RTV Log Splitter

[chief5]

I am thinking of building a towable log splitter for my RTV Worksite. I don't know a lot about hydraulics. I would like to use the hydrualics on the RTV to power the splitter. Unplug the bed cylinder on the rear of the RTV and using same style quick connects, plug in the splitter cylinder. In this situation I would have to use the control lever at the RTV seat to activate the splitter. Or..... I could put a control valve (spool?) on the splitter and fashion a plate to install near the RTV lever that would keep it in the forward position. Similar to the one that locks the lever in the nuetral position.

Advantages are: No separate engine required and no additional hydraulic fluid tank.

Does this sound workable? Does the pump on the RTV generate enough pressure? Any Ideas would be appreciated.

 

[rtvman]

Hello Chief5,

I checked into that about a month ago and I was told that you can tap into this hydraulic line for the bed lift but the pump is not big enough to drive a hydraulic cylinder big enough to split anything worth while. The dealer told me that he had heard that a larger pump is being developed for the RTV that will accommodate implements like this and other goodies sometime in the future. Of coarse that will be a very expensive option I am sure. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Don't you love your RTV! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Welcome to the forum!

 

[chief5]

The pump looks to be a standard gear pump with an SAE "B" mount. I haven't unbolted it to look at the shaft, but is probably a keyed shaft. Switching to a pump with less cu. in. per revolution should give you more power but make your cylinder cycle more slowly. You dont need the bed to dump that fast anyway. These pumps are readily available on ebay for between $25-$100. I recently had to replace a pump on 6ft front deck Jacobsen mower. Dealer wanted $728, I paid $49 including shipping for a new pump from a hydraulic warehouse who had surplus and put them on ebay. You just need to know what cu. in./rev. you want and the correct rotation (CW or CCW).

And YES I do love my RTV.

 

[rtvman]

Sounds like you got the right idea. If you end up doing this please let us know how its works for you. Besides myself, I am sure there are a lot of other fellow RTVers out there who would love to see what you come up with! Thanks for the info.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I called Kubota once to ask about the GPM of the pump and was shocked how much it was... about 5 I think, but I could be wrong. I also heard at one point there was a concern about running the pump continously. Probably not a great idea, you can always put a pull type gas model behind the RTV though.

 

[chief5]

I may be mistaken, but I believe the pump runs continuously anyway. That is, any time the RTV engine is running. By using the control lever, you are simply diverting fluid to the cylinder, with the lever in the nuetral position the pump is circulating fluid from the tank and back to the tank. My concern is that with the fluid tank being plastic, you do not get the heat dissipation that a steel tank would give you.

 

[bczoom]

chief5,
Welcome to TBN.

I'm going to throw out my 2 cents.

I have considered making or buying a splitter for the RTV myself but after consideration, I'm going with a pull type log splitter with a gas engine for a several reasons. Most are logistical on where/how I split my wood but they may apply to you as well.

If I'm doing my splitting in/near the shed, if the chunks are on the ground, it would be hard to get the RTV/splitter combo close enough. If the wood is on the trailers, I need the RTV to pull the trailers into place.

If splitting away from the shed, I'll need the RTV and trailer to haul/dump the split wood.

Not sure about the capabilities of the RTV connected splitter but the vertical split is very handy for the big chunks.

Not sure how much to make a splitter for the RTV but I'd guess the mfgr's version is more expensive than buying a tow behind.

If the RTV's pump is only 5gpm, that's about 1/2 - 1/3 of what a tow behind is. That may give a very slow cycle time.

I would rather put the hours on a quasi-disposable 6hp Briggs than either my RTV or CUT. (I split a decent amount of wood... 12x24 shed filled to 6' annually)

For me, what you've listed as advantages (no separate engine and hydraulic tank) are advantages for going the other way (stand-alone unit).

Brian

 

[chief5]

bczoom

That was one of my questions: How much gpm necessary to achieve an adequate cycle time.

I won't be doing a lot of splitting, just enough for the woodstove at the hunting cabin (16x20) for deer and duck season so I don't anticipate a lot of hours. This is why I wanted to keep it cheap and not pay for the engine, hydraulic tank and everything else.

As for vertical, I had also considered mounting it vertically on a receiver drawbar and eliminating the trailer axle, tires, etc. The only drawback to that I would imagine it heavy to lift in and out of the hitch to mount it.

Thanks for the input. Lorn

 

[jgh]

20041221

Aren't tractor style remotes an option on RTV's? That would do it, no doubt. Not sure what pump they run off, but the machine uses hydraulic drive of some type, I think, so the flow would seem to be there.

Hope my comment is not too late to help.

I'm hoping to see an RTV soon, was going to buy a Deere HPX, then heard about it.

HTH

Jim

 

[soarkrebel]

I was going to do the same thing with my tractor. i didnt get rear remotes when i bought it so i checked on the price to get them. i was shocked at what they wanted like $700 bucks. then buy a splitter!
i have thought about it and come to realize it's probably better to buy a towable self contained unit thats sole purpose is that.

Hey i figured that way my wife can split while i haul the her split wood to the house! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif