HF Three Point Log Splitter

[RobA]

I thought more about this and will be ordering the HF splitter. I have a Kubota L5030 with rear hydraulic hoses for a backhoe. Is there anything special I need to do or get to hook up the splitter?

 

[jinman]

I thought more about this and will be ordering the HF splitter. I have a Kubota L5030 with rear hydraulic hoses for a backhoe. Is there anything special I need to do or get to hook up the splitter?

Rob, You'll need to buy hoses and quick-attach fittings. I found 4' hoses to be perfect and I chose 1/2" hose for the best flow. I found mine at Tractor Supply, but you might also order them from Surplus Center at the same time as you order your splitter so they will arrive close to the same time.

Also, my swinging drawbar was in the way of the rear of the hydraulic cylinder when the 3PH is lowered. I was able to swing it over and out of the way, but clearance in that area is a consideration. As large as the 5030 is, I don't think you'll have a problem.

Finally, if you can build a stand about 18" high to sit the splitter on when you disconnect, it will make the job much easier everytime you attach or disconnect.

 

[RobA]

Thanks. Good advice. I'm already plannning a stand for it - I hate wrestling with implements.

Did Tractor Supply have the hoses already made up with the proper fittings? I know what size fittings are needed for the splitter's hydraulic control valve but are the Kubota's quick attach fittings a standard size?

 

[Couple of Achers]

Thanks. Good advice. I'm already plannning a stand for it - I hate wrestling with implements.

Did Tractor Supply have the hoses already made up with the proper fittings? I know what size fittings are needed for the splitter's hydraulic control valve but are the Kubota's quick attach fittings a standard size?

Kubota's couplers are the standard 1/2 pioneer couplers. They are available everywhere. And a 1/2 MNPT hose fitting is what you need to screw into the back of the coupler. Most pre-made 1/2 hoses you find in the chain stores will have the MNPT fitting already pressed on both ends.

 

[schmism]

has anyone priced all the parts (new parts) to build one from scratch?

ive been wanting a 3pt one for a while but couldnt justify the price. I have never run the numbers to know weather or not a HF version has $200 in parts or $400 in parts. (you could see how that would affect the decision to buy a $500 HF verson or just build one from scratch)

 

[Matyac]

I have the HF 3PH splitter on order and would like to start modifying my tractor hydraulics so that I'll be ready to go when it gets here.

I would really appreciate it if someone who already has one of these would let me know the brand/model number of the control valve. I've downloaded the manual for the splitter but it doesn't have the information I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance.

-Scott

 

[jinman]

I would really appreciate it if someone who already has one of these would let me know the brand/model number of the control valve. I've downloaded the manual for the splitter but it doesn't have the information I'm looking for.

Scott, I'll be happy to try and see what the brand/model number of my log splitter valve is, but I think you will find it's specs similar to this valve. It's an open-center valve with 1/2" Female NPT fittings and rated at 2700 psi maximum with relief pressure set at 2200 psi. That's all you need to know to hook up most tractors.

 

[Matyac]

Scott, I'll be happy to try and see what the brand/model number of my log splitter valve is, but I think you will find it's specs similar to this valve. It's an open-center valve with 1/2" Female NPT fittings and rated at 2700 psi maximum with relief pressure set at 2200 psi. That's all you need to know to hook up most tractors.

Thanks jinman. I'd really appreciate the info on your log splitter valve. I'm most interested in the pressure rating for the valve outlet, which can be significantly lower than the inlet because the outlet is designed to route hydraulic fluid back to the tank at low pressure. I'm thinking about plumbing the log splitter valve in series just ahead of the 3PH (outlet from splitter would feed 3PH) and this would subject the outlet port of the log splitter valve to high pressure when the 3PH is actuated. A splitter valve with a power beyond port to feed the 3PH would be best suited for this arrangement.

-Scott

 

[jinman]

Scott, I apologize for not getting you the info yesterday as I planned. Right after posting to you, I got a call from a contractor doing a deck project for me. He was sending two concrete workers to build a large pad for me. They arrived shortly afterwards and I stayed with them all day. I, unfortunately, forgot to get the valve info for you. As soon as it is light enough this morning, I'll go out there and get the numbers/info for you.

BTW: By the nature of it being an open-center system rated at 2500 psi, it tells you it must be able to handle that much pressure on both the supply and return sides. It also has in the instructions to supply both a supply and return hose rated at 3000 psi. Needing a 3000 psi return hose is also a clue that the valve can handle that kind of pressure on both sides. The valve has an internal pressure relief when actually splitting that is adjustable. I'm not thinking that that valve is inline when the lever is at neutral, but it is normally set at around 2200 psi and may be exactly where your tractor is set. That would be the only thing I'd be looking for. Also, HF has a technical support hotline listed in the Owner's Manual. It's 1-800-444-3353. You might try that for more specific info.

 

[Matyac]

Scott, I apologize for not getting you the info yesterday as I planned. Right after posting to you, I got a call from a contractor doing a deck project for me. He was sending two concrete workers to build a large pad for me. They arrived shortly afterwards and I stayed with them all day. I, unfortunately, forgot to get the valve info for you. As soon as it is light enough this morning, I'll go out there and get the numbers/info for you.

BTW: By the nature of it being an open-center system rated at 2500 psi, it tells you it must be able to handle that much pressure on both the supply and return sides. It also has in the instructions to supply both a supply and return hose rated at 3000 psi. Needing a 3000 psi return hose is also a clue that the valve can handle that kind of pressure on both sides. The valve has an internal pressure relief when actually splitting that is adjustable. I'm not thinking that that valve is inline when the lever is at neutral, but it is normally set at around 2200 psi and may be exactly where your tractor is set. That would be the only thing I'd be looking for. Also, HF has a technical support hotline listed in the Owner's Manual. It's 1-800-444-3353. You might try that for more specific info.

Thanks Jim. I look forward to receiving the information. I hope the pressure rating is the same for both openings, though I've run accross valves that are not designed that way. Open center systems run at high flow and relatively low pressure when all the valves are in neutral position. Pressure builds only when a valve is actuated and only in the part of the system upstream of the cylinder doing work.

Thanks again for offering to get the valve information, and I hope your concrete project went well!

-Scott