New 370D owner

Freakingstang · Jul 19, 2012

The Hyd flow is just under 4 gpm at 2700 rpm. Most Hyd pumps will work spun "backwards" but you have to swap in suction (inlet) and discharge (outlet). He is bypassing his third single spool valve. Basically his setup flows from the Hyd pump, to the loader valves, out the PB (power beyond) to the log splitter valve. On the out side of the splitter PB to the Hyd three point.

With your quick connects, I'm assuming it's coming from a third valve? If so you could utilize that if it had an open center. Meaning it would allow full flow through the valve when in the middle, neutral position. Most valves are set at a closed center though... That's why techwtr disconnects his third valve

techwrtr2 · Jul 19, 2012

I cannot say precisely how fast the splitter works as I haven't used other hydraulic splitters... I think we've got almost 30 or so years on this one and it's still working great. I can say it splits just about anything I toss at it (forks and stumps will give it trouble) and it will be fully retracted before can get the split wood tossed on the truck and the next log in place to split. In other words, it's fast enough for me.

demigodofa · Aug 2, 2012

The loader bar for the top of my bucket curl cylinder finally broke the other day. Th previous owner had bent it, re-straightened a couple of times it looked like. He sleeved it with a piece of pipe but the metal was too fatigued. Here are some pics of the break, and the new one I made with 2 gussets of steel that were just lying in a scrap bin so I welded them on.

demigodofa · Aug 2, 2012

I am also starting to cobble together a grapple bucket. I am using steel scraps that are lying around. My lack of measuring, marking etc. are readily apparent in the pictures, I'm just winging it as I go. It is square though, I just got lazy and held the spacer tabs turned my head and started welding. Needless to say I'm embarrassed at my build quality, design decisions BUT I hope to be grappling brush in a couple of days regardless.

techwrtr2 · Aug 2, 2012

Did you look at the grapple on my tractor? It's very much cobbled together. Angle steel that's a bit bent here/there with flat steel grafted on to extend the teeth. Not a "professional" looking piece at all.

But it works and that is what matters to me.

demigodofa · Aug 3, 2012

Almost done... When you're in the aisle buying hydraulic hoses 3' sounds like a lot, till you tilt the bucket curl all the way down.

It was getting late and I was getting frustrated so I had to put it up for the night. Stripped a hydraulic fitting etc. I was able to raise the grapple arm, looks like it's going to work great. The wife and 2 children allowed me to work on it til 7pm for 2 nights after work. So I actually only have 6 hours of build time into this thing. You should have seen the sparks flying! I would weld on pieces that were hanging over and torch off the overhanging parts, didn't grind a drop of mill scale or rust. I only knocked the torch slag off with a chipping hammer held the pieces up and tacked them, held a square up, smashed said piece with a hammer into the ballpark and welded them out. (I can't let the guy's at work see this thing:ashamed

Tech thanks for the lift, you by far have the coolest tractor on here you bought it and have turned the key on it for what 30 years? Fixed what broke, made what needed makin', I love it. Have a good day all.

demigodofa · Aug 3, 2012

OK I just ran home at lunch and picked up some fittings for the hydraulics. It works good, need longer hoses, which I just had made and a couple of 90 degree fittings to come off of the hydraulic cylinder. I need to gusset the top piece of angle on the bucket; I clamped the grapple onto a log and could have rolled the top of the bucket right over. it is pretty heavy even though it is narrower than my tractor bucket slightly. But there is still a lot of capacity left. But with brush and things this thing is going to be great. I'm going to take the torch to it and lighten it up here and there. I'll put in on the scales before and after for a comparison.

demigodofa · Aug 6, 2012

I was wondering if I could get some help on the front end. I am going through and re-lubing the whole tractor. The front center diff is straight forward. My question lies with the outer 4wd hubs that the king pins must sit in. I'm not sure where to put the oil, is it the plug that's horizontal 1/2 way up? Also is there anything I should do with the steering, I didn't see anywhere to lube the steering box, any help would be greatly appreciated thank you.

demigodofa · Aug 10, 2012

Just ordered these forks, I saw a set on a job site in Mass.which led me to 2 conclusions.
1.The quick attach on my tractor is a Dingo or compact bobcat type.
2. Dingo attachments are perfect size for my tractor. These forks have a lifting capacity of 2500#. The set I saw on my job site were very light weight looking. I found these on e-bay selling for $550. I clicked the make an offer button and offered much less and he accepted.
I'm assuming that the hydraulically powered Dingo attachments would be more than our tractors hydraulic pump could push however. Is this true? I saw a hydraulically powered snow blower, stump grinder, brush hog etc.