tractor powered splitter

[FLCM]

Is this a good splitter for 4-6 cords a year? http://www.agrisupply.com/68828/p/68828/ss/splitter/

I found one used going for $200. The flow rate on my tractor is only 10 gpm. Would I be better off adding a pto pump and reservoir?

 

[danrclem]

I was going to buy a splitter and run it off of the hydraulics on my tractor. The man selling the splitter advised against it because the pump on my tractor wouldn't let the splitter cycle fast enough. I have a 2810 Ford. I don't remember what the splitter required and what my tractor would put out. I would ask him if you could hook it up and see how well it would work with your tractor.

My splitter is a 22 ton and when I run into knots I wish that I had more pressure.

Danny

 

[Mike Van]

It wouldn't do for me, here's why - My tractor's 52 hp, 12 gpm at pto speed - I'd have to have it sitting there running 2200 rpm, to do less than the 5 hp briggs & the 11 gpm pump I have now. And, the 12 gpm, thats what the pump is rated for, take away a few gpm thats prioritized for the power steering, go through everything it has to [quick couplers, hose, another valve] to get to the splitter valve - I'd be lucky to have 8 gpm back there. Probably not have the 2250 psi the 2 stage pump has either. That 5 hp will run all day on a few QUARTS of gas [4.39 gal] But the tractor sure won't!

 

[FLCM]

What about adding a PTO pump and hydraulic reservoir? I would like to buy/build something reasonably fast so I don't have to be out running a splitter all day.

 

[wireedm]

Buy an actual splitter and use the tractor to pull it around with.

 

[wkpoor]

http://arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=60279
Pg.2 post#28 shows my setup. Very very fast and strong splitter.

This topic comes up from time to time. I have alot of experience with PTO 3pt splitters. They are the fastest most versatile you can own. My unit cycles under 6secs or you can pull back the throttle to increase the cycle time to your liking. Fuel burn is no more than a small engine as the tractor diesel is unloaded. It is both horizontal or vertical and.....I have a 2" receiver so you can tow behind the splitter. Oh...and power is not an issue here either. However to have all this its not going to be cheap. The pump alone was $400.00 and plumbing was $200.00+. All together I estimate that unit at $1600.00. Actually pretty reasonable compared to what it will do. There is no commercial equivalent IMO but the closest to it would cost between $2500.00-$3000.00.

 

[FLCM]

That would be perfect for me. What model pump did you use? Are you running your PTO at 540 or 1000 rpm? My tractor puts out 29hp on the PTO so it should have no problem running that pump.

 

[wkpoor]

That is a Prince 21GPM cast iron pump for 540 PTO. I run it typically at 1500RPM on the engine tach. I bought it from Prince direct. The tank is 21gal but I found that only half that is required. I might add more fluid this summer but in the winter you could get by with 5gal probably in order to try and get the heat up.

 

[FLCM]

I got the splitter. It looks like it has only been used once. So I can use a 10-12 gallon oil tank and not worry about overheating? Can I use the 1/2" hoses the splitter can with or do I need to jump up to 3/4"?

 

[wkpoor]

You can use the 1/2" hoses if running off your tractor remotes or SCVs. If using a PTO pump you would need to upsize to 3/4" pressure and 1" return lines. Keep in mind performance from the tractor pump will not be close to that of a PTO pump. I am currently using about 10 gallons of oil in the 21 gallon tank and heat isn't an issue. In the winter you can get by with as little as 5 gallons in real cold temps. One thing to keep in mind is you should always try to maintain flooded suction to the pump. So reservoir placement should be above the pump at all times. Chances are it will work if it has to pull fluid up hill but prince does not recommend it for long term pump reliability.

 

[cabinman]

5 hp, bs

It wouldn't do for me, here's why - My tractor's 52 hp, 12 gpm at pto speed - I'd have to have it sitting there running 2200 rpm, to do less than the 5 hp briggs & the 11 gpm pump I have now. And, the 12 gpm, thats what the pump is rated for, take away a few gpm thats prioritized for the power steering, go through everything it has to [quick couplers, hose, another valve] to get to the splitter valve - I'd be lucky to have 8 gpm back there. Probably not have the 2250 psi the 2 stage pump has either. That 5 hp will run all day on a few QUARTS of gas [4.39 gal] But the tractor sure won't!

Mike, dont forget your 5 hp gas eng is only good for 11 gpm at about 300 psi then shifts to approx 3 gpm ,...depending on the swap setting, your tractor is 12 @ about 22-2500 psi depending on the swap setting, There is no comparison worth mentioning when you are (working) the splitter, pto pumps are always the best tho, especially the slow turning high output models,. and when running high output pumps, over 18-20 gpm use 3/4 not 1/2 inch lines and valves that are rated as much,. cabinman