Log splitter valve

[sly601]

I have a prince one spool standard splitter vlv. 16 gph 2 stge. pump. On a home made splitter. Question #1. My ram speed was pretty fast but now is very slow but i still have 3000 psi power to split big logs, It just got real slow. Is there a screen in the valve to clean?, Bad pump?, Any sugestions would help.
Question#2. I want to build a log lift , What valve would I use. I dont mind buying another valve like a two spool, but dont one of the spools needs to be a dent for the ram? I dont have alot of experience with hydraulics. I dont think the valve I have now has power beond.

Any advice would be a big help. Thanks Guys
Sly

 

[lostcause]

as far as the flow issue... assuming that nothing else has changed, it would seem logical that you have something obstructing the flow. first thought would be a screen in the pickup tube from the reservoir?

for the log lift... i'm not a hydraulics expert either, but i would assume you can just add another open center two way valve in series with the splitter ram valve. when splitting/returning, the flow is diverted to the splitting cylinder, but when that valve is not in use (center) then the flow could pass to the next valve, controlling your lift cylinder. you wouldn't be able to lift a log while the splitting cylinder is returning, but that's probably a small drawback, because you aren't likely to be using the lift on every log anyways.

i have never used a log lift myself - i have a 3ph splitter, so i just lower it flat to the ground and roll on anything i don't want to lift. I've never even looked at one to be honest, but i wonder if you could use a detent valve and use that function for the lowering and have it set to kick out when it hits bottom.

 

[bobodu]

Best bet is to get another valve that does have PB. You don't wanna run a valve in series (won't build pressure because it would return through the neutral) and don't wanna use the return because of back-pressure..

 

[glastron23]

Sly601... you do have a pump issue, the pump is in high pressure/low volume mode, this is causing the slow speed but great working force. the pump has a shuttle valve inside to switch from low pressure/high volume to high pressure/low volume, go on line to prince and get the parts break down and see these pieces, you can try to free them up.
as far as adding the second valve you were on the right track, just take the return tank line from the first valve and plumb it into the pressure side of the second valve then take the tank port from the second valve back to the tank.
the only problem is you will not be able to use both valves at the same time, in your case that's not an issue. if the second valve has a built in pressure regulator you will need to adjust it for the required pressure, it can be lower the the first valve as you do not require a lot of pressure for the log lift. Jim

 

[sly601]

Thanks guys
My pump is a halidex, I will follow up on their web sight, If you think of any thing else please post it. Ill let you know how it turns out at a later date. Again Thanks Sly601

 

[bobodu]

Valves are not designed to have the return deadheaded into another valve. But do what ya wanna do....

 

[lostcause]

Valves are not designed to have the return deadheaded into another valve. But do what ya wanna do....

i'm not a hydraulics expert, and i don't understand your terminology, i was just trying to look at this logically. help me understand what happens in the following situation that i don't understand:

take a hydraulic line, cut it and install a standard single spool, open center splitter valve in it. if you leave the handle in the center/neutral position, doesn't the fluid just basically pass through? in effect there shouldn't be any effect on the system other than maybe a restriction in flow, but most simple valves usually have a flow rate far in excess of a wood splitter

if so, what would change by adding another valve in series? when i say in series, i mean pump to input of valve1, output of valve1 into input of valve2, output of valve 2 returning to the reservoir. i can't see a valve being anything more than a hose coupler when it is in the center/neutral position in these cases. what am i missing?

 

[bobodu]

What happens when you close a water valve suddenly???
You get water hammer...right? Now multiply that 100 psi by 20 or 30 times....somethings gonna blow and it will be the seals in the first valve.
By output...do you mean a work port or the return? If you mean a work port...you won't have pressure going to the cylinder. If you mean the return...you will deadhead the valve.

 

[J_J]

lostcause,

I think you are assuming that the pressure rating on the valve is the same for pressure port and return port. If it were true, then you could pressurize the complete circuit, and be safe. Some return ports have a much lower pressure rating , and in most cases, they say to return this fluid to tank, not through another valve. As you add valves in series, if the last valve is activated and the pressure builds up to say, 2500 psi, then all valves in line would have to be ably to withstand the 2500 lb pressure.

Some people mysteriously have cracked valves, and it is probable that they either dead headed the valve or connected the valve in line, and the valve was not designed for that high a pressure on the return line.

 

[Oliver1655]

Sly601,
On my splitter I have 4 Energy hydraulic valves in series (they have a 20 gpm flow compacity and the main body is milled the same which allows you to change the configuration of the valve without re-plumbing/removing. This was very handy when I found out I could not place 2 of the C-908 "Wood Splitting" valves in series. on the maiden voyage, when the 2nd stage of the pump kicked in, the log lift started to raise. I found out when I call the company - I got straight through, NO Holding! Yes!!!, that the C-908 wood splitting valve could not have another valve following it. I was able to take the end cap and spool out of the main body and replace it with a double spring return spool and end cap in less than 5 minutes. The 1st valve splits, 2nd valve lifts logs, 3rd valve will run drive wheel, 4th valve will raise and lower drive wheel which will double as a jack stand. I may add a 5th valve later to allow for a steering cylinder. I am still thinking on it.
- Adding a log lift has been very handy. When I am working with smaller logs, I can load the lift with wood to split and turn the engine off during re-load periods, cuts my fuel use in half. I used a 3" x 10" cylinder I had on hand for the log lift although I have seen where others have used 2" cylinders. I added a restrictor fitting initially but was not pleased the lift speed and removed it. If you went with a 1/4 in hose I think it would be enough restriction. When I mentioned it to my daughter, she said, "dad, it works fine the way it is, just don't try to open the valve all the way.