filter base. I am going to drain out the system, and cut out the old 1" bung on the tank, and weld on a 1-1/2 inch bung that I cut off of an old heating oil tank up at the salvage yard. That way I can plumb the same size return line as the filter outlet, hopefully releiving any undue back pressure. Going up to a tractor salvage yard Saturday morning, He said he has 4 8N hoods, and I can have my pick for $50-100 depending on condition. All I want is something that will look good sprayed flat grey, and has some character to it. I plan on hinging it at the front, so it can be tipped up to work on the motor, but does not have a chance to blow up when towed down the road.

 

[J_J]

You really don't have to pump a lot of GPM's to operate the splitter.

What are your valve port sizes?

 

[me0418840987]

1-1/4 inlet/suction
3/4 outlet to valve- that is what all of my lines were after the pump, but it seems that 3/4 line creates too much back pressure after the filter. I am leaving it 3/4 to the inlet side of the filter, and going to increase to the max of 1-1/2 to reduce pressure after the filter to the tank. When I put the gauge on the filter head, just before the seal blew, it spiked it at 250 psi

 

[me0418840987]

I got the filter working beautifully. I split about 2 cords wood last weekend, mostly large 3'+ across knotty silver maple. It was going pretty good until the bottom plate on the wedge started bending. I am now in the process of making a new wedge. Before anyone suggests it, I am not going to put the wedge on the end of the beam, or change anything else in the setup. This thing works great, what ever doesn't split, it shears clean thru, has not gottren stuck in anything yet. Here is the start of the new wedge, and the bend that is starting in the current one.

 

[me0418840987]

So here are a few pics of the finished until something breaks product.
New wedge works great, it makes the wood pop.

Specs: 50 gpm pump @ 3600 rpm - 3100 psi capable
full cycle time at 1500 rpm-16 seconds/3000rpm-9 seconds
curb weight full of fluids-3,450lbs
~20 gallon hyd tank- system takes approx 32 gallons to fill from empty
~20 gal gas tank
13' long 6' wide 5' high
175 hp Ford 300-I6
80 Gpm 10 micron filter
Hood is from an 8N

Approximate total build cost $1,650.00

 

[mrmikey]

For sure it's a beast :thumbsup: there's not a tree safe.
Not to pick but fyi, using galvanized pipe is a no-no on hydraulic systems. The zinc will flake off in spots and play **** with the system. One more comment, take a small wire tie and tie the return valves open, if vibration or someone inadvertantly closes the valves and you start 'er up I'd say in 45 seconds or so you're gonna have an empty tank and one heck of a mess. I say small because you can break it if you have to close them in a hurry for some reason without resorting to finding a pair of pliers....Mike

 

[me0418840987]

What causes the flaking? Not being defensive, just wondering. I don't get any chunks of zinc in the areators of my faucets, and I just replaced a good bit of the piping from the well tank to the kitchen and bath with galv 2 years ago. Was going to use copper, but couldn't justify the cost- seen prices lately? Every tractor and truck I have bought used has been repaired with galv pipe/fittings on the non pressure side. My 8n even has some galv in the pressure side of the FEL- probably been that way for 30 years. Good idea with the wire ties, however, I installed the valves so that the handles must be lifted to shut off, and they were brand new, so they stick pretty hard in either the open or closed direction. the 1-1/2 valve takes a good pull to get it to start moving, and needs to be pushed on pretty well to fully close. It's like they have a detent in them.

On a side note, it goes without saying, but check the SIMPLE fix first. I thought I had a bad wheel bearing/hub assy on the axle (99 dodge grand caravan axle, unknown mileage) It made a creaking noise when I would lean on the left side wheel. After I bought the hub, I got home and was going to change it, and THEN I found the lug nuts to be loose on that side. Oh well, more parts on the shelf for later, I have 2 caravans in service now, and may need it for them or the splitter in the near future anyways, as they are both well over 150,000 miles.

 

[mrmikey]

What causes the flaking?

Dunno actually, I have seen it when cutting apart an old filter. Maybe it was a bad galv job and it's just a 'blanket' statement.

THEN I found the lug nuts to be loose on that side.

LOL, you got off cheap. I did something similar years ago. The ex (wife at the time) complained that there was a vibration in her '84 Bronco2, I looked at it and figured it was the rear u-joints. Tear it apart and put them in...no better. Ended up it was the same thing as you only one better, it was both front wheels. I had done the brakes the previous weekend and somehow got sidetracked.....Mike

 

[me0418840987]

Yeah, should be a "lesson learned", but never seems to be.