Hydraulic log splitter

[ernemats]

Would it be possible or advisable to use the hydraulics on a power trac to run a log splitter. I am looking at a log splitter that the owner uses a Simplicity 12 hp tractor to run the log splitter by bolting the pump onto a pto shaft. I was thinking I could use the pto circuit to run the splitter .

 

[SpringHollow]

You can. One big negative is that you can not use the PT at the same time to carry logs etc. You are also putting more wear and tear on the PT than is necessary. On the plus side, doing it that way gives you one less engine/pump to purchase and maintain.

Ken

 

[MossRoad]

Just make sure the ram and valve can handle the PSI of the Power Trac. I am building a log grapple and put a 2000psi cylinder on it. I promptly blew the seals in the cylinder after half an hour of use. Had to step up to a higher psi cylinder.

 

[sirmombo]

I use my 1430 to run a hydraulic log splitter from Northern Tool. The log splitter is about 20 years old and I don't know the specs on its cylinder, but it works well. I only use it 8-10 hours a year and I wouldn't want to maintain another engine for that little use.

Bill

 

[J_J]

Of course you can use a log splitter on the PT.

The GPM will determine the speed.

Moss, You could have used the 2000 psi cyl with an external relief valve across the cyl, or reset the log splitter valve to 2000 psi.

 

[ernemats]

Another question I have a pt 422 and also a pt 1845 which would be the best to run it off? What speed would you have to use on the power trac, would it have to be run wide open or could it be at a fast idle? I probably will not be using it a lot as I have an outside wood burner and anything I can lift I can put in it, but my age is starting to show up and I can not lift what I used to .

 

[J_J]

Try it a different speeds to suit your capability.

Speed of the log splitter will be based on the GPM's no matter here it comes from.

The smaller engine will be more economical.

If I know the cyl size and rod size, and the GPM I can compute the cycle speed.

They also make automatic log splitter valves.

 

[SpringHollow]

In my opinion, you do not want to use a 45 HP engine for occasional log splitting when you can use a 22 HP. If you were setting up a processor or something, things would be different.

Ken

 

[ernemats]

Another question as I know very little about log splitters and hydraulics. Would I need the hydraulic pump and tank that are currently used on the log splitter? If not should I take the tank and pump off or just by pass it?

 

[woodlandfarms]

You do not need the pump and tank, you are using your PT's. But you do need the ram control. As for taking it off, your call. You could take it off and store it in case you sell it down the road (very few people have hydraulic tractors).

 

[SpringHollow]

keep it for converting to electric if you have power nearby. It is much nicer to use my splitter after I converted it. Only takes 10 minutes or so to convert it back to gas if i so desire.

Ken

 

[ponytug]

How big an electric motor did you put on yours? How fast is the cycle time?
Just curious...

All the best,

Peter

keep it for converting to electric if you have power nearby. It is much nicer to use my splitter after I converted it. Only takes 10 minutes or so to convert it back to gas if i so desire.

Ken

 

[SpringHollow]

5 HP - I upgraded to a 16 GPM pump (was 11 GPM). It is a 20 ton splitter. The cycle time is pretty fast, much faster than with the 11 GPM pump on the gas engine. I did time it but I do not remember what it was. If I had to guess, I would say 8 seconds.

Ken

 

[300UGUY]

5 HP - I upgraded to a 16 GPM pump (was 11 GPM). It is a 20 ton splitter. The cycle time is pretty fast, much faster than with the 11 GPM pump on the gas engine. I did time it but I do not remember what it was. If I had to guess, I would say 8 seconds.

Ken

What kind of electric do you use for a 5hp electric? A 3/4 hp electric well pump needs a 30 amp breaker?

 

[SpringHollow]

The kind of electricity that comes from the electric company Sorry, I could not resist.

This is wired 240V so the amps are half of what it would be on a 120V circuit. I believe it is on 30 amp circuit. 3/4 HP on a 30 amp breaker sounds awfully high even wired 120V. Normally, I would expect a 1 HP pump to be on a 15 Amp circuit since they typically pull less than 10 Amps.

Ken

 

[LD1]

Look up how many GPM the PT's are, the more GPM, the faster the splitter. Also keep in mind that the GPM is usually at full throttle. If you idle down, it will be slower.

As to electric motors, general rule is 10 amps per HP @ 120v and 5 amps per HP @ 240v. So a true 5HP motor @ 240v should have a FLA rating in the 25ish range. But gotta watch motors. Some are listed as "compressor duty" 5HP motors, and are only 13-15 amps max. If you truly need 5HP, those arent the way to go.

A 3/4hp 110v motor should only be 7-8 amps. Certainly not 30. perhaps given the length of wire, it was up-sized to 10ga to minimize voltage loss, and thus the 30A is needed for that conductor size. Breakers arent meant to protect motors, rather the wiring.

 

[ernemats]

Some more questions . The in and out ports on the valve are 3/4 inch , currently there is a 3/4 inch hose on the in and 5/8 inch on the out port, should I replace the 5/8 inch hose with a 3/4 inch hose? The ydraulic cylinder is 4 inch and 24 inch stroke, bore is 1 1/2 inch and the pt 422 is 8 gpm and 2500 psi Also what kind of quick disconnect does power trac use?

 

[J_J]

The OUT hose should be the same size as the IN hose/port or larger.

However, an adapter will be cheaper to replace.

They were using Faster QD's.

 

[ernemats]

J.J. sorry but I got the way the hoses are reversed. The in hose is 5/8 inch and the out hose is 3/4 inch. The in hose has an adapter taking it from 3/4 to 5/8 inch where the pressure gauge is.

 

[J_J]

Out hose should be larger. Less back pressure.