Log splitter valve for grapple

[J_J]

Don't know how many people have done this, but it is really a good idea, and it is cheap enough, about $60.

This valve is small and can be mounted about anywhere, and has adjustable relief.

One of the best features of this valve being used as a grapple valve is the auto return to grapple full open.

Saves time for one thing, don't have to manually retract the cyl, just set the retract lever to open grapple and let go.

The grapple will fully open and the lever will go to neutral, ready for the next operation.

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL 25 GPM LOG SPLITTER VALVE W/AUTO DETENT

 

[J_J]

I would not use a log splitter valve in series with other valves, unless it was the last valve in series, due to the back pressure from other valves downstream. .

In this situation, the output from the log splitter valve cyl is going to the curl port, which is flowing through the OUT port of the FEL valve, very little back pressure.

Should work just fine.

 

[PHIL850]

Thats a great idea! I am looking at building a bolt on Grapple for my JD 850. The auto open wide feature would free up your hand for something else in the mean time!

thanks, Phil

 

[J_J]

I just thought of another idea of an improvement for the log splitter valve as a grapple control idea. This valve with a check valve would make this valve an inexpensive option
for controlling a grapple.

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL PRINCE HCSVG0002/LS3000 LOG SPLITTER VALVE


One should not typically use a log splitter valve in series, and feed another valve, but however, what if you placed a check valve after the log splitter valve out port to prevent any back pressure from affecting the log splitter valve. That should protect the log splitter valve and still allow flow down stream .

There is one log splitter valve with PB, but it is the auto log splitter valve with two levers, and you can use it inline/series..

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL PRINCE AUTO CYCLE LOG SPLITTER VALVE W/PB

Hands free on grapple return.

What say you guys? Can you see any problems with this idea?

 

[jinman]

JJ, I'm not sure if a log splitter valve is meant to hold pressure. Certainly they can apply pressure, but when splitting a log, you don't go to multiple positions and hold a grip on something for a period of time like you do with a grapple. It's just split and retract. The other thing about a splitter valve is that when I'm using my grapple, it pops right open and goes full open in a flash (maybe just over a second). There's no real delay and often I don't even go all the way to full open. I don't think I'd use the retract feature of the splitter all that much, but of course, I've never had it, so I can't be for sure. I think all things being equal (price and availability) I'd just go with a regular double-acting spool valve rated for my tractor's maximum pressure/flow.

 

[J_J]

One does not have to use the detent on the log splitter valve, but it is available .

As far as valve holding high pressure, sure it is, up to the relief pressure. Whenever you get a tough piece of wood, it will stay at high pressure until relieved, or you retract the cyl.

If you have a gage in the system, you can watch the pressure for any operation.

 

[Don87]

I'm not sure about the valves that JJ posted, but the valve on my logsplitter will most definetely hold pressure, and my lever will hold in reverse until the cylinder completely retracts, then release itself to the nuetral position.