Hydraulic hose question

ernemats · Feb 3, 2017

I have a log splitter I run off my tractor and it runs fine at splitting the logs. Right now the hydraulic hoses are a little short for running off my other tractor , so I got 2 hoses to add on to the existing hoses with hydraulic quick attach fittings. The problem with the extended hoses is it will not move the ram with enough force to split the logs. I believe having the extra hose with quick attach fittings on is not leaving enough fluid through to create the pressure to move the hydraulic cylinder ram. Any ideas?

lostcreekranch · Feb 3, 2017

Probably on of your QD's not seated correctly? Why not just get longer hoses and get rid of the extra QD's?

RNeumann · Feb 3, 2017

A typical tractor holds 7+ gallons of hydraulic fluid. It's had to believe adding a little hose was the tipping point. After opening the hydraulic system it's always good to make sure the air is removed. Try to cycle the ram, full open to full close, several times. I've seen posts that also suggest changing the position of the ram (vertical from horizontal etc). I've never personally had the need to do that but it may be needed.
Another somewhat common problem is debris in the QC. Try eliminating those from the equation and see what you get.

Beyond that, some of the other folks on here may have more knowledge and ideas.

/pine · Feb 3, 2017

FWIW...I run my splitter with 20' 5/8" hoses all 3/4" QD's to the machine and valve...machine puts out 9 gpm..I usually run about 1/2 throttle...The hoses are heavy when filled but no issues with the QD's

What size hose and QD's are you using?...

ernemats · Feb 3, 2017

My one tractor uses 1/2 inch hose fittings and the other uses 3/4 inch hose fittings. I would like to be able to use either tractor on the splitter. The hydraulic cylinder has a 3/4 inch inlet hose with a 1/2 inch quick attach fitting and the out hose is a 1/2 inch with a half inch quick attach fitting. On the hose I am adding one end has 3/4 inch fittings and the other end is 1/2 inch fittings both ends quick attach.

Leejohn · Feb 3, 2017

It still should build up pressure, flow is for speed.

Texasmark · Feb 3, 2017

ernemats said:
I have a log splitter I run off my tractor and it runs fine at splitting the logs. Right now the hydraulic hoses are a little short for running off my other tractor , so I got 2 hoses to add on to the existing hoses with hydraulic quick attach fittings. The problem with the extended hoses is it will not move the ram with enough force to split the logs. I believe having the extra hose with quick attach fittings on is not leaving enough fluid through to create the pressure to move the hydraulic cylinder ram. Any ideas?

The extra hose and restriction will just slow the process, not stop it; not change your ultimate "Force" applied to the log. Force is area of the piston x psig applied to that area. Your sump should be large enough to run 10' of hose and a 4x24 cylinder and a lot more if you have it filled to the full mark. I used to run mine off my 2000 all the time till I built a separate pump out of an old lawn mower.

pat32rf · Feb 5, 2017

Texasmark said:
The extra hose and restriction will just slow the process, not stop it; not change your ultimate "Force" applied to the log. Force is area of the piston x psig applied to that area. Your sump should be large enough to run 10' of hose and a 4x24 cylinder and a lot more if you have it filled to the full mark. I used to run mine off my 2000 all the time till I built a separate pump out of an old lawn mower.

Could we see some pictures of that lawn mower? Been wanting to build a portable power source for years so I didn't tie up my tractor

ernemats · Feb 5, 2017

Tried again today to run the log splitter off my second tractor with the extra hoses connected , cycled it 6 times very slow moving the cylinder then put a log in to try to split the ram would stop as soon as it made contact with the log. I checked the hydraulic fluid and it was good and no leaks on the hose connections. I then hooked it up to my other tractor without the 2 extra hoses and it ran fine and I split about a dozen logs. Will have to rethink the extra hoses.

olPete · Feb 5, 2017

RNeumann said:
A typical tractor holds 7+ gallons of hydraulic fluid. It's had to believe adding a little hose was the tipping point. After opening the hydraulic system it's always good to make sure the air is removed. Try to cycle the ram, full open to full close, several times. I've seen posts that also suggest changing the position of the ram (vertical from horizontal etc). I've never personally had the need to do that but it may be needed.
Another somewhat common problem is debris in the QC. Try eliminating those from the equation and see what you get.

Beyond that, some of the other folks on here may have more knowledge and ideas.

Good advice. I'd suggest the elimination of those fittings in the middle of the hoses would help if not eliminate the problem. Suspect it's a problem with the poppets in the quick connects, not engaging each other properly. Assuming the oil is constantly flowing through the system, and there is a valve being used at the splitter to work the cylinder.
Just use a couple of threaded female joiners to connect them all together. Proper hydraulic ones though, don't ever use ones for water as they aren't designed for use at hydraulic system pressures.
I was thinking that maybe there's an air issue in the ram but if removing the extra hose has restored operation,then that's out.