3320 + speeco log splitter=????????

buckeyebrad · Jan 5, 2008

My back is telling me it's time for a log splitter for my 3320. That's the excuse I'm using anyway to buy a new "toy" for my tractor. I saw a few posts regarding hooking up log splitters but I still have more questions than answers floating around in my head. $650 bucks is a lot of money for me to throw out in one day and I don't want to screw this up. I've found this website to have some seriously knowledgable people and I feel ashamed I'm usually soaking up the info and don't usually have any helpful info in return. Maybe as I get older and wiser and put some more scratches on my machine I'll have more to contribute other than questions. Thanks in advance for any info you folks can share. Anyway, I digress.
When I hook my hoses up to my rear remotes, which usually run my lift cylinder for the mower deck, what do I do from there in regards to the "up/down" lever to the right of the seat. If I push it all the way forward I can get it to "lock" in the forward position. Not sure what that does. I'm hoping that the worst case scenario for hooking up the splitter is I have to strap that lever to put flow to the back and then use an open center valve on the splitter? Not sure what the correct configuration is.

dirtworksequip · Jan 5, 2008

I'm not 100% sure,but I believe you will need power beyond to run a log splitter. I'm sure someone will have the answers to your questions.

Sincerely, Dirt

kennyd · Jan 5, 2008

When I hook my hoses up to my rear remotes, which usually run my lift cylinder for the mower deck, what do I do from there in regards to the "up/down" lever to the right of the seat. If I push it all the way forward I can get it to "lock" in the forward position. Not sure what that does. I'm hoping that the worst case scenario for hooking up the splitter is I have to strap that lever to put flow to the back and then use an open center valve on the splitter? Not sure what the correct configuration is.

The "lock forward" may be a float position like the FEL has, but I didn't think that was an option on the remotes?

For the log splitter to work, you will have to devise a bracket or strap to hold the valve fully open AFTER the splitter is connected, then the fluid will flow through the splitter's valve. You will also need to get two hoses made, and two QD nipples as well.

buckeyebrad · Jan 5, 2008

KennyD, you are like the lone ranger of John Deere land! I would imagine the dealer would have the correct male ends to go into my outlets and either they or my local shop could make the hoses up for the splitter. I'll ask them more about the lever that puts fluid back there. Maybe there will be something I missed in one of my manuals as well. Any thoughts out there how much stress I'll be putting on the pump? I hope the cylinder on the splitter is empty so I can fill it with the fluid from the tractor?

bjcsc · Jan 5, 2008

Full forward is float; all three of my rear SCV valves float so it would not surprise me that yours would. You can use a bungee cord to hold the valve open (back) and then run the splitter with the valve on the splitter itself.

tglass · Jan 5, 2008

Mine is like bjcsd's. To use an attachment like a log splitter on mine the bungee cord works. I got another stop from the dealer for the 3-pt. and modified a little to hold it in the forward position when locked so I can throw it into float to stop or release the pressure. Was concerned about heat damage but the dealer agreed it probably wouldn't hurt anything in this application. Power beyond is what's actually needed.

bjcsc · Jan 5, 2008

tglass said:
Power beyond is what's actually needed.

Holding the valve open works OK. I don't have to do it that way as my rear SCV's are each individually selectable and can be set for no detent, return to neutral, or stay open (for running motors).

buckeyebrad · Jan 5, 2008

Warning. Dumb question to follow. What is power beyond vs. what I have now? I just have two female outlets at the back of the tractor. The hoses go to the lift cylinder on my belly mower.

bjcsc · Jan 6, 2008

Not a dumb question...the best way to think about power beyond is as a connection in your hydraulic system before the valve body. When you use it, you break that connection and connect the respective ends to whatever you're running (backhoe, motor, etc.). The flow, then, is not restricted by the valve body...

Do 3320's have hydraulic oil coolers?

kennyd · Jan 6, 2008

Your dealer will have or can order you the correct QD's, and possibly make hoses as well.
The cylinder will come empty, so no worries there...
The PB is just a connection into the tractors hydraulic system, it provides a continuous supply of fluid for implements that have their own valves like log-splitters and backhoes. No worries about your pump, it won't even know the splitter is there