general hydraulics question

[Robh]

I have two homemade log splitters and I got this idea that i could make a log lifter that would resemble a engine hoist. I want to use the hydraulics to do the lifting. My quaestion is I was wondering if I could cut in a second valve for the lifting arm into the exsisting valve return line. I dont want to change the valve for the splitter since it is a hands free return one. I dont know if this is enough info let me know if i need to elaborate more....Rob

[Alan]

You could put an "open center, power beyond" valve in the pressure line before the existing splitter valve. There may be other ways but this would work.

[Robh]

Thnks Alen, I could place the secondary open center valve either before or after the orginal valve rite???Rob

[wyldman]

If your going that route,it would have to be between the pump and the control valve.It is basically open when not in use,and oil flows out through the power beyond port to the splitter control.

[capnkel]

If you could post a picture of the valve,or the brand of it ,i might be able to help.To add a valve properly,it needs what is called a powerbeyond conversion sleeve,some valves are made to be converted,some aren't,if it doesn't have it,you can buy a new one that has it,and plumb into that valve first,and then back to the splitter.The powerbeyond valve will require a separate return line teed into the existing return on your splitter.The problem that occurs from simply adding a valve downstream on one that does not have a powerbeyond addapter,is that the pressure from the second valve puts pressure on the first valve on the outer spool ends where the seals are, causing leakage,blown seals,or even breaking or bending seal retainers,or actuator parts if the pressure is high enough.

[Robh]

Here is a link to the valve i currently have one one of my splitters: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=472&R=472 Let me know if this helps...Rob

[capnkel]

If you have that Prince hydraulic valve,you will need to get a valve with power beyond,it HAS to be connected BETWEEN the hydraulic pump,and the valve on the splitter,the powerbeyond valve will have a 3rd tank port that will need to be teed into the return/outlet side of the valve on the splitter.

[Robh]

It almost sounds like id better better off to get a dual valve and be done with it. I was hoping it wouldnt be that hard. Oh well thats the story of my life....thnx alot for the help guys...Rob

[Jerre Heyer]

Rob instead of a hoist style if you go with an arm/plate assembly that lowers to the ground you can put a cyl on that will lift it to the same level as the splitter frame and roll the log over to the splitter. Think hinged hydraulic tail gate.
Same valve problem though


Jerre

[Robh]

Jerre,

Ive seen those type of lifts, i just fig what i had in mind would be alot less fab work. I would use a set of tongs and this lift. I dont have to spit allot of big wood , but im not gettin any younger..Rob

[bud16415]

Rob

I think Alan has the best option for you unless you can find a tandem valve that has the power beyond feature built in. I know they have that but I haven’t seen one that has the log splitter setup with the hands off retract and the self canceling. Keep in mind when you do that the one will take priority over the other so I believe you will have to fully retract before your lifter will work. If that’s a problem then your best bet would be to piggy back a second gear pump and have dual pumps. I’m pretty sure you won’t want to do that but that’s the real way to have two completely independent actions off of one drive motor. The only other way is to use a pressure compensating pump then you can use closed center valves.

Prince has an 800 number you can call to see if they have a specialty valve for this or if they can recommend a solution. Keep us posted on what you find out ok.

Bud