backhoe log splitter

[wowbw7]

clever cable control mod there. i guess that would solve that problem. i'd like to see the 'other end', where your remote lever is attached, etc.
about your 'split log retriever'...in retrospect, do you think it would have worked better to mount the wedge on the cylinder end verses the end of your beam? or is there a problem with this type of arraignment that i'm missing?
sure like to see some wider-view pics of your setup. i may have to reconsider using the stabilizer cylinder idea.

 

[F.L. Jennings]

clever cable control mod there. i guess that would solve that problem. i'd like to see the 'other end', where your remote lever is attached, etc.
about your 'split log retriever'...in retrospect, do you think it would have worked better to mount the wedge on the cylinder end verses the end of your beam? or is there a problem with this type of arraignment that i'm missing?
sure like to see some wider-view pics of your setup. i may have to reconsider using the stabilizer cylinder idea.

1. It is easier on the cylinder rod/seals/packing/mount if it does a realatively straight push. When the wedge is mounted on the cylinder rod the wedge wants to follow the grain of the wood, which can be twisted. If you guide the wedge well enough and beefy enough you can do it. There are many commercial models that use this approach. The cylinder I am using has its horizontal hinge pin and the vertical one on the truck so that movement can be accounted for in two planes.

2. By using the bucket cylinder you have the option of laying out the boom to a nearly horizontal position in order to split, or of retracting the booms so that the splitting position is nearly vertical.

Pics later this week on the whole setup.

Frank

 

[wowbw7]

searching the net i tripped across a pic of what i plan to build. can be used either vertical or horizontal. should be about $300 invested in steel. i'm thinking equivalent to a 20+ ton splitter. only problem i see is a rope system or something that's easy to lengthen or shorten depending on vertical or horizontal mode. ideas?

 

[wowbw7]

oops. here's the pic

 

[bassgrinder]

I love the possibilities in this. I would make a cradle or hopper so to speak on the splitter that would position the block to be split and add a thumb to the hoe and sit in the seat, drop the blocks in the cradle with the bucket and thumb and split away. One draw back is you likely need to then build a conveyor because you would very quickly bury the splitter in split wood.