Log Splitter Build

[MattMc]

First off, Hi.

Now with that out of the way, I'm wanting to build a self contained splitter. The tractor hydros just run way to slow for it to be feasible to use anymore for the amount of wood we split each year. It will be used mainly by me but also taken out to split for family/friends every so often.

B&S 12HP Vertical shaft engine Model#282707 Type 0122 01
Came out of the free Huskee mower that is almost brand new, 18 years old and " Doesn't run ". ( It does now )

3pt. splitter that has sat in the barn unused for almost 30 years !
Energy Hyd. Mfg Co. 4.5" O.D., 1.5" Dia. Rod, 24" stroke. Cycle times anyone ? I found it the other night and don't remember where I saw it at ?

Looking at pumps, the engine is over powered for a 16gpm pump and borderline for a 22gpm pump. Which one would work best ? Seems nobody makes an 18-20gpm pump which would be perfect.

I like the Prince Auto Valve but at $277 not sure I " need " it just yet. I will be splitting by myself most times so it would make it easier.

At some point I might add a lift to it but usually there's enough people around on " firewood weekend " to just toss anything big on the splitter. I don't usually cut anything locally I can't handle myself. It will have a fixed table on that side though just without a cylinder for now. Definitely adding a table/rack off the end to catch the split ends. Needing 3 hands while splitting so as to not drop the partially split ends is a PITA most days even with others helping.

I will be adding a full axle ( I think ) and spring mounting it if I can make it all work. I have silly idea's about making things have suspension and not bounce all over the place, especially at highway speeds ! The roads here have more holes in them than a donut shop. Anyone else running a full axle or springs in some way that's not mounted on a trailer to begin with ? I haven't seen anyone do it yet if they have.

Also want to make it adjustable height wise so probably 3 heavy duty jacks. I have to see where things will fall once I actually get the parts and pieces together. Right now the splitter itself is 200 miles away but all my tools/welder/steel/parts are here so I need to go get it and bring it home.

 

[hoseguy]

You should be getting 18 gallons a minute out of your valves so that ram should be flyin' in and out.
Cycle time I would expect to be 'bout 10 seconds.
What does your pump flow?
May be more beneficial checkin' yer hydraulics out.
Just a thought.

 

[J_J]

12 HP for a 22 GPM two stage pump is about your limit.

You are looking at 7 GPM using high pressure and 22 at low pressure.

You could get the $60 log splitter valve from Surplus, or go for the auto valve.

It all depends on whether you want to stand there and hold the valve in extend, as the retract is detented return.

 

[MattMc]

You should be getting 18 gallons a minute out of your valves so that ram should be flyin' in and out.
Cycle time I would expect to be 'bout 10 seconds.
What does your pump flow?
May be more beneficial checkin' yer hydraulics out.
Just a thought.

We used it behind an 80's White Iseki 4x4 back in the day. It was probably only used for 3 seasons before I could swing an axe and it got put away for some reason. I guess kid power was cheaper than diesel fuel back then. The AC has only been a recent purchase but to big to get where we need it. My parents live in the mountains and getting the AC into the fields is hard enough let alone actually into the woods where we split. The White now does trailer pulling duty when we do firewood. The neighbor brings his splitter over with his 4 wheeler and we split about 15+ cords over the weekend. Another splitter is needed to make production faster as we usually run out of time before wood. We have the man power just not the extra splitter. That and I live 200ish miles away and need one here myself. I'd rather build one than pay for what's out there now and still have to modify it to suit my needs. My JD300 should pull it around my yard just fine, if only the hydro's on it were big enough to run it as well.

J.J. I'll probably go for the cheap valve for now but I "really" like the auto valve. I think SC should give me one to try out, test and review...and keep !