Log splitter hydraulics question

[Tommyf]

Hi Guys,
I have been trying to think of a way to use the hydraulics on my old thwaites dumper to power a ram on a log splitter that I intend to make.

Would anyone know if it would be possible to tee into the flow pipe ( just after the pump and before the spool valve) and return pipe ( just before the oil tank) to make a feed and return to run a log splitter . I've been thinking about making a splitter for some time now and if I could use the old thwaites 7000 as a way to power it that would be great.

Many thanks

Tom

 

[Spark plug]

Yes you can do it but what you need to do is plumb the spool valve for the splitter between the pump and the dumper spool valve or between the dumper spool valve and the tank return.

In effect you need to connect it in series.

 

[Paul99]

I seriously considered doing the same but in the end concluded our old Pel-Job mini dumper probably wouldn't be up to running a log splitter anyway. I was looking at simply adding a couple of manually operated diverter valves in the flow & return pipes but looking back simple in line Ts with a QC coupling on each would have done. The other way could be to simply replace the existing spool block for one with an extra lever (which obviously would want tieing / wedging open to send oil to the log splitter curcuit) but unless you have one to hand that isn't a cheap option - I may well still do something like this on ours when or more likely if I get around to replacing the leaky spool block on ours.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

The other option is to fit one of these to the dumper:
PTO Hydraulic Pump
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eB...1039&category=48718&pm=1&ds=0&t=1444983307443

 

[Paul99]

The other option is to fit one of these to the dumper:
PTO Hydraulic Pump
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eB...1039&category=48718&pm=1&ds=0&t=1444983307443

In place of a propshaft to one axle? (If 4wd is even selectable) or is there a spot to mount a pump to the gearbox / transfer box on the bigger dumpers?

 

[Tommyf]

Thanks for your replies, what I was hoping to do was fit 2 quick release couplings at the back of the dumper so that I could tow the splitter and couple up without unhitching.
Do you think I will need diverters for it if only the ram on the splitter is being used ?.
So I could tee Into the pipe between the pump and the tipping ram spool valve with both pipes for the splitting ram spool or should one pipe be teed in the other side of the tipping spool so it returns directly to the tank.
Ps: I forgot to mention before it has a 3 cylinder lister diesel engine and the tipping ram is a fair old size (probably bigger than the one I will get for the log splitter.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Are the hydraulics on the dumper Open or Closed Centre.
Open Centre means there is a constant flow of oil through the system.
Closed Centre is when the oil pressure is relieved at the pump when not required.

 

[Justme]

That wont work as the free flow return from one spool valve will stop any pressure being available to the splitter. You can get proportional splitters but they cost lots & you dont have the flow anyway.

You could use Tees with taps to switch the flow from one spool to the other.

 

[Justme]

Are the hydraulics on the dumper Open or Closed Centre.
Open Centre means there is a constant flow of oil through the system.
Closed Centre is when the oil pressure is relieved at the pump when not required.

Good point.

My advise is re open centres.

 

[AndyStobbs]

Can you not put couplers at the tipping ram pipe work, and have EITHER the ram plugged in for use a dumper, then uncouple ram pipes and insert splitter pipes when using splitter - and tie the ram lever to tip position.

 

[Spark plug]

If you extend the return pipe work from the tipper spool to the back of the machine fit a quick coupler to the end the install another pipe with a quick coupler back to the tank return.

You will be able to connect you splitter when required, when you need to use it as a dumper you just need to connect the two quick couplers at the back together. Only downside with this is you will need to stop the engine when connecting / disconnecting the quick couplings.