Hydraulic valve with float

[Stomper]

I am in the process of building a firewood processor and it is going to have a hydraulic winch to pull the log into it and move it to be cut. I have been tossing around the idea of adapting an old electric winch drum to the hydraulic motor so that I can have a freespool option but was wondering if a hydraulic valve with float would work as a freespool when it is in the float position. Would this work or would there be too much restriction for the motor to freespool.

 

[ptsg]

It works but it's too much drag/restriction to pull it by hand. Specially if the winch uses a reducer gearbox and/or the oil is still cold.

But I agree, it would make for a very practical and easy to use free wheeling of the winch. I've thought about on my homemade hydraulic winch that I mounted on the front of my tractor but never go around to try it due to past experiences with hydraulic motors.

 

[Stomper]

Yeah that痴 what I thought. I knew it would be to good to be true. Lol. BTW it would have its own hydraulic system and would not be driven off the tractor

 

[ptsg]

You could test it on the tractor though. With a couple quick connects, hook it up on the loader lift circuit, put it to float and give it a try. But don't forget that the motor will then work as a pump after you try to pull the cable which creates lots of drag.

 

[LouNY]

They make a valve for hydraulic motors that is a open loop when in neutral It might allow for a bit easier free spooling, it is commonly used to allow a hydraulic motor to coast down instead of abruptly stopping as it will on a regular control valve unless a motor protective element has been added.
SAE 12 3� GPM Hyd Motor Relief Bypass Valve | Relief & Cushion Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com
1 Spool -3 GPM Motor Valve w/Flow Control | Directional Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

 

[rScotty]

It could depend on the valve, too. Most hydraulic control valves that I've used have a float position....and I guress it would do what you want if you had the strength to pull the cable against all the gear drag. But what worries me is that the control valves I've used can't really be relied on to stay in the float positon. Especially not if there's any vibration. They pop out of float too easily.
rScotty

 

[Industrial Toys]

I wanted to build a remote controlled hydraulic logging winch too. Ran into the same problem. Saw no hydraulic (used) winches with a clutch. Maybe too dangerous. If it goes fast enough "out" that would be just as good, no?

 

[Stomper]

It seems that there is no easy or simple way to do this so I will stick with my original plan and couple an electric winch drum to the hydraulic motor. Thanks for the info guys its very much appreciated