Log splitter on a budget project!

[Josh61513]

I've been looking for a log splitter to use with my tractor, but on a very tight budget (burning wood is supposed to save money right!). I supplement with a wood-burning fireplace insert and consume 9-12 face cords/season (3-4 full cords).

I've been watching craigslist for a log splitter with a bad pump or engine but good cylinder using the hydralics from my tractor. I finally came across one for $50 (see attachments) without a pump or engine nor hydraulic valve which seems like a good price. I plan to bring it home and then connect it directly to my rear aux. hydrualic quick connects (1/2"?) pioneer quick connects, controlled by an a/b valve with detents on the tractor. That will be enough to test the function of the splitter and get started splitting for this year! If it checks out okay I plan to remove the axle and get it setup for hooking to the 3-point and then clean & paint. I like the idea of the new regenerative-type hydralic valve and plan to add that after I determine the splitter to be good.

I need some help ordering the right hydraulic lines, seems like everyone likes surpluscenter.com: which size is appropriate? I have a Kioti CK20S which has "7.66 GPM total flow", not sure how much is available at the aux. outlets. When I add the regen. valve should I use short pieces of larger diameter line to/from the valve due to the increased flow?

Thanks!

Josh

 

[J_J]

Just match the hose size to the port size.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

I would run 1/2" hoses to match your qd's. I hope you are in no hurry. Your 7.66gpm will be your most limiting factor. GPM is rated at the pump. By the time you run through your hoses and valves, you can cut that back. It will work, but it will not be a speed demon.

 

[J_J]

I would run 1/2" hoses to match your qd's. I hope you are in no hurry. Your 7.66gpm will be your most limiting factor. GPM is rated at the pump. By the time you run through your hoses and valves, you can cut that back. It will work, but it will not be a speed demon.

Is that your picture in the avatar.

If the cylinder is a 3 in bore, with 1.5 in shaft, then the extend speed will be

4.2 ips, so a 24 in log would take 5.7 sec

4.2 ips, -----16 in log------------3.8 sec

Retract speed even faster.

Better than most, and a regen valve will make it even faster.

 

[Josh61513]

Thanks for the feedback.

I haven't picked it up yet so i'm not sure of the cylinder size. Even if it's a 4" I suspect the cycle time will be acceptable with a regen. control valve. The reason I ask about the line size is because I'm curious as to how much additional flow I would get with the regen valve? Would that warrant 3/4" lines to/from the valve and 1/2" from the tractor? I suppose the bottleneck would still be the port size on the cylinder eh?

Also, could someone clarify the terms in the valve description "3/4" work posts, 1/2" in & out"? The specs also say for max flow "4 GPM in, 25 out", would that be a problem if I actually have 5-6 GPM at the remotes?

http://www.cylinderservices.net/catalog.asp?prodid=601852

Thanks!

 

[J_J]

The valve does say 4 GPM in. Just reduce engine speed.

The pressure hose, and return from the tractor should be 1/2 in

Although it says the work ports are 3/4 in, the input to the cylinder are probably less.

The smallest port size will be the limiting factor. For instance, if the cylinder port inlet is 3/8 in, then 3/8 hose/adapter would work. If some port are 1/2 in , then adapters are required.

I just noticed this valve is not for use with a two staged pump.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Is that your picture in the avatar.

If the cylinder is a 3 in bore, with 1.5 in shaft, then the extend speed will be

4.2 ips, so a 24 in log would take 5.7 sec

4.2 ips, -----16 in log------------3.8 sec

Retract speed even faster.

Better than most, and a regen valve will make it even faster.

No, not my pic. It's an old friend.

If it's a 2" bore, it will be even faster. If it's a 4" bore, it will be much slower. If it's a 3" bore, the cylinder won't be on there for long anyway.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

The valve does say 4 GPM in. Just reduce engine speed.

The pressure hose, and return from the tractor should be 1/2 in

Although it says the work ports are 3/4 in, the input to the cylinder are probably less.

The smallest port size will be the limiting factor. For instance, if the cylinder port inlet is 3/8 in, then 3/8 hose/adapter would work. If some port are 1/2 in , then adapters are required.

I just noticed this valve is not for use with a two staged pump.

Not true. A hydraulic circuit with a 3/8" port and a 1/2" hose connected to it will flow more than a 3/8" port and a 3/8" hose.

 

[sizzami]

jj is correct

 

[J_J]

My thought were, that the pressure coming out of a 1/2 orifice, would decrease and the fluid would be spread across a larger area, in going through a 3/4 hose. However if the pressure is the same , then I would agree. However, I am not an engineer. How are you going to get any more volume out of pump with a larger hose?