auto detent valve question

[Sandhill Crane]

Can I restrict the auto detent return stroke? I am thinking of bolting a removable stop plate to the splitter beam behind the push plate to shorten the return stroke when splitting 16" long piece. Can I do this without damaging anything or should I consider a 20" cylinder and wielding a new mount on the beam?

 

[Phil_Marino]

I'll think you'll be fine. The hydraulic system ( valve, pump, hoses, etc) won't know the difference between a stop you add, and the usual bottoming out of the cylinder. And, the cylinder won't see any added stress, either.

The stop has to be pretty tough, though. Usually the detent release pressure is about 1000 psi, which ( depending on your cylinder diameter) would be 7 to 10 tons or so of force.

Phil

 

[brisawyer]

Somebody on here or mabey youtube had a small rod set up on the push plate. It was set up with an adjustable stop that would hit the control valve handle and kick it out.

 

[brisawyer]

Search youtube for "auto cycling log splitter" it looks like something off Red green show but it could be made a lil nicer

 

[triptester]

Most farm supply stores have spacers that clip onto the cylinder rod that limit the return stroke.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/agricu...with-finger-tab-1-1-8-in-to-1-1-2-in--1832997

 

[Sandhill Crane]

I tried it and it works beautifly. My splitters cylinder runs through a steel arch that the detent valve is mounted to. Neighbor has a machine shop and cut a piece of scrape plate 9"x12 1/2"x 3/16". It rests on the beam under the cylinder and butts the valve arch where on the return stroke stops the push plate, tripping the detent. When I'm done I slide the plate out and fully return the cylinder to protect it. I cut everything 16" to sell and 18" for myself. I made this plate for 18" cuts. I'll be making another plate for 16" cuts. One design change for safty. My beam is 6" wide. The push plate, and return limiting plate are both 9". That means there is a 1 1/2" guitine effect at thigh level on both sides of the beam when the push plate returns. The corners of the limiting plate need to be forty fived is all. Thicker plate might be better also. I am really supprised this type of function has not found it's way to box store splitters. I have seen the limiting collars at TSC but didn't really want to put anything on the machined surface of the cylinder. I also wanted something easily removable. I'd be curious to hear if there is a down side to what I'm doing as far as the splitter goes.

 

[Sandhill Crane]

Here it is, corners cut, edges eased (incase I drop it on my foot in the winter) and primed so you can see it better.

 

[TreePointer]

Here it is, corners cut, edges eased (incase I drop it on my foot in the winter) and primed so you can see it better.

Clever idea. Thanks for sharing.

 

[triptester]

Sandhill Crane,

The only problem you may encounter with the short stroke is the possible breakage of the bolt or elongating of the bolt hole where the rod connects to the push plate.

 

[VirginiaIron]

Here is a sister thread.

https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/detent-valve-question.323140/#post-6634134