My Log Splitter, One of a Kind

[4570Man]

I changed the valve on my splitter to a double way detent valve. I think you could add some linkage to reverse the valve at the end of the stroke and you wouldn’t have any electronics.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I was thinking about having that fast return valve, but it added to the complexity and surprisingly I already ran out of room in my housing in a hurry. I figured the time saving in having the ram retract, while I put wood away, would make up for it.

What I did do, is add a bunch of sensors, so I can limit the rear stopping locaion for smaller (stove) wood. Having a nice big splitter always have to go that un-needed distance to get to the log, was just another pet peave of mine.

 

[4570Man]

I was thinking about having that fast return valve, but it added to the complexity and surprisingly I already ran out of room in my housing in a hurry. I figured the time saving in having the ram retract, while I put wood away, would make up for it.

What I did do, is add a bunch of sensors, so I can limit the rear stopping locaion for smaller (stove) wood. Having a nice big splitter always have to go that un-needed distance to get to the log, was just another pet peave of mine.

The valve I used is not a fast return valve. It’s a got a detent in both directions. Here’s what the valve looks like. And so I don’t waste time with a 30” stroke to split 20” wood I’ve got 2 sets of holes drilled in the beam to put bolts in to stop the wedge. I keep them in the farther back position because the closer position limits some pieces of wood that got cut a little too long.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Interesting. I'm struggling to think why my method is better.lol

 

[Industrial Toys]

I've got it. It's a lot more work, and that's just the way I roll!

 

[4570Man]

Interesting. I'm struggling to think why my method is better.lol

Mine currently requires the user to return the valve to the return position. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get it to reverse itself. It’s not a straight forward solution with linkage because before the valve goes into reverse it first hits neutral and the cylinder stops moving. It will have to store energy with a spring and then slam the valve the other way. I’ve got some ideas in mind but I haven’t and probably won’t bother building anything, but does anyone have any ideas?

 

[aczlan]

Mine currently requires the user to return the valve to the return position. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get it to reverse itself. It’s not a straight forward solution with linkage because before the valve goes into reverse it first hits neutral and the cylinder stops moving. It will have to store energy with a spring and then slam the valve the other way. I’ve got some ideas in mind but I haven’t and probably won’t bother building anything, but does anyone have any ideas?

$300 on Surplus Center will get you a auto cycle valve that will do that: Prince Mfg | Brands | www.surpluscenter.com

Aaron Z

 

[WranglerX]

You don't need the official kit to add valves to the system. Many people here have done their own.
You could add a block of however many valves are needed (for top and tilt or other cylinders) and mount them close to the operator.
Make one a detent valve and use it to power the valve on the splitter. The valves plumb in between the loader valves power beyond port and the 3pt.


However a sub compact's hydraulic flow is lower than the typical dedicated splitter. It'll make for slow cycle times.

So far I have not got a good picture, sketch of what lines are where on tractor as it is all concealed under floor boards and FEL mono block valve seems it may have PB port but its also under cowl and can not really see it..... I do have a block diagram of hydraulics and it shows backhoe connections which could probable translate into power beyond.... But I really would like comprehensive diagrams of tractors hydraulics and have idea what is involved and what parts to get before I tear tractor apart....... IF anywhere in the world somebody has really good diagrams and pictures of hydraulics for MF GC 1710 or 1720 I would really appreciate it...

Kind of hoping the FEL mono block has this configuration, where PB is output and "end outlet" is return ... Sort of hoping it can loop out to a open center valve and come back and if no valve in place just a loop back hose or manual valve assembly... Appropriate quick connects will be used...

Power Beyond Option Parts | Cross Mfg.

I don't know enough (yet) to go blindly stumbling through this "jungle" and hurt system and cost me major repairs...

Dale

 

[plumbstraight]

My splitter is on youtube. Initially it was pto driven and then went to a kohler. Now it has a 24hp honda and a 33gpm pump. It has about a 8sec cycle and stops for just about nothing.

Look it up under plumbstriaight wood splitter. Watch that spelling as I had a typo and put an extra I in front of the a. I didn't take the time to level it up good as I usually put a block under the I beam. I have an 8000lb hyd that runs the tongs. Is nice to grab a big block and pull it to the machine and not have to wrestle them.

 

[Diggin It]

^^ Why not just post pictures here instead of making people go elsewhere?

 

[aczlan]

^^ Why not just post pictures here instead of making people go elsewhere?

Here is the video:

Aaron Z

 

[texasranger556]

IF anywhere in the world somebody has really good diagrams and pictures of hydraulics for MF GC 1710 or 1720 I would really appreciate it...

Kind of hoping the FEL mono block has this configuration, where PB is output and "end outlet" is return ... Sort of hoping it can loop out to a open center valve and come back and if no valve in place just a loop back hose or manual valve assembly... Appropriate quick connects will be used...

Dale

Which tractor do you have? You mention 1710 and 1720 but profile says 1715? Honestly I don't think a log splitter would work well on your tractor, the pumps range between 4-5 GPM for those models.

But assuming you have a non-TLB GC, the "power beyond" mentioned is installed in the loader valve, and is what feeds your 3 point hitch. So you already have it. To add another valve, find the input line for the 3 point (aka loader valve power beyond), run it to your new valve input. Make sure your new valve has power beyond, run the tank port of the new valve back to the reservoir, and the power beyond line to the 3 point input port.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I bet you, I would crush a finger if I split my wood that way (Guy with tongs). Good project for a ROBOT! I have never really seen it discussed here. The pros and cons of splitting BIG wood. To me, it seems like way more work.

 

[4570Man]

It’s not too bad considering a piece double the diameter has 4 times the wood of the smaller piece. I thought the crane method worked pretty good for the guy. I usually cut big ones in half or smaller fractions with a saw first. It takes me about 1 second per inch of diameter to saw them and there’s no straining my back to do that so for me that’s the best way.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Isn't cutting up wood, already a good size to burn, more efficient?

 

[4570Man]

No I hate cutting the little round stuff and it doesn’t stack good either.

 

[Industrial Toys]

To me, once you get into big stuff, the work starts!

 

[4570Man]

My preferred firewood is between 8” and 20” diameter but I’m not afraid of bigger stuff. If it’s too small to at least split in half I don’t want it.

 

[WranglerX]

I have the 1715 BUT it does nor support PB in its native form , BUT the 1710 and 1720 does for back hoe operation.... IF I can figure out how the 1710 and 1720 plumb the PB, then I can probably adapt 1710 and 1720 concept to the 1715....

Specs say the 1715 has 6.9 GPM output but it robs 2 GPM for steering, BUT if I am stationary I venture to guess the full output may be available.... Also SPEED is not issue here, I am old and slow so slow cycle time give me some time to catch my breath between splits if used for splitter.... Also may want do something else with power beyond like run a winch... Again speed not issue....

As I stated in previous posting I believe FEL hydraulics has PB port what I am looking for is validation from someone that may have been inside the 1710 or 1720 and have pictures or diagrams of exactly how PB is plumbed....

3PH valve is under floor board and not off the FEL valve as far as I can determine (believe its ahead of FEL valve) ... Yes I can probably access the pump control assembly under floor board, but then again I have no documentation on how its done...

Whether I actually do it or not is not a issue at this point, I really want to know the "how" if I decide to do it....

Dale

 

[texasranger556]

2 GPM goes to steering whether you're steering or not. On mine it's two separate pumps, on yours it may be a single pump with a flow divider. In either case, available flow on a 1705 for an implement is 4.3 GPM at 2600 RPM.

Using a 4" cylinder, 1.5" rod, 30" stroke equates to a 41 second cycle time with 12 tons of extending force at the factory 1920 PSI pressure rating. A 5" cylinder would give you 19 tons, but well over 60 second cycle time. Just doesn't seem like a good idea to me, but to each their own.