log splitter valve question

[bkc]

I have been looking at this valve,

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL PRINCE AUTO CYCLE LOG SPLITTER VALVE W/PB

I dont quite understand the psi ratings on it. It says 3000 psi max, but also says 2000 psi max detent.... so does this mean that I could only have 2000psi in the extend function while splitting? If so, that seems like a waste of power just for the convenience of auto cycle.
Am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Gordon Gould]

I believe that if you run the splitter in the auto mode, ie push both levers to the detent position and let it cycle forwards and back automatically, the detent will release at 2000 psi. But if you hold the forward lever manually, not allowing the forward lever to release automatically at 2000 psi, you will get 3000 psi if that is where the relief valve is set. In this case the back stroke won't start until you let the forward lever return to neutral.

 

[Scooby074]

I use one on my splitter.

And its awesome...... when it works..

Some dirt or something got in the valve and the cycle kickoff was very erratic. I gt a new valve from the dealer and will be installing it soon.

The 2000psi is the factory kickoff rating. Technically it is a 3000psi valve, but there needs to be some headroom for the autocycle action.

ie: on the forward stroke it kicks off at say 2000. then the return spool takes over. It will kick at say 2300 once the cylinder retracts.

My advice if you get one, DONT screw with the factory defaults!!! It was very hard to get the valve working right after I went on the hunt for lost tonnage and screwed with the valve kickoffs.

If you want more tonnage, design your system for desired tonnage at 2000psi.

 

[J_J]

http://www.princehyd.com/Portals/0/products/valves/AutoCycleManual.pdf

Operating data.

http://www.princehyd.com/Portals/0/products/valves/AutoCycleManual.pdf

Page 7

 

[bkc]

Thanks jj, thats the page I was reading. After reading it a couple times I guess I got confused.

Thanks scooby, thats the way I thought it worked, you need "headroom" for the auto clycle to work. That kinda sucks though, you will need a bigger cylinder to account for the lower psi, bigger cylinder = slower cylcle times. I guess everything has its trade offs.
What dia cylinder do you use? any trouble splitting knotty stuff? let us know of any more problems with new valve.

Brian

 

[Scooby074]

I use a 5x24 cylinder with a 22Gpm 2 stage. Cycle times aren't an issue. I actually run mine at 3/4 throttle to save fuel and the splitter still is plenty fast to keep 2 guys working.

I havent had any wood i cant split, and that includes some very stringy, knotty stuff.

My build thread is here : http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/219145-woodsplitter-build-timberwolf-clone.html If you need any additional information

 

[bkc]

Thanks for the link.... that was a good read, very nice build. I really like the timberwolf splitters, they seem well thought out.

I am in the planning stage of my build, I hope to start building this winter.

I would like your thoughts on the following splitter, something I am considering.....

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sR9clGOi9E]Homemade log-splitter 30 ton - YouTube[/ame]


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STlbPgnHLTo&context=C46a3b51ADvjVQa1PpcFPooe08GGzfYQusFVrurxDclANPBVKkxtk=]Homemade Log-Splitter 30ton with conveyor - YouTube[/ame]

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Scooby074]

Brian, firstly to use a multiwedge like that you are going to need pretty massive tonage.

30T would be a start!! If you plan on adding a conveyor your going to need more GPM too.

Looks to be a decent design. I dont like the funnel section where the splits meet the conveyor though. Also think that the uprights for the sliding wedge should be stronger, There will be a lot of force trying to push that box wedge out of its home!!!

I think its a clone of a Posch splitmaster 35. That machine runs on 35 Ton.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QII-hubgffI&feature=related]?uparka do drewna pozioma Splitmaster 35 Spezial Posch - YouTube[/ame]

 

[bkc]

30 ton would be hard to get at only 2000 psi..... even with a 6dia cylinder your only at around 28 ton. Im sure you need all the tonnage you can get with a multi wedge. The auto cycle valve specs dont look to good in that regard.
I like that posch video, havent seen that one before.
That home made splitter is nice, he is putting 2-3 rounds on at once, that is a loooong cylider.

Brian

 

[bkc]

OK.... another stupid question.

If you have a 4.5 dia cylinder at around 2000 psi to give you roughly 15 ton, would two cylinders in parallel give you 30 ton??

just thinking out loud

Brian