Splitter

[prenshaw2]

Hello,
I went from a 2010 Kioti DK45SE Cab to a 2019 Kioti RX7320PC, and I kept the same log splitter. On my old one, it had a lever in the floor that I flipped one direction or the other and the rear hydraulics became live. On the new one, I have to put a wedge in the cab by the lever to keep the hydraulics live, as it is a center return type lever. The splitter has an open center valve, and the owners manual says to hold that lever in place while running things that cycle from the rear ports. I ran it like this and it seems fine, I assume this is okay to do and will not cause any unnecessary wear on the system, as the fluid should just be circulating through the open center log splitter valve, unless I am operating the cylinder? Is this correct?
Excuse my terminology or wrong assumptions, as I'm nowhere near an expert in hydraulics plumbing and operations. Thanks

 

[BrkMstr]

You should check with your dealer - the double acting valve / (self return to neutral position) - I do not believe is made to be held open for any amount of time - it is made for an implement with a short operating time (hydraulic cylinder) using it the way you describe, I believe, can overheat the hydraulic fluid leading to some damage - O rings etc - but like you I am no expert - unless someone better versed than I weighs in - I'd give your dealer a call and ask to speak with the service manager......

 

[prenshaw2]

Here is page in owners manual. Says it should be held continuously for this type of work. Not sure if I got pic right iCloud

 

[ericm979]

Many hydraulic valves can have float or detent added to them. You'd need to know the manufacturer and model of the valve body.

 

[prenshaw2]

The instructions that came with the splitter said the valve is an open center valve. I held the return fluid line in a 5 gallon bucket and depressed the ball and on it, then bumped the lever on the tractor, and fluid shot out which told me that it was making a circuit If I am thinking correctly.

 

[Leejohn]

You are just fine doing it that way.

 

[RNeumann]

The tractor and log splitter are both open center...no issues there. The only issue the COULD crop up is the valve size on the tractor. If it’s too small it will make excessive heat. Just check the tractor valve after the first half hour of hard use to see what’s happening heat wise. But I’m betting, like the post above this one, you will be fine!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Hello,
I went from a 2010 Kioti DK45SE Cab to a 2019 Kioti RX7320PC, and I kept the same log splitter. On my old one, it had a lever in the floor that I flipped one direction or the other and the rear hydraulics became live. On the new one, I have to put a wedge in the cab by the lever to keep the hydraulics live, as it is a center return type lever.

Not uncommon to do on a "farm" tractor at all, I've done it to run a splitter for hours on end myself...

It doesn't hurt a thing...

SR

 

[prenshaw2]

Awesome, thank you guys so much for all the information. I will definitely use my Fluke infrared temperature gun on the valve the next time I am running it just to see how hot it actually does get. What a great resource of knowledge that you guys have here, glad I found this site.