Long time lurker, here for log splitter help

[norbert77]

Good afternoon gentlemen, after years of lurking and finding good info I had to come in and ask for some help. I am building a prototype press kind of like a post splitter,
But it will be vertical. Shop roof clears it's good.

So H-beam a 4" bore cylinder at 3000psi, about 18.8 tons of pressure, or 20 for easy math, but I need 9' of travel on a 10" H-beam, but i don't see very many post splitters to borrow design ideas from, what sort of H beam should I use? How far would a 6" w25 go before bending, should I go to an 8"?

Thanks in advance

 

[dstig1]

That's a very long span compared to common log splitters... Gonna need a massive beam/support to minimize deflection.

 

[DarkBlack]

You have a 4” bore cylinder with 9’ of stroke ?? Never seen such a long skinny hydraulic cylinder . It would be about 20’ high, extended vertical, and need a rod almost the full 4” diameter.

 

[groundcover]

I would box the beam as well to keep it from twisting. I bought a splitter for my Ditch Witch mini track loader that is boxed. Heavy indeed but built to last !

Skid Steer Log Splitter | The Quick Split

Our Inverted Skid Steer Log Splitter lets you split logs on the ground without leaving the cab. With up to 32 tons of splitting force and a quick 7-second cycle time, this durable log splitter saves you time and money. It features an industry-first stackable serrated wedge design and includes...

quickattach.com

 

[norbert77]

You have a 4” bore cylinder with 9’ of stroke ?? Never seen such a long skinny hydraulic cylinder . It would be about 20’ high, extended vertical, and need a rod almost the full 4” diameter.

4.25x142x3 Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder | Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

4.25x142x3 Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder, Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders, 4.25 x 142 x 3 DA HYD CYL Unused old inventory. Double acting

www.surpluscenter.com

I did see one exactly what I wanted, there is longer. But to be fair 6ft is more realistic.

That's a very long span compared to common log splitters... Gonna need a massive beam/support to minimize deflection.

Yes, and to complicate things, I want the cylinder beside the beam, not on the far end, it will be more compact

 

[DarkBlack]

4.25x142x3 Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder | Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

4.25x142x3 Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder, Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders, 4.25 x 142 x 3 DA HYD CYL Unused old inventory. Double acting

www.surpluscenter.com

I did see one exactly what I wanted, there is longer. But to be fair 6ft is more realistic.

Yes, and to complicate things, I want the cylinder beside the beam, not on the far end, it will be more compact

That one you attached is 25’ long, extended ( tall in your case).
It uses a hollow rod, which makes sense since the rod diameter is such a high percentage of the diameter.
640lb shipping weight

 

[DarkBlack]

Yes, and to complicate things, I want the cylinder beside the beam, not on the far end, it will be more compact

You still will need a height appropriately a little more than 2x your cylinder stroke length

 

[BlueKnife]

but i don't see very many post splitters to borrow design ideas from,

There's probably a good reason for that. It'd be cheaper and easier to build a basic bandsaw mill to do this and it'd be a proven design.