I've built a "Fronkensteen" backhoe attachment for my logsplitter without knowing much hydraulics. See http://picasaweb.google.com/garymj/Fronkensteen

Now I find my 2 spool control valve is a John Deere closed center without conversion options and doesn't behave well with my logsplitter valve and a Cross open center single spool. Is there an economical way to run both types of controls from my gear drive logsplitter pump ? Or do I look for an open center 2spool on ebay ?

I'd get a 3-spool (through centre is the prefered term here, not open centre which implies all ports are open to tank in the neutral position) valve. Your logsplitter valve has a detent with kick-off in one position, which will be annoying when trying to operate your backhoe. Fantastic looking piece of machinary you got there though. Please post pictures of the tractor and logsplitter upside down after you start digging.

Another option.
Have a look at the attached file.

HP1.pdf (100 Kb, 60 downloads)

Josh, thanks for the input, I'll be scouting ebay for a valve, and selling off the Deere one.

Nahum,I'm still deciphering your elegant schematic, wouldn't the cost of accumulator and check valves and plumbing be more than a simple valve ? And would I pay a heat penalty for keeping the accumulator charged ?

garymj;

Nahum's circuit is actually a very efficient circuit when used with valves that do not have bypass.

It can make an actuator very quick operating since there is stored energy immediately available when a valve shifts.

It is not a cheap way to go. However, Cheaper is not always Less Expensive.

You can see this circuit and an explanation of how it works by opening the link to the Ebooks on the home page of this forum.

Go to the Fluid Power Circuts Explained Ebook and look at Accumulator Circuits to see all the ways an accumulator can be used and the advantages they can offer in some types of circuits.

I've used the circut on ACC6 & 7 to reduce response time of an actuator when using a Pressure Compensated pump.