Hydraulic Attachment of Log Splitter

Saltfork · Dec 14, 2005

I was the lucky winner of a Yanmar log splitter (see e-bay auction # 7569437637) and I’m looking for advice on how to attach it. I have a 276D with a YM1500 loader. Going by memory from the manuals it says that you can hook up a single acting hydraulic cylinder, like a dump trailer at the rear. But I don’t think a log splitter is a single acting cylinder so is there a way to connect quick connects to the loader valves? I believe they are power beyond capable. Or is there an easier/better way?

Cord · Dec 15, 2005

Well, do you know how much output your tractors hydraulic pump is capable of? I'd guess around 5-7gpm. Ok, lets us 7gpm, a 4" bore and a 1-1/2" rod x 22" stroke. That will give a extend speed of 2.1" per second and a retract speed of 2.5" per second. The extend time would be 10.5 seconds and the retract time is 8.8 seconds. The total cycle time would be 19.3 seconds. Pretty slow. Anyways, if you valve is a power beyond capbable, you need to change out the plug and then run the supply line to the splitter valve. I'm not sure where the return line would need to be spliced in.

BTW-please watch your toes with that splitter. They are going to be targets.

cwarrix · Dec 15, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( BTW-please watch your toes with that splitter. They are going to be targets. )</font>

Hi Cord, sorry to butt in, but what do you mean by "targets?" Just curious. Thanks! Chuck

Cord · Dec 15, 2005

Well, the there is no platform to place the log on before the ram starts splitting. If that log rolls off the pipe, it's a 50/50 shot that it's coming twords you and your feet will be right there. Don't forget, you'll be ballancing that log with one hand as the other will be on the control lever. After the log splits, there is nothing to deflect the log forward, so as the pile builds up, it's anybody's guess as to where that split piece will be headed. They will proably roll off to the side, again twords you.

cwarrix · Dec 15, 2005

Got ya now! I didn't understand what you meant at first. Just looked at the picture, now I understand. Thanks for clearing that up /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Saltfork · Dec 16, 2005

Cord, thanks for your reply. I have read many threads about how slow a 3pt splitter that uses the tractor hydralics is and yet for price and convenience I went that way anyhow. If it is too slow for me I can always either modify it and make it a stand alone unit, pto pump driven, or sell it and upgrade. Also, this will only be used at the weekend hunting cabin so I don't need the quantity as for a primary home.
I don't think it will make much diference but I think the gpm is closer to 9 at 2250 psi. but I don't have the manual in front of me.
About watching my feet I agree I will have to.

Mickey_Fx · Dec 16, 2005

Typ when using the engine driven pump, the hyd have to be hoooked up in a flow through arrangement. That means fluid has to always be flowing. Your FEL should be hooked up that way.

You could add in the hyd for the spliter with another valve but it also would have to be in a flow through configuration. On my tractor the pump hyd lines are located on the left side. from the pump to the FEL valve and from the valve back to the left side of the transmission.

If you don't hook the hyd this way you'll damage you pump in very short order.

lens12 · Dec 18, 2005

The YM276 has an 8.2 gpm pump, so it shouldn't be too slow. Most of my customers that have hooked them up were using trators with 5-6 gpm . Hook the the splitter valve in series with the loader or hook it into one of the loader valves & run the return to the trans housing.

Saltfork · Dec 19, 2005

Leonard, Thanks. I think I will hook it up in series with the loader as I think that will be the easiest and best.

Won't get to it till next week but I'll post a follow-up picture and speed times just for everyones info.

Thanks to all for the help.

Saltfork · Jan 9, 2006

Well I finally got this log splitter attached and working. I disconnected the “IN” line to the FEL loader valve at the hydraulic distribution block and added in a quick disconnect. When the splitter is attached it will connect here so that it will be in series with the loader. The hydraulics worked fine.

As for how well the splitter worked I am pleased. The max log length is 21 inches which is a good size for my wood stove. The ram has a stroke of 17 inches and takes about 8 seconds to extend. The twin tube design was nice as the valley between the two cradled the log. Being able to lower the splitter helped with the bigger logs as they didn’t have to be lifted as high.

Thanks to everyone for your help.