Log Splitter

[AzChopp3r]

I have a JD 4300 and I am thinking with the season approaching, it would be a good project to build/weld up a new log splitter and make it 3pt.

Pressure: 2500 psi [172.4 bar]
Valves: 2
Pump flow: 8.3 gpm [31.4 lpm]
Total flow: 13.3 gpm [50.3 lpm]

There is the hydraulic flow for the pump on the 4300.

My question is, what size cylinder for power and quick cycle. Plan on plugging into rear quick connect, activating the hydraulic flow with the lever and using a separate valve to run the splitter. Any and alll help, suggestions and links appreciated.

 

[CJONE]

4" bore would be the min I would go. with only 8 GPM you would have about a 16 second cycle time and remember that is with the tractor almost wide open. Best thing is a small engine with a 2 stage pump in the neighborhood of 16-24 GPM. Or a hydraulic power pack run off the PTO. CJ

 

[LD1]

16 seconds isnt too bad. Considering it will never shift to a lower speed like a 2-stage would. So while the rated cycle time may be a bit slower than most stand alone units, in the real world, it would likely be a tie, since those are rated on high speed and dont account for shifting into low while actually splitting.

But I wouldnt want to go with any less flow for a 3ph splitter.

And even with your flow, I would still consider making a stand alone and using a 2-stage pump. Running a splitter that wont do any better than a stand alone unit with 8hp motor and 2-stage seems like an inefficient use of your 33HP. But thats just my opinion. I dont like 3PH splitters. But I know lots of others do.

 

[sgt227]

Use a regen valve on the logsplitter Hydraulic Catalog | Cylinder Services Inc will speed up the extension time when not splitting, similar effect to a 2 stage pump. Dosent help the retract time tho. Also with this valve you don't need to run the tractor hard out for a reasonable cycle time.

 

[CJONE]

Most 2 stage pumps run with both stages 99+% of the time. In 2 years I think mine may have shifted 30 times if that and only for a second or less and that was very nasty wood. I adjust mine to shift at about 800psi. CJ

 

[J_J]

Use a regen valve on the logsplitter Hydraulic Catalog | Cylinder Services Inc will speed up the extension time when not splitting, similar effect to a 2 stage pump. Dosent help the retract time tho. Also with this valve you don't need to run the tractor hard out for a reasonable cycle time.

That LSR log splitter valve is designed for about 4 GPM which will boost the GPM to about 25 GPM.

Hydraulic Catalog | Cylinder Services Inc

 

[J_J]

He wants fast and power, so he has to decide on speed or power.

Like some of you have said, the log splitter using a 2 stage will run at the fast speed most of the time.

If he is limited by HP, then the only other option is with a smaller cyl.

He could go larger 2 stage and larger engine and keep the 4 in cyl.

If he goes larger engine, then can use a 4 way wedge and get more pieces and therefore save some time.

If you are going to only use the tractor hyd, then you will have a certain speed using a 4 in cyl, and a better speed using a 3 in cyl.

If you go self powered with a large engine and large 2 stage, then you will have faster speed.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[Stonehaller]

The OP wants to run the splitter off the tractor hydraulics. With his tractor, I would compromise on speed/power and go with no larger than a 3.5 inch cylinder.