Logsplitter log lift too fast

[J_J]

A basic do nothing fix would be to drop the engine rpm to about idle whenever you want to lift a log. Most people would only use the log lift to raise heavy logs.

Another cheap way to reduce the speed would be to install a tee in the hose to the base end of the cyl. Install a high pressure ball valve or needle valve in the tee. Then run the output of the ball/needle valve to tank. Adjust the valve for the volume of fluid you want to go to the cyl.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7960-12&catname=hydraulic

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7282-6&catname=hydraulic

 

[N8ghz]

I'd buy a Parker inline Flow control in the size of your hoses from PB to the lift valve's P port and adjust it for the speed you like.

There are lots of them on Fleabay in all NTP pipe fitting sizes.
They have a micrometer-like knob on them with numbers relating to GPM and can be locked in position with a setscrew when you get it set to your liking.

 

[J_J]

N8ghz,

If the OP keeps his engine at max, and only uses about 4 GPM's via the Parker valve of the 28 GPM for the log lift, what will happen to the rest of the 24 GPM flowing out the PB port?

You have essentially restricted both valves in series to the flow limited by the Parker flow control valve. Whenever the log splitter activates, it will receive the total flow of 28 GPM's for the time the log splitter is activated, because it is upstream or the first valve in series.

 

[N8ghz]

I don't know if he has OC or CC valve.
but in your bottom-line example, isn't that what he wants? or is he lifting while splitting?

Series Valves require tandem or open-centers. Parallel valves require closed-centers.
How does Power-beyond work thru a tandem center as 1st valve.

There has been contriversy over open-center vs. tandem-center, as used by places like Surplus Center.
Open-Center is one thing and tandem-center is another.

If the flow-control limits all....then why not put it in the Lift line, and limit only the lift speed?
He said that lift down speed is not an issue?

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Can You mechanically limit the throw of the lift valve lever? Maybe make a replacement lever that extends below the valve, and some adjustable stops down there.

 

[J_J]

His valves are open center.

The fluid going to the lift valve needs to be limited for speed, so what needs to be done is to bleed off enough fluid from the PB port to operate the lift valve at a slow rate, This can be done with a flow divider, sending a few gal to the lift valve and sending the rest of the 28 gal flow to tank, using a valve like this.

Surplus Center - 3/30 GPM PRINCE PRIORITY FLOW DIVIDER W/RELIEF

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Instruct/I9-4158-3.pdf

Control flow would go to log lift.

This valve will send 3 gal to the log lift and send 25 gal to the tank, and that will also satisfy the total 28 gal through the first valve.

If he goes full lever on the first valve, he can't use the second valve when using the first valve because the cyl uses all the fluid and then sends it to tank. If he feathers the first valve then he could use both valve at the same time, but is not practical, unless a helper is doing all the log loading.

 

[J_J]

I don't know if he has OC or CC valve.
but in your bottom-line example, isn't that what he wants? or is he lifting while splitting?

Series Valves require tandem or open-centers. Parallel valves require closed-centers.
How does Power-beyond work thru a tandem center as 1st valve.

There has been contriversy over open-center vs. tandem-center, as used by places like Surplus Center.
Open-Center is one thing and tandem-center is another.

If the flow-control limits all....then why not put it in the Lift line, and limit only the lift speed?
He said that lift down speed is not an issue?

In an OPEN CENTER valve, lever in neutral, all port are opened to tank.

In a TANDEM CENTER center valve, the work ports are closed off in neutral, and the flow passes through the valve unimpeded. Cyl will lock in place.

All fluid passing through the log splitter valve must be used by downstream valves or diverted. Hence a divider valve, or priority flow divider.

The divider valve should go in series before the log lift valve. The excess flow will go to tank and the log lift tank port should go to tank.

 

[plb739]

I greatly appreciate all the help. I think I will take JJ suggestion and tee into the base cyc line with a high pressure ball valve directing flow back to tank. This appears to be the cheapest and simplest solution and will give plenty of control. I'll let you know how it works.

 

[Redneck in training]

Can You mechanically limit the throw of the lift valve lever? Maybe make a replacement lever that extends below the valve, and some adjustable stops down there.

That is what I would try first. Put a mechanical stop on the lever travel.