hydraulic hose question

10acreheaven · Nov 20, 2014

I'm upgrading a log splitter I built last year to hydraulic. I'm going to run it off my tractor (bolens g174) front loader. It has 1/4" hoses. I have a 3" cylinder with 1/2" ports. I know its not going to break any speed records, but what size hoses should I get for it. It will connect to my front loader controller with 1/4 quick connects. Thanks for the help!

J_J · Nov 20, 2014

If the cyl has 1/2 in ports, why not use 1/2 in hose .

10acreheaven · Nov 20, 2014

Didn't know if there would be a problem going to a 1/4 quick connect at the loader controller

SSdoxie · Nov 20, 2014

If 1/4" is what is on the valve pump is low enough to get minimal restriction with 1/4" hose, but I tend to error to a larger size just to be safe. Not much difference is price from 1/4". 3/8", or 1/2" hose. Could use 1/2" with 1/2 to 1/4 reducer bushing at the QD. Or use 3/8" hose, have it custom made and put 1/2" fitting on one end and 1/4" fitting on the other and not need to buy reducer bushings.

10acreheaven · Nov 20, 2014

Sweet, thanks for the info

Discount Hydraulic Hose · Nov 21, 2014

You can do all the things above, but I'm not sure how much benefit you get from increasing the hose size if you are still using 1/4" quick disconnects. Assuming you are using 1/4" ag couplers (aka Pioneer 4000 series), your maximum flow rate won't exceed 3 or 4 GPM, regardless how big a hose you use.

10acreheaven · Nov 21, 2014

Yeah I'm thinking 1/4 will be fine too, I just didn't want to restrict flow. But like you said I'm like right at my GPM with 1/4" lines so that is good. Would I be hurting anything using bigger lines? Only reason I ask is my farm store has a lot of 3/8 & 1/2 to choose from

J_J · Nov 21, 2014

What is the actual port size on the pump outlet?

Someone might have used 1/4 hose and fittings to save some money.

10acreheaven · Nov 21, 2014

I will have to check

LD1 · Nov 21, 2014

According to tractordata the bolens you have is the same tractor as an iseki 1500. Which has a total pump output of 2.7GPM

You will gain nothing by going with larger hoses.

With a 3" cylinder, assuming 24" stroke, if you are getting the full 2.7gpm, you will have a 16 second extend time. Retract speed would depend on rod size.

And the way it is listed as "total pump output" makes me question weather you are even getting 2.7. of if some of that is diverted for power steering use or a second pump and they total the two to get the "total"