Running a log spitter off of my power beyond hydraulics for a BX25

[bx25d]

So I'm looking at buying a Wallenstein WX310 3ph log splitter for my Kubota BX25. I want to run the splitter off of the power beyond hoses that are used for the backhoe. I don't know a lot about hydraulics but my concern is the splitters specs recommend a minimum of 10 GPM of flow to the splitter. The specs on my bx25 say that I have 6.2 GPM of flow. Will the splitter work with that flow? Also, what's the PSI's rated at for the bx25? My guess is that it will work and I will still have enough power to get through big logs but the speed with drastically drop. Would I be correct in assuming that? Any help would be great!

 

[KennyV]

You are right.... GPM flow rate determines speed. Your full stroke cycle time will be close to 1/2 a min... but you should have plenty of power, Just will take longer.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

It will be slower then that because the BX has a priority valve that takes a portion of the flow for the power steering circuit. This is why at near idle you have no hydraulic flow for the loader.

David Kb7uns

 

[radioman]

1850 psi at WOT for "kubota recommended pressure". I am not sure if you can get thru the big stuff though. You will have to ask al yelvington. He the one who documented the 3 pt splitter to work with his BX .

 

[J_J]

If using 6 GPM for the flow, here is the data for the cyl power and speed.

 

[bx25d]

I guess one way to get around the problem is to just have a pto pump with hydro tank but that kinda defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to accomplish- especially when i have a 23hp diesel at my disposal and i cant even utilize it for a simple log splitter! Is there no other way other than a pto pump?!

Thanks for that data J J

 

[David_Kb7uns]

You have about 1.8GPM going to the priority valve for steering, PTO clutch and Hydro charge.

So you will have around 4 GPM left for splitter. I have a Speeco 34 ton stand alone splitter with a 15 second cycle time or you may use a PTO pump for quicker cycle time.

When I am splitting large blocks I use the BX to move them.

David Kb7uns

 

[Tomtint]

I ran one on my BX22 it had about a 15 second cycle, which was fine for me. Worked well and I much rather have one less motor to maintain

 

[2458n]

Time for the 99.oo Harbor freight 6.5 horizontal gas engine. Then the pump,valve, and tank. You quickly see why splitting wood gets expensive.

 

[alkabo]

Have you looked at the splitfire log splitters? I have a 3203 3 point model and love it. With splitting both ways it makes up for the lower gpm. The wallenstein looks like a good splitter too except for only splitting one direction.

 

[bx25d]

Tomtint, what brand splitter were you running? Not that it really matters but I want to compare apples to apples. All it really comes down to is cylinder size I believe. I totally agree that it makes more sense to maintain the least amount of equipment as possible!

I ran one on my BX22 it had about a 15 second cycle, which was fine for me. Worked well and I much rather have one less motor to maintain

 

[bx25d]

alkabo, I have to admit, I've never seen a two way log splitter, brilliant! I'm going to look into that one… makes more sense especially like you said with the lower gpm. One question, does the valve hold itself in forward and reverse on it's own or does the operator have to hold it manually? I know with most splitters the valve holds itself on the return so you can load a log (I think they call it a detent valve) Thanks for sharing!

Have you looked at the splitfire log splitters? I have a 3203 3 point model and love it. With splitting both ways it makes up for the lower gpm. The wallenstein looks like a good splitter too except for only splitting one direction.

 

[KennyG]

I'll add a vote for a two way splitter. It makes the smaller tractors very usable for 3 point splitters.

 

[FatTire]

Another option is Northern Tool's "power horse" brand splitters. They have two 3 point models. The smaller might be a good match for your tractor.

 

[2458n]

TO many chances to clip yourself with the ram driven forward. Most people are smart enough to let go of the lever when they get caught and crushed.. Machine doesnt care.

 

[J_J]

alkabo, I have to admit, I've never seen a two way log splitter, brilliant! I'm going to look into that one… makes more sense especially like you said with the lower gpm. One question, does the valve hold itself in forward and reverse on it's own or does the operator have to hold it manually? I know with most splitters the valve holds itself on the return so you can load a log (I think they call it a detent valve) Thanks for sharing!

The two way log splitters do not have detent and auto return.

You move the lever for any action.

 

[BotaBigot]

I've split 30" dia logs...mostly oak. Yes...runs slower than dedicated splitter, but that's OK for my use...

Most important factor will be if you expect to be a "production" splitter...

 

[KennyG]

TO many chances to clip yourself with the ram driven forward. Most people are smart enough to let go of the lever when they get caught and crushed.. Machine doesnt care.

JJ is correct, the two way splitters don't have detents for safety reasons. The only time you need one (since it splits both ways) is when you have a large log and need max splitting power, since the retract direction has significantly lower power. If I remember correctly you can buy and aftermarket valve with detents in both directions, but splitter manufacturers won't install them because of liability.

 

[Tomtint]

Tomtint, what brand splitter were you running? Not that it really matters but I want to compare apples to apples. All it really comes down to is cylinder size I believe. I totally agree that it makes more sense to maintain the least amount of equipment as possible!

I think it is a ram splitter 18 ton....? It is in the garage, I will try to post a pic. The cycle time was just fine for me. Banding over and picking up a log every 12-15 seconds is more than fast enough for what I needed. In a hour I was waist deep in splits.