Auto cycle valve for log splitter

I've been thinking about an auto cycle valve for a while. Finally ordered it . Since I needed another valve for the log lift I'm adding I figured now was a good time to make the switch. I'm going to use the existing valve for the lift.

Here's the plan

 

Cant wait to see how it works !!

 

what did you order?

 

Prince auto cycle valve

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydra...O-CYCLE-LOG-SPLITTER-VALVE-W-PB-9-6587-PB.axd

Ordered it yesterday hoping to have for this weekend. But I just checked my order status and it's all backordered even though everything showed in stock.

 

damm, thats nearly a third of what my entire splitter cost! Why are they so costly?

 

Hadn't thought of it that way But nothing about hydraulics is cheap and this valve isn't mass produced to the same scale that basic single detention splitter valves are... If I had gone with a single spool valve with power beyond I would have been over $100 easily so this was only a $150 splurge that should help my production... I'll free up my hands to be doing wood handling while the valve does its thing.

And yes it's more dangerous

 

If I understand the link the valve allows the ram to go forward and then reverse on its own? I don't really understand why it has two handles though? If you just use one or the other will it work like a std splitter valve?

With a regular splitter where hands/body parts can be in the way I've always thought it was good to have the valve be a "deadman" where it stops if let go.

 

Yes you pull both handles, let go and the cylinder extends all the way and retracts by itself. You can use it like a regular splitter valve by only using one of the handles.

Regular splitter valves with a detent return are dangerous too. You could get your hand caught behind the push plate or wedge and their would be no 'deadman' fail safe... These valves used to be more common on commercial grade splitters until the lawyers got involved.

 

You have to pull both levers to activate cycle. When it hits the max pressure set while extending, the first valve releases & then sends the oil to the second valve which retracts the ram. When the pressure hits the set pressure the second valve releases & is ready for the next cycle.

 

Does the autocycle only work well when you have straight grained stuff? i.e. no real quick changes in pressure? Or does it really only return on max pressure at the end of the stroke? I'm interested in the report on this one. This combined with a 4 way could be a huge productivity boost for me.

 

Factory set to 2000psi, field adjustable from 1500-3000 psi.

 

That's pretty sweet...should give you more than enough range to use it effectively in any straight grained stuff.

 

Gonna have a top notch splitter when all said & done.
Will you be able to operate the lift while the splitter ram in operating?

 

I'm not sure if the lift will work or not when the auto cycle is in use... I asked that question on a hydraulics forum and some thought no... But I'm hopeful that fluid will be available to the lift at least when the splitting cylinder is retracting.

 

I believe there are 2 versions of the "Prince" brand auto cycle valves. One has "power beyond". It should have no problems. IIRC the diagram Mike showed has it so he should not have a problem.

 

What's the latest on your splitter there Mike?

 

Got the last part on Friday so I got the hydraulics plumbed and working... Just need to figure the mounting point for the lift cylinder... Should be done be ready for paint by noon.

 

It works!!! And is worth every penny. I only split a few logs with it but not having to stand and wait while the log splits is priceless.