I realize this is a "if you don't already know, don't ask" kinda question. Hoping to learn the basics. I can't find any reference schematics or docs online. Not even a hint about how these things work. I've read old posts stating the integration methods vary greatly and sometimes the bucket and aux circuits of the excavator are used run some of the processor functions? I've seen processors with a valve bank installed on the end of the stick. How are those fed? Third pump, or flow dividers off the main pumps or something? I guess it all depends?
I guess I'm already thinking you order these things for difference setups. Perhaps one package is designed for a constant pressure third pump, and then all the processor functions are contained within a single stick mounted closed center valve bank. Alternatively, when they use some of the excavator's main spools, there is a carbody mounted pilot pressure valve bank, which strokes the main spools. And then the processor's controller is probably flexible enough to be configured for these different setups? Am I on the right track? Seems like the feed rollers are the most demanding to operate. How does the operator control them? Isn't it usually by a push button on the joystick? Does the computer stop them at particular distances for bucking? Or does the operator watch the screen, and then the operator stops the feed rollers at the right moment?
The computer will stop the roller at the right spot according to what it has been programmed for. No operator could stop at the right spot every time. Imagine cutting 1 piece of wood 7 foot 11 inches and the next 8 foot 10 inches. It would not fly at the mill. Can you get some information from Waratah or is it all top secret. Simon C
Are you trying to plumb a machine up for a Waratah? If so, what is the machine? You need both single and 2 pump flows from your carrier. The waratah decides which is used and when. The feed wheels and butt saw are both 2 pump flow, grab arms, feeds arms, top saw and head tilt are single pump flow. Theres a bunch if different ways to get your two pump flow, it all depends on the configuration of the carrier.
Waratah 620. Got two choices of machine. Cat 325A L buncher, has a third pump. And/or LinkBelt 2800Q. The LinkBelt has a flow dividing solenoid on each pump which used to feed a breaker, among a few other auxiliaries. I think the buncher will be easier to plumb, but the LinkBelt will be nicer to operate? This is all farmer logging. Got lots of time.
Ive plumbed quite a few Cats but its been a hot minute since ive been around one of that vintage so bear that in mind. You'll get one pump flow out of your attachment spool, but you cant use attachment and bucket for 2 pump flow since on Cats they both run off the same pump. I think they used to pull the second pump flow from boom 2. I dont think your saw pump wont put out enough flow or pressure to feed the head. You could probably use it for rotate, but its going to be way more flow than you can use, and no matter how you do it you'll need a rotate valve. Im not too familiar with the link belts, but it sounds like it might be set up well for 2 pump flow. You'll still need a way to run rotate. Best is to add a piggy back pump onto the pilot pump and rotate control valve, but there might be a cheaper way. No matter what you're going to need the valve. Looks like you're in BC, have you tried calling waratah in kamloops? The service guys there are really helpful and may be able to send you installation and service manuals on pdf. Axis in Kamloops is really good too. I would want to know what i needed for flow out to that head and find the flow specs for both carriers before proceeding.
Really appreciate it. These hints send me in the right direction, anyway. I'll give them a call. Their toll free number got us an operator's manual with a basic schematic. An install manual is what I really need here. For the Waratah's, they have two pressure feeds? One is a single pump, and one is combined flow? Or do you just feed them from pump A and pump B, and then the flows combine inside the head? I have no idea what my LinkBelt did in its past life. Something in forestry, as it's got a full road builder cage on it. I'll try to attach a pic, but its got two of these Stanley flow diverter solenoid valves on it--one on each pump--which combine for a single flow that runs out to the boom. I think that was for a hammer. And then I guess the rotate and tilt functions are supplied directly by the carrier? Guessing your bucket curl function gets connected to tilt?
Only one feed into the head. Usually you mount a big pressure filter on the base of the boom and plumb both pumps plus pilot oil into it, with a single feed out to the head. You'll have a solenoid block that you mount on your carrier that ls controlled by the cab module and shifts your 2 spools. Rotate is usually run off a dedicated rotate pump and control valve on your carrier, just like a log loader. Best way is to piggyback your pilot pump and add a pilot operated open centre control valve that youre going to control off the bucket control on your RH quad. Head tilt is run off a section in the head, the only thing needed on the carrier for it is to plumb pilot oil through a check valve into your pressure filter. It may be worth calling Inland Kenworth and picking their brains about your link belt as well. Your hammer plumbing could be an easy way to get 2 pump flow
Waratah was good, sent us an install manual. That in addition to your explanation made it finally click in my head. It needs two feeds, one from each pump. Those feeds come from the output of existing spools in your MCV. The Waratah computer sends pilot oil to each of these two spools to activate them. The two spools combine their flows. Sometimes it's 1 pump one, and sometimes it's both. Fairly straightforward. In my case, the 325 buncher has a nice aux valve bank to work with and the LinkBelt has those diverter solenoids which will probably work. At least I'm on the right track to see this thing doing a little bit. Again, thanks.
Now that I "get it" a bit, I see that it all comes down to your machine's MCV setup. Looks like the AUX spool is first choice on most MCVs, which means it all comes down to stealing a spool on the opposite bank. Travel spools are out of the question and swing probably is too. On the Cat 325 it's either the second boom or second stick--probably have to pick the second stick. Confirmed, the saw pump doesn't flow enough to be super helpful. Pressure is also wrong at 3600psi. The LinkBelt is interesting though. The 26 gpm flow priorty valves on each pump already feed to a dedicated 1" line installed to the end of the stick. Doesn't quite meet the specs at 50gpm, but good enough for farm work? Would be very easy. Otherwise for second spools it has boom, and then it has a combined stick/bucket on another spool--just feeds the head end of each. Makes the bucket circuit an interesting choice. Bucket is not needed for the processor, and has a combined flow plumbed most of the way already. Maybe put the processor rotate on the aux spool (currently on the excavator's thumb, with quick connections). Picking up the processor head on Sunday. Pile of parts in someone else's barn. Isn't farming fun?
Will you get any more flow if you go through your bucket spool VS the priority valves? What kind of flow is required for the head, and what can you get out of the cat? The boom 2 and stick 2 spools should be on opposite valve banks, you'll need to choose the side that opposite your bucket spool to determine boom 2 or stick 2. If your 2 pump flow is only 52gpm and the head requires 100, its going to be a real dog, and the butt saw may be unusable
Looks like your link belt puts out 102gpm with 2 pump flow. You should be able to get that out of your two diverter valves, but if not you'll have to pull it out of either a combined flow attachment spool or 2 separate spools. Kenworth would be your go to for that info. Your head requires just under 100gpm so you're golden there