Backhoe Log splitter vs. aux. hydraulic hookup on Yanmar LX4900

[manysek]

:anyone:I am new to this so is my tractor. I plan on purchasing a hydraulically operated 3p log splitter but was unable to determine if I can simply disconnect the hoses from my backhoe and hook them directly to the log splitter which seems to have a 3-way valve that completes the circuit when idle. Splitter technical description says that I need auxiliary hydraulic outputs but don't I have them already? The tech support of the splitter vendor was not knowledgeable enough to clarify that. Tractor dealer doesn't have definite answer either unless I use implements approved by them, right? I appreciate your help in this matter.

 

[jimmysisson]

Post a picof the back of the tractor where the BG hoses attach
Jim

 

[Dead Horse]

Backhoe has QD lines? You simply need a "goesinta" and a "goesoutta" line that is live. Bungie the respective BH lever and you are good to go.

 

[Buggs67]

I'd rethink the 3pt splitter. I know it seems logical. But unless you have at least 11gpm output it will be real slow. And then you can't use the tractor for anything else, like hauling logs or the split wood. The small engine ones cost more but are more versatile. I tow mine into the woods with a quad and use a quad with landscape trailer to haul the split wood.

And when I say slow, I mean really slow. My buddy has a Kubota L3010 30 hp with the TSC splitter and it's glacial slow compared to my Northern Tool tow-behind with 5.5 hp Honda 11 gpm pump.

 

[TnAndy]

I'd rethink the 3pt splitter. I know it seems logical. But unless you have at least 11gpm output it will be real slow. And then you can't use the tractor for anything else, like hauling logs or the split wood. The small engine ones cost more but are more versatile. I tow mine into the woods with a quad and use a quad with landscape trailer to haul the split wood.

And when I say slow, I mean really slow. My buddy has a Kubota L3010 30 hp with the TSC splitter and it's glacial slow compared to my Northern Tool tow-behind with 5.5 hp Honda 11 gpm pump.

Exactly what I found when I did have a 3pt splitter and tried to run it off the tractor hydraulics. Slow, and it ties up the tractor. So I used it as the basis for a stand alone splitter, adding an 8hp engine, a 16gpm two stage pump (another thing tractors don't have), wheels, hitch, etc, and have been much happier with the setup than when it was tied to the tractor.

 

[Katahdin]

I'd like to see pics as well. I'm very familiar with the rear remotes on the LX series but unfortunately didn't pay any attention to the CB85 backhoe hookups when I've been near them.

I also split wood and use the LX bucket to bring fresh cut rounds to a 5hp gas splitter. The loader is great for lifting the rounds to waist height so you don't have to stoop over to pick them up. I can see a 3-pt splitter handy if its the type that can split oversized rounds on the ground vertically, my gas splitter does not have that ability.

 

[LouieJunior]

I don't think you will need to bungee cord anything. The backhoe port should be continuous flow.

 

[cmhyland]

Generally, the backhoes are run by a power beyond type circuit. Do you have to plug the in and out line for the BH into each other when it's disconnected?

Your 3pt splitter will only be slow if you don't take the time to match the cylinder size on the splitter to the GPM output of the machine.
For example, if you buy a splitter attachment with a 5" cylinder it's gonna be slow unless you have about 20 GPM.

My tractor has only 5GPM output so I got a splitter with a 3.5" cylinder. The cycle time from on end to the other is 7 seconds with the throttle just love idle.
The splitter is rated at 13 tons using 3000 PSI, my machine only has about 2400 PSI so I think I have about 10 ton capacity. It's rare for me to run into a log I can't split. There are upsides and downsides to 3pts and stand alone... stand alone have an additional engine to maintain. 3pts can be a bit slower and tie up the tractor...

Regards,
Chris

 

[Katahdin]

The op's LX4900 should do just under 9 GPM of hydraulic flow at the rated 2600rpm.

 

[Jim Timber]

I don't know why you'd want to burn up hours on your tractor running a log splitter? You're consuming expensive oil changes, filters, and depreciation for want of a $300 pump and gas engine.

If you want to keep the splitter you have, I'd consider looking into making a little power pack for it.

 

[TnAndy]

I don't know why you'd want to burn up hours on your tractor running a log splitter? You're consuming expensive oil changes, filters, and depreciation for want of a $300 pump and gas engine.

If you want to keep the splitter you have, I'd consider looking into making a little power pack for it.

Yep, here's my former 3pt hitch splitter with a Honda engine and 16gpm two stage pump on it:

 

[JRL305]

That looks like my little 37 ton splitter. I go down into the woods and cut up an old down oak tree into 6 ft pieces, go down with the tractor and pick up the pieces with the grapple and bring 'em up the hill to the back of the shop. I roll the splitter out, cut up the logs with the chainsaw and split away. It's close to the woodpile and the fridge. The splitter has a trailer hitch that I can pull with the ATV or truck if I want to help out a neighbor. I vote for "stand alone" splitters.

 

[Jim Timber]

I envision hauling my splitter out to where the trees are, bucking them up, splitting them, and then loading it into a dump trailer to bring back to the yard for aging. This means I only move a heavy round once in it's life.

 

[cmhyland]

I don't know why you'd want to burn up hours on your tractor running a log splitter? You're consuming expensive oil changes, filters, and depreciation for want of a $300 pump and gas engine.

If you want to keep the splitter you have, I'd consider looking into making a little power pack for it.

Jim,
It's all personal preference.. For me I can split a cord of wood in an hour or two and I go through 3 or 4 cords a year... Thats like mowing the lawn twice in relative hours... Having one less engine to maintain is worth more to me.... not having one more engine to fight with over fuel gone bad , etc.... Also the 3pt splitter takes up far lass space in my little barn.

Regards,
Chris

 

[LouieJunior]

I also prefer a 3-point splitter. I consider my tractor a toy -- one I do not get to play with nearly as much as I'd like! I enjoy using it and taking care of it (and sometimes abusing it). My Wallenstein splitter works vertically and horizontally, it is quick hitch compatible and it operates plenty fast for my needs.

In the winter, there aren't as many tractor tasks, so splitting logs enables me to play with my toy this time of year.

 

[pat32rf]

I've always had shirty luck getting small gas engines started when it's -20C. When my BIL offered me the homemade vertical splitter off his 60hp I grabbed it, eventually replacing the 5" piston with a 2 1/2". I have since been given two more homemade splitters, one of which actually mounts on my 3pth, the rest I have put legs and carrying points on. Total outlay about $200 for three splitters.....

 

[Buggs67]

I've always had shirty luck getting small gas engines started when it's -20C. Total outlay about $200 for three splitters.....

When I ordered mine I upgraded to the 5.5 hp Honda motor. Aside from oil changes and plugs it's been running fine since 1996 splitting 4-5 cords a year. I don't use it in cold weather; the wood is already split and stacked.

I'd take a 3 ph model for free:thumbsup:

 

[UTCenturion]

Jim,
It's all personal preference.. For me I can split a cord of wood in an hour or two and I go through 3 or 4 cords a year... Thats like mowing the lawn twice in relative hours... Having one less engine to maintain is worth more to me.... not having one more engine to fight with over fuel gone bad , etc.... Also the 3pt splitter takes up far lass space in my little barn.

Regards,
Chris

agreed. time spent fighting a small engine is so frustrating when it happens. I'm trying to get down to as few small engines as humanely possible.

About depreciation, I dont plan on reselling my tractor and properly maintained its going to last a long time. If I spent the whole time I was using it worried about the depreciation of every added hour or paint scratch a stick or chain made i'ld never get anything done, and time is money too.