Hydraulics for logsplitter

[dwyleecoyote]

A thought just occurred to me. I have an old log splitter with a bad engine. Nothing wrong with the hydraulics. If I were to flush the old fluid out, and just plumb the valve into the power beyond quick connects that I installed last year for my backhoe, I should be able to run my splitter off the tractor, correct? Is there anything I am missing here?

Tractor is a Ford 1320 with loader and backhoe, and the backhoe connects at the power beyond of the loader valve.

 

[jinman]

That should work fine. It will probably be slower than with the self-contained engine/pump, but I don't see any reason why your tractor wouldn't run it just fine.

 

[jetskier]

I'd repair or replace the engine on the splitter and keep it standalone.

If the hydraulic pump is good then a replacement engine is usually not that expensive compared running the tractor.

I was going to try to build one to run off the tractor until a deal came along.
I purchased a new "returned" 27ton unit at Lowe's a few years back for $500. It's one of the Troybilt units with the Honda engine. Listed for $1400, but some dude bought and returned it and the ram wouldn't retract so Lowe's put it on clearance. It took 10 minutes to Locktite the nut on the detent valve that loosened up.

 

[grsthegreat]

you can convert it to a 3 point splitter pretty easily. I love my 3 point unit. I had a stand alone unit, and i like the 3 point better. Now i simply drive to the wood piles on my 20 acres , split the wood, then stack it using the golf cart. One less engine to winterize every year, not to mention one less engine to get destroyed by ethanol (like my portable snowblower and mantis tiller this last weekend......total carb rebuilds even after using blue marine fuel additive).

My tractor engine powers alot of stuff for me, so i figure whats one more thing. Its all personal preference. Me, it takes me about 4 hrs a year to split a years winter worth of firewood. thats not much added hours to my tractor.