Log splitter hydraulic question?

[Bigbear]

Didn't want to steal Junkman's thread,,, Mike C, I read in your post that you had a pc of wood that would not split and killed the engine. I have never had that happen, not saying my splitter is strong, just that it has never killed the engine. On big pcs, I have to work around the edges, when it won't split, the ram cylinder just stops,,,,,,,,, engine rpm's don't seem to be affected, or not much. My setup is: 5hp Honda GC160, 11gpm barnes 2 stage pump, log splitter valve with detent, 4x24 tie rod cylinder. I have used 3/4" lines for in and out, 1/2" lines for work sides.
<font color="red">My question is, could the pump not be working right, or the valve be adjusted to low, what am I missing here. Any help would be appreciated. </font>

 

[Mike_C]

I work around the edges on big pieces too, and it splits almost any standard wood, I've split pieces about 3.5 feet in diameter, it was just one hardwood tree that gave me grief. About the valve, I would think mine is working correctly, in that it loaded the engine until the engine could produce no more. If the engine never slowed down, I would think the valve was leaking (bypass) where it shouldn't be.

 

[beenthere]

If it indeed 'kills' the engine, I would suspect something wrong in the relief valve and it would be pretty hard on the pump. Mine has a two-stage pump and it slows when the pressure splitting gets above a certain point. Then as it buries the wedge into an 'unsplittable' piece, the engine will lug a bit, but not kill. It that happened, I would look for the cause of the problem.

 

[escavader]

BIG BEAR'
Ihave the same pump and detent as you and have never stalled either.The old briggs justs idles all the time ,and never has to labor,even splitting a cord an hour.
ALAN

 

[Bigbear]

Hearing beenthere, and escavader say theirs do the same thing makes me think I'm trying to fix something that's not broke.
What do you think about upping the limit on the relief valve, just to the point it starts to load the engine. From what I've read, their not set to the max from the factory. Or should I just leave well enough alone. Maybe I'm expecting to get 30 ton splitting force from a 20 ton setup.

 

[SkyPup]

Go to the Prince Hydraulic site and download the PDF file for the LS-3000 Log Splitter valve under their "Mono-Block Directional Control Valves" in their products section. That will show you how to adjust the relief with a pressure gauge. Yours should definetly NOT be stalling out, espcially with the Barnes two stage pump. ALthough you might want to install a new oil filter and see if that improves things.

http://www.princehyd.com

 

[Bigbear]

Thanks SkyPup, the valve that runs the splitter is another brand, and not built quite the same. LS-3000 is the one I bought for the log lift, really don't need the detent, but it was cheaper, and it even came with instructions. Mine does not stall out, so from what your saying, I should leave it alone. Your right about the filter, /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif haven't changed that thing in 3 years. Plan to split a few truck loads this weekend, (with new filter) and see if that makes a difference.

 

[hayden]

Sure sounds like the relief valve isn't working. This can be a very dangerous condition and should be fixed. Overloading the hydraulics can result in lots of very nasty explosions and high pressure streams of fluid that will literally bore holes in you and cause gangrenous (sp) infections. Very, very nasty stuff.

 

[Bigbear]

Well, after splitting 8 truck loads of ash, oak, locust, elm and a little walnut, I think the splitter is working just fine the way it is. Can't say my helpers and myself are doing the same, man, what a hard day. We had several 26" to 30" ash pcs that would have taken all 3 of us to load on the splitter, but the log lift saved the day, (and our backs). It's amazing what 2 tractors, 2 chain saws and a log splitter can accomplish in one day. Even got to use the 670 Echo on the big ash log, man that stuff can be hard at times. Thanks for everyone's input, can't wait to work in the woodshop tomorrow, I need the rest. BEAR

 

[TCowner]

I am curious, How do you like your Echo CS-670 chain saw? I just bought a new one a month ago and am fairly impressed. It is the first Echo piece of equipment I have owned.

Terry,

 

[Bigbear]

I really like the 670, a little on the heavy side, but for a bigger saw, it works great. I do my own sharpening and with a fresh chain it makes quick work of the big stuff. My saw of choice is the 510 (520 now), lightweight, and lots of power. I am sure you will have good luck with Echo equipment,,,, in my arsenal is 5 (2otherbrand) chain saws, 2 weed eaters and a leaf blower, all of which I have no complaints. Still running a early 90's 452, makes a good backup saw, if I would ever need it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[HGM]

I'm new to the log splitting thing after buying a house with a fireplace for the first time, so I'm a bit confused. Anyhow, my buddy and I split about 6cds and my thumb(long story, my stupidity) the other day and I dont think I'll be busting my back on the big stuff anymore. It is so much easier to handle and split 12-15" logs in 1/4s than it is to do the big ones into 15pcs. Am I missing something or is this the only size logs you guys had available? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

By the way, if a hydraulic system stalls the engine the relief valve is sticking. This relates to a power steering system on a car, when you turn to the stop, it dumps and RPM remains constant. Like the others said, it can be dangerous. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Bigbear]

Sorry about your thumb /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif HGM. We never cut a living tree, all trees have either died and fallen down, hit by lightning or wind damage. The size we split, well depends on what is available at the time. We had several large ash (18"-24") trees in the creek bottom that were killed due to beaver damage, and each pc that size makes several small pcs in a hurry. With my log lift addition, the large pcs are very easy to handle and no lifting involved.

 

[HGM]

That lift would be a nice touch, the rental I used didnt have it of course so we made due. We got our logs from left over hardwood piles on a clear-cut. They are sure wastefull, but it worked out for us, had plenty to choose from.