Building my own rear remote and log splitter

[awesome]

I wanted to add a rear remote on my B2601 so that I could use my neighbour’s 3ph concrete mixer. And while I’m at it, I’m gonna try to build a log splitter.

I figured that since I would use the valve only on 3PH equipment, I could use the 3 hoses for the backhoe since it would be disconnected. The hoses are red (Pressure), blue (tank) and yellow (power beyond). I’ve seen other ways to do this too. Some people are putting a selector valve on the FEL, and others are plumbing things the “correct way”. I got a quote from my dealer to get a valve kit installed and it was very expensive. Expensive but fair considering that the kit integrates nicely on the b2601 and that the installation would be done by professionals and would be guaranteed. But I decided to go the hacking way to save a few bucks but mostly because I wanted to try It out.

Total cost for the rear remote and log splitter is 935 CAD.
Those are the parts I got from Pincess Auto.

And I got this from kijiji:

This is what the valve looks like after assembly. With this, I should be able to operate the concrete mixer, log splitter and add a hydraulic rotator on my snowblower chute.

And here's the log splitter build in progress:

I'm currently working on the 3PH mount. Once I'm done with that, I'll weld all parts together and will try to split a log. I'll report back with more picures and a video.

BTW, I wanna give a shoutout to @TheOldHokie for all the useful info about hydraulics. That help was what made it possible for me to build the valve.

 

[awesome]

Oh, and here's the wedge for the splitter:

 

[Lil Foot]

Similar design:

 

[TheOldHokie]

Oh, and here's the wedge for the splitter:
View attachment 68500

I like your ambition but .... Log splitter valves are typically special purpose with a detented auto retract. That valve will work but its going to require you hold the lever until the cylinder is retracted as opposed to simply starting it, letting go, and proceeding to ready the next round while it retracts on its own.

Good news is you can use that valve as a general purpose remote and add a cheap ($70) splitter valve to the implement. You might also want to read this thread on regenerative log splitter valves : and watch the video: of my splitter in operation on an L3901:

3pt log splitter valves

Dan

 

[awesome]

I like your ambition but .... Log splitter valves are typically special purpose with a detented auto retract. That valve will work but its going to require you hold the lever until the cylinder is retracted as opposed to simply starting it, letting go, and proceeding to ready the next round while it retracts on its own.

Yes, I'm aware that the auto-retract is nice on log splitters but I'm trying to save a few $$ and decided to get a valve that could work will attachments. to be honest, I don't even have a fireplace... I just wanted to build something. I'll probably use the log splitter for the occasional dead tree. But the valve is something I will likely use in many other situation.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Yes, I'm aware that the auto-retract is nice on log splitters but I'm trying to save a few $$ and decided to get a valve that could work will attachments. to be honest, I don't even have a fireplace... I just wanted to build something. I'll probably use the log splitter for the occasional dead tree. But the valve is something I will likely use in many other situation.

We are talking $50 bucks for the extra valve. Where are you going to mount your valve? Log splitter valves are mounted on the splitter next to the operator's station.

Dan

 

[Pawnee]

I have a 3PH splitter without the auto-return valve.
I think it's better and safer that way.
Also, mine is way longer than most logs so it might not be an advantage if i have to split air half the way back.

 

[awesome]

I understand how usefull it can be but it's not a big deal to add later. For now, this will do juat fine

 

[TheOldHokie]

I have a 3PH splitter without the auto-return valve.
I think it's better and safer that way.
Also, mine is way longer than most logs so it might not be an advantage if i have to split air half the way back.

I t

I understand how usefull it can be but it's not a big deal to add later. For now, this will do juat fine

Yes - ypu can always add it later.

Dan

 

[awesome]

Here's a video:

I'm waiting for an order of 6ft hoses and lift arm pins and the build will be complete. I also need to solidify the welds since my welder is not made for that kind of work. I'll drill a few holes and weld pieces of rebars across the wedge and the cylinder brackets.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Here's a video:

I'm waiting for an order of 6ft hoses and lift arm pins and the build will be complete. I also need to solidify the welds since my welder is not made for that kind of work. I'll drill a few holes and weld pieces of rebars across the wedge and the cylinder brackets.

Very nice - beats swinging a maul.

Dan

 

[Donystoy]

Log splitter that I built a few years ago. No lifting of logs required and have split logs over 24" in diameter.

 

[awesome]

Log splitter that I built a few years ago. No lifting of logs required and have split logs over 24" in diameter. View attachment 68927

That's a big boy! Any issues with tractor stability when going somewhere with it? Btw: where's your ROPS??

 

[torch]

I wanted to add a rear remote on my B2601 so that I could use my neighbour’s 3ph concrete mixer. And while I’m at it, I’m gonna try to build a log splitter.

While it sounds generous of your neighbour, you have to remember the general rule of swapping fluids -- your tractor is sleeping with every partner that mixer ever had.

Ok, your tractor won't get the clap, but are the fluids compatible -- is his tractor filled with expensive SUDT-2 or cheap Walmart mystery oil? How is he on maintenance, changing out contaminated oil from time to time? Does anyone else borrow the mixer?

Just some things to consider...

 

[awesome]

While it sounds generous of your neighbour, you have to remember the general rule of swapping fluids -- your tractor is sleeping with every partner that mixer ever had.

Ok, your tractor won't get the clap, but are the fluids compatible -- is his tractor filled with expensive SUDT-2 or cheap Walmart mystery oil? How is he on maintenance, changing out contaminated oil from time to time? Does anyone else borrow the mixer?

Just some things to consider...

Yes, I did think about that. He owns a L3901 and uses only the right oil. Although the previous owner of the mixer has a green tractor, but that was years ago. Te good news though is that my bday is comming up and I asked my wife to check if the neighbour would sell the mixer and that is apparently an option. But I won't know until the big day

 

[Donystoy]

That's a big boy! Any issues with tractor stability when going somewhere with it? Btw: where's your ROPS??

The angle that the picture was taken makes it look a lot taller than it is. I was repairing my ROPS at the time that the picture was taken. Was bush hogging and clipped a low branch of an apple tree.
The bottom of the splitter also has a hitch receiver that I use for towing a tandem trailer while splitting in the woods. When doing this I place the splitter closer to the tractor by mounting it to my BH subframe.

 

[Tim Horton]

There have been times I could have used a 3pt splitter like the picture in post #12....

The picture making me think I should get out my "good idea" notebook to design and build a bolt on platform to provide support with my stand alone splitter in the vertical option.. This would make handling some rounds of wood much easier ...for an old guy....