splitter for BX25 w/prince LSR-3060-3 valve

SteveNH · Jan 21, 2011

So, I have been debating on buying or building a 3 pt splitter and decided to build one. I am not sure I saved a whole lot building one but I wanted to try out the regen valve from prince for a faster extend stroke, if I had a tractor with a higher pump output I most likely would have just bought one. I ended up going with a 3.5x18" cylinder because it seemed to have a fair amount more of splitting force although the 3" one probably would have worked out too since that is what northern sells for their smaller 3 pt splitter.

So here is how it worked out. at ~2200 rpm I get a ~5 second for a full extend stroke in regen mode and ~20 second for a full return stroke. I am still wondering if I should have went with the 3x18" instead, it is easy enough to swap out so if I want a little more speed I guess I can always go that route.

It snowed out here today so I couldn't get to my unsplit wood so I just grabbed a few bigger halves that were already split and resplit those and the splitter performed well, I went in high speed mode until the wedge stopped then I switched to full force mode and it started the split and then switched back into high speed mode to finish the split.

I couldn't really find and reviews on the valve from people who have used it so I'll throw in my $0.02. The valve seems to work as advertised with my limited flow pump - the rapid extend is really rapid but the return is slow as expected. My one big gripe with the valve is that it operates in the opposite position of the ram, you pull it back for the ram to go forward and push it forward to retract the ram. I went over everything and it appears to be hooked up right. Other than that and there is only a detent on the return I am fairly happy with it.

I can always add a reservior and a pto pump, but those 2 itmes alone will cost more than I have into the splitter. I believe my pump is 6.3 gpm but the power steering robs 2 of that and system pressure is 1850.

amscontr · Jan 23, 2011

Here's my .02 cents, after splitting wood for the last 25 or so years with my old MF 65 I come to the conclusion that an old pump and a gas motor alone is worth it's weight in gold comparing to the wear and tear of hours on the tractor feeding the splitter.
I know the BX 25 and MF 65 are Apples and Oranges in comparison. I just figured splitting wood is seasonal and wearing out a worn out 50 plus year old tractor is beyond reason.
We have an old home made 3 pt. splitter we just modified it with a gas engine and pump and just use the tractor to relocate the splitter or detatch it from the tractor so it can be utilized for other means. Saving GA$ and wear on the tractor.
I guess I got lucky and found and old forklift set up, it was a B&S 16 hp 2 cyl. that runs on propane, pump and reservoir off an old forklift. We run it all winter long splitting 10-15 cords a season on one tank(BBQ Grill size) of fuel.