Other ports?

[joewilshire]

What are the extra ports for on a 2 stage log splitter pump? Can they be used to power other cylinders?

Thanks.

Joe

 

[RonMar]

Got pictures? They may not actually be ports, but capped holes left over from the machining process that created the internal passages. They might also contain the internal control/relief valve mechanism that controls the change over from high volume/low pressure to high pressure/low volume.

 

[joewilshire]

Here are some pics of the same pump I have. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

Joe

http://images.marketworks.com/fullV...ages.marketworks.com/hi/75/74821/p6165336.jpg

 

[RonMar]

That pretty much looks like all the ones I have seen. In the pictures you linked to, The two smaller hex heads at the top nearer the input shaft are the relief/high low flow control mechanism. The longer of the two is actually the locking nut for the setscrew to set the relief/changover pressure.

The hose barb is of course the pump inlet. The port opposite without a plug is the controlled/combined output to the control valve. The one with the plug may be an outlet port from the first stage pump.

A dual stage is two pump sections on the same shaft. They run in parallel for higher volume with a low horsepower input from the shaft. The changeover mechanism shifts the output to a single stage when the output pressure reaches a set point(low enough not to overload the engine) or places the stages in series for high pressure output on the available horsepower. A 5-6HP engine couldn't handle the pump in parallel at full rated pressure.

You could probably tap that other port to power another cylinder, but you would probably want a closed center valve so there was only flow out of that port when you were using the valve/cylinder you connect to it.

Unscrew it and see what is behind it.. You could connect up a hose and run it to a bucket and see if you get flow out of it when running

You could also probably add an open center PB capable valve in line between pump and the existing valve to power more cylinders for other functions without messing with tapping an unknown port on the pump.

 

[joewilshire]

Hey Ron,

Thanks for all your help. I was maybe thinking of using the pump to put a cradle type log loader on my splitter. You know, something where the full log can be lifted up into a position where I could just roll it over onto the beam.

I might just check out your idea.

Thanks again.

Joe

 

[RonMar]

Well you could add another valve in series or you could replace your existing valve with something like this one at surplus center.

http://surpluscenter.com/Item.asp?UID=2007082610502236&catname=hydraulic&item=9-7414

By putting in a two spool valve you wouldn't need to mess with the extra hoses and fittings to add a return line from the upstream PB valve so the plumbing would possibly be simpler. You would probably have to replace the hard lines on your existing plumbing with hoses as I doubt they would adapt to a different valve. This valve has the auto return latching detent on the first spool like your existing valve probably has.

As you know, firewood takes energy to move. My goal has always been to move firewood as little as possible while processing. Having used both horizontal and vertical splitters, a log lifter on a horizontal is nice for the bigger pieces, but you repeatedly have to lift and position the split pieces as they fall away. With a vertical I can just rotate the bigger rounds and repeatedly split the piece with very little movement. I am splitting 30" rounds right now with a vertical and would not even contemplate doing them horizontal even if I had a lifter. If you converted the frame to a vertical, you wouldn't have to lift the rounds and wouldn't need to mess with the plumbing as much as it may only require longer supply/return hoses.

My .02 on wood processing

Good Luck.