Log splitter connections

[korydz]

I am looking at a Powerhorse 1159 wood splitter for use with my BX2660. I understand the limited volume of my tractor results in relatively slow performace with most splitters, but I've read that many owners of similar tractors are able to use this one with more than acceptable performance.

My question is what is the best way to connect this splitter to my tractor? I don't have rear remotes; just the an FEL and its controls. I've read about connecting to the dump/curl circuit and then using a bungee cord to hold the joystick. This seems hokey. I've also read that damage to the splitter's controls could result by using the 3ph while the joystick was engaged like this.

Would it work to connect to the FEL lift/lower circuit, and then put the control in the float postion? I could get rear remotes installed (at some cost), but I suspect that they are 1/4" lines rather than the 3/8" lines that are at the FEL, which would result in less flow. I want the highest flow, best performing way of doing this.

It is probably clear by now that I am a little confused on this.

 

[TheFlatlander]

I have also thought about this. the flow off this tractor is a little bit on the light side when the discussions have been about operating a splitter off of the rear add on remote, and make some of the splitters operate a little slow. If I were to be looking to add a splitter I would look at a rear pto hydraulic pump. this would make it easier to enable you to get the proper flow that you would want and be better able to take advantage of the extra power available on the BX2660 at the PTO.

 

[kennyd]

The splitter will work connected to the FEL valve's lift/lower circuit, but NOT while it's in the float position, there is NO fluid flow and both ports are OPEN allowing the FEL to float.

The "best" way to hook it up is with a "power beyond" circuit that you can buy from your dealer or make yourself by extending two hoses from your FEL valve to the rear of the tractor.

There are lots of post's like this in the hydraulic forum if you want to do some searching.

 

[BXRICK]

The best way would be to get a PTO hydraulic pump, tank, filter, etc.

What I did with my BX1500, and a 3pt log splitter, is to us ethe FEL circuit.
When one disconnects the FEL, there is a closed loop hose that gets installed. I'm sure it has a clever name.
Anyway, I use that circuit. The splitter is put in series with that hose.
The downside is that I can't use the FEL while the splitter is in use. But then, the only thing I'd use it for is moving wood onto the splitter, which, of course, can't be done sinc ethe splitter is on the rear of the tractor.
The other downside is that it requires some pretty long hoses. But it sure was easy to get going.

 

[kennyd]

The best way would be to get a PTO hydraulic pump, tank, filter, etc.

What I did with my BX1500, and a 3pt log splitter, is to us ethe FEL circuit.
When one disconnects the FEL, there is a closed loop hose that gets installed. I'm sure it has a clever name.
Anyway, I use that circuit. The splitter is put in series with that hose.
The downside is that I can't use the FEL while the splitter is in use. But then, the only thing I'd use it for is moving wood onto the splitter, which, of course, can't be done sinc ethe splitter is on the rear of the tractor.
The other downside is that it requires some pretty long hoses. But it sure was easy to get going.

The "clever name" is "Power Beyond" as I stated in my previous post. You could set your up so the loader will continue to work with some QD's...

 

[korydz]

Kennyd, you seem to have a handle on this. Is it possible to connect the splitter to the FEL connections AND still have the FEL function? This would be ideal. I'm not too concerned about the length of the hoses as I'm sure I can find a clever way to deal with those. If rear remotes are the highest performance and cleanest way to do this, I'd gladly add them, but not if they have restricted flow.

I'm hoping someone can spell this out for me or point me to the right resources.

 

[kennyd]

Kennyd, you seem to have a handle on this. Is it possible to connect the splitter to the FEL connections AND still have the FEL function? This would be ideal. I'm not too concerned about the length of the hoses as I'm sure I can find a clever way to deal with those. If rear remotes are the highest performance and cleanest way to do this, I'd gladly add them, but not if they have restricted flow.

I'm hoping someone can spell this out for me or point me to the right resources.

On your FEL valve, there is a port marked PB (powerbeyond) that has a hose that goes towards the rear to feed the 3PH.

You would disconnect this hose at the rear, and put a QD on it, then add a hose from there back to where you took the other hose from. This is your 'powerbeyond loop".

To run the splitter, you would unhook this "loop" and plug the splitter in-effectively putting the splitter is series between the FEL valve and the 3PH.

To unhook the splitter, just remove it from the loop and couple the hoses on the tractor back together. These hoses MUST be connected together whenever the tractor is running because the full flow of the hydraulic system runs though them all the time.

A search of the term "powerbeyond" will also turn up lots more info...

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Kennyd, you seem to have a handle on this. Is it possible to connect the splitter to the FEL connections AND still have the FEL function? This would be ideal. I'm not too concerned about the length of the hoses as I'm sure I can find a clever way to deal with those. If rear remotes are the highest performance and cleanest way to do this, I'd gladly add them, but not if they have restricted flow.

I'm hoping someone can spell this out for me or point me to the right resources.

Korydz, given the information form Kenny D and other TBNer (thank you all) I installed a rear loop to feed my powerhorse splitter on my 7510.

dealer wanted $300, I did it for less than $200 and it can be done cheaper . I was in a rush, so I had the hoses custom made locally. If you buy from surplus sales center or northern tool I bet you can do it for under $125...

Need pictures, send me a private message with your email address and I'll send you some...

Good luck...

 

[korydz]

Thanks KennyD and FirefighterKubota. The only question I have left is does the FEL and the 3PH still operate with the splitter in series?

Also, I think I'm going to go with the Split Fire 3203 instead of the Powerhorse. Splitfire quoted me $1000+freight which given our dollar and the shipping from the US, it puts it pretty close in price and gives me 24" capacity and what looks like a stronger unit (it weighs twice as much).

The other advantage is buying something that is Canadian made and I know I'll get better service from a small outfit in Canada than I will from a big corporation.

FFK, I'll PM you for pics.

 

[kennyd]

Thanks KennyD and FirefighterKubota. The only question I have left is does the FEL and the 3PH still operate with the splitter in series?

Yes, they will.