Log splitter hookup to Kubota?

[JimLS]

I just picked up a wood splitter with no motor or valve. Limited experience with hydraulics. I will only use it 10 - 20 hours a year so want to hook it to the the L3600. I understand it will be a bit slow but hopefully not TOO bad. I see most of the existing stuff (loader, etc) uses 3/8 hoses. Any reason to go to 1/2" or are 3/8" fine? Where is the best/easiest place to hook in? I have a loader with quick disconnects so am thinking that would be easy and I should be able to just break one line and insert the valve for the splitter and retain use of the loader (could use both at once, perhaps to lift heavy pieces onto splitter. Or should I look at hooking into the rear? I currently have one lever that operates a cylinder on one side of the TPH. It looks like I may be able to get a part that bolts onto the side of that valve to allow live hydraulic connections - I am pretty sure you can get another valve to stack beside the one that is there. There are quick connects on the back of the tractor for the cylinder but those are after the valve.

Flow in tractor system is 2500 PSI, 8 GPM as I remember. Have thought about getting the Prince "rapid extend" valve that can send pressure to both ends for faster low force extension but the valve is rated for 4 GPM (again from memory). Cylinder is 4" with about a 2" shaft. Is running the engine at a low speed realistic? Seems like I don't need full output power with just the splitter running. If so I would probably be pretty close to 4 GPM.

Are the quick connects a Kubota only item or can I get them other places? Since the cylinder is old I planned to force as much old oil out as possible, use it a bit, and change the oil in the tractor - it is due for changing anyway.

I see there are three quick connects where the loader hooks up. Apparently the third is a "waste hose" return to the tank? I have also seen reference to "power beyond". I have only ever thought of open center valves that unload the pump when in the center position. Where can I get more information on this?

Another item - is there enough hyd output on this tractor for a small hyd bank mower or would that need to run off the PTO?

 

[kennyd]

You will need to add a "power beyond" line ( a search will turn up LOTS of threads).

But in a nutshell, you will identify the PB line from the loader valve (marked on one of the ports) and "extend" that line to the rear of the tractor through a set of QD's (quick disconnects). This line has the full flow of the hydraulic system through it anytime the tractor is running so car must be taken to always have these lines hooked together or hooked to an open center valve.

The PB line currently goes from the loader valve to the rear transmission to feed the 3PH.

 

[J_J]

You have enough fluid to run the log splitter. Just add a log splitter valve to the rear remotes. On the cylinder, use the tractor hyd fluid to extend, and remove the hose and let drain, or hook that same line to the rod end fitting and force the fluid out of the base end. Do this several times, until you think all the old stuff is gone, and then hook up the hoses. You could use that fast extend valve, and run the engine at about half, and the hose from the valve should be larger because of the additional fluid. I believe the hose off that valve is 1/2. The rest of the log splitter hose could be 3/8 in. Take one of the QD's to the hyd store and match parts. While doing all this, keep the fluid in the tractor reservoir at the proper level.

 

[kennyd]

Sorry-forgot to answer other questions:

Flow in tractor system is 2500 PSI, 8 GPM as I remember

Cylinder is 4" with about a 2" shaft

Go HERE and put those numbers in for your force/speed.

Is running the engine at a low speed realistic? Seems like I don't need full output power with just the splitter running.

Not really. You have a constant pressure of 2500psi regardless of engine speed(that is your "power") but the flow (speed) will be very low. the 8 GPM figure rating is probably at PTO speed.

Are the quick connects a Kubota only item or can I get them other places?

Pretty sure Kubota uses Safeway QD's, available at lots of places.

I see most of the existing stuff (loader, etc) uses 3/8 hoses. Any reason to go to 1/2" or are 3/8" fine?

3/8" hose is fine, but you should use 1/2" QD's to limit restriction through the couplers.

Since the cylinder is old I planned to force as much old oil out as possible, use it a bit, and change the oil in the tractor - it is due for changing anyway.

Good plan.

I see there are three quick connects where the loader hooks up. Apparently the third is a "waste hose" return to the tank?

Yes, there is IN, OUT (RTT, T, or return-to-tank) and PB

Another item - is there enough hyd output on this tractor for a small hyd bank mower or would that need to run off the PTO?

Not real sure on that one...would need more info to give you an educated guess.

 

[JimLS]

Sorry-forgot to answer other questions:

Go HERE and put those numbers in for your force/speed.

Not really. You have a constant pressure of 2500psi regardless of engine speed(that is your "power") but the flow (speed) will be very low. the 8 GPM figure rating is probably at PTO speed.

Pretty sure Kubota uses Safeway QD's, available at lots of places.

3/8" hose is fine, but you should use 1/2" QD's to limit restriction through the couplers.

Good plan.
Yes, there is IN, OUT (RTT, T, or return-to-tank) and PB

Thanks for the links and info. Very helpful...

On running the engine at low speed I was think of that with the fast valve. Since it puts oil to both sides of piston it's speed is same as a cylinder with 2" piston (shaft size). So my options are :

8 gpm standard valve -> 2.5 "/sec

or

4 gpm with rapid advance -> 4.9"/sec
I can still use the other advance position to get full force (but slower - 1.3"/sec at 4 gpm. Return is also slower with this option.

I am not sure what speeds splitters normally run. I am thinking with a 2 stage pump you are probably near 5"/sec.

I dug out the manual on the tractor. It has a 1/4 turn part on the valve that you turn when the loader is not attached and the hoses are plugged. It labels them:
To implement
From implement (outlet)
From implement (tank port)

So I should put the splitter in the tank port line, right?

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for the links and info. Very helpful...

On running the engine at low speed I was think of that with the fast valve. Since it puts oil to both sides of piston it's speed is same as a cylinder with 2" piston (shaft size). So my options are :

8 gpm standard valve -> 2.5 "/sec

or

4 gpm with rapid advance -> 4.9"/sec
I can still use the other advance position to get full force (but slower - 1.3"/sec at 4 gpm. Return is also slower with this option.

I am not sure what speeds splitters normally run. I am thinking with a 2 stage pump you are probably near 5"/sec.

I dug out the manual on the tractor. It has a 1/4 turn part on the valve that you turn when the loader is not attached and the hoses are plugged. It labels them:
To implement
From implement (outlet)
From implement (tank port)

So I should put the splitter in the tank port line, right?

HHMMM...I would check and see if the ports on the actual valve are labeled...
Normally-on a valve set up for power beyond, the OUT (or T) port only carries fluid exhausted from the work ports. The PB port carries the main flow to the next valve in the series.


However-I am not familiar with your tractor. But you did say there are 3 lines going to it (not counting the work ports of course) so it should be a regular PB valve.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Your system will be fine. I run my splitter with a 7gpm tractor and it runs at about the same speed as any other splitter I have used.

Chris

 

[JimLS]

Chris,

What size cylinder are your running? And do you have a standard valve or rapid extend?

All,

I am quite confused by closed, PB systems. I think I understand open system. Tractor data says my Kubota L3600 is open:

TractorData.com Kubota L3600 tractor information

But the connection from the loader valve to the tractor has 3 hoses which looks like a PB setup (same as closed?).

I don't need to run the added circuit when the other things are running so open center on the added valve seems the way to go. Which line should I hook it in to?

I have read several places on closed center systems but still don't grasp the whole picture. I would think that on a closed system the pump would be putting fluid at full pressure though the relief valve resulting in all sorts of power wasted and oil heating. Is the pump variable displacement so when it is not being used the flow goes to near zero?

Several people have said it will be fine but haven't given details of how to do it. I understand if I do it wrong I may bust a pump - although I suppose that is unlikely - if I simply put an open center valve into an existing line it will not block the flow.