log splitter conversion

[Illcome]

I'm considering converting a Wallingstein WX310 (cylinder is 4''X 2''X 24'') by adding a motor, pump, and oil tank. Any advise on HP and GPM? Thanks

 

[oldtimer 66]

My suggestion is to only add a hydraulic tank, not install the motor but instead install a PTO pump. I converted my splitter to PTO pump a couple of years ago after my tractor hydraulic pump started to leak internally. Needed to install a new pump. I also changed out the 4" cylinder to a 5 " cylinder. I purchased the Prince 21 GPM PTO pump and a 15/17 gal hydraulic tank. I run the tractor at 1800 RPM, PTO at approx 390 RPM and GPM at approx 15. The 24 " stroke with the 5" cylinder cylinder gives about a 10 sec cycle time. Note the pump is a single stage gear pump so there is no ram speed loss per se. I have run the splitter in some 80 deg f weather, 3/4 hours and the highest oil temp was approx 105/110 deg f. HP for 15 GPM at 2250 psi = 19.6 HP. My auto cycle valve is factory set a 2000 PSI therefore I only need calculated 17.5 HP. Mounting the pumps reaction arm needs to be simple. Mine connects to the lower top link hole 3 pt. I needed to fabricate a right angle fitting for the suction side of the pump. Other than that it was and easy conversion. Without the pump and new cylinder cost I probably had roughly $900 in the conversion. Some pics. Later.

 

[John_Mc]

Assuming they are all running the same pressure, the determining factor in engine size it the GPM rating of the pump you use with it.

I consider Timberwolf to be among the top brands of log splitters (they are also one of the few who give true tonnage ratings rather than the greatly exaggerated rating that seem to have become the industry standard). Their TW-2 HD splitter uses a 24"x4"x2" cylinder with a 16 GPM two-stage pump and a Honda GX 270 engine (270cc, approx 8.5 HP). They use a 15 gal hydraulic tank. They get a 9 second cycle time with that set-up and can drive a 4 way splitting wedge through all but the toughest logs (drop back to the single wedge for the really gnarly ones).

If you can live with longer cycle time, I see Honda GX200 engines (6 HP??) driving 13 GPM 2-stage pumps
and Honda GX160 engines (4.8 HP??) driving 11 GPM 2-stage pumps.

Personally, I would not have the patience to use an 11 GPM pump with a 4" cylinder. If I could swing it, I'd go with the GX270 and the 16 GPM pump or the GX200 with a 13 GPM pump.

 

[4570Man]

It depends on how fast you want it to cycle and how much money you want to spend. An 11 gpm isn’t that bad for a 4” cylinder. I’d prefer more though. Picking a motor to fit your pump isn’t hard. Unless you can confirm that splitter was built to handle a 5” cylinder and downgraded to a 4” swapping cylinders is stupid.

 

[PILOON]

For splitters you'd want to use pumps designed for splitter operation as they have special features that provide both speed and power, basically a dual setup with internal valving.
Fast when unloaded and a 'kickdown' when power is needed.
With that special pump a 5-6 HP engine will do the work of a 12 Hp and not require big tanks and coolers etc.
All commercial self powered splitters use those pump.

 

[davedj1]

JohnM, PILOON and 4570man all have good advice. The only thing I will add is go as big as you can for speed. I run an 11hp HF Predator motor with a 22gpm two stage pump and wouldn't want anything else. My cylinder is 30"x4"x1.75". We cut most wood to 24"

 

[crazyal]

I would try to sell the Wallingstein. Chances are you can just buy a small splitter from the box stores for less than what you'll have into converting the one you have once you figure in how much you could sell it for. If you do convert it I wouldn't change the cylinder. It was designed with that cylinder and ramping it up could bend things. I have a MTD splitter from Lowes that I've had for about 14 years now. It splits about 8 cords of wood a year and probably more like 14 for the first few years. The only issue I've had is the plastic spider between the lovejoy connectors between the engine and pump needed to be replaced (easy job).

 

[oldtimer 66]

Just for reference Timberwolf also makes PTO driven splitters.

 

[majorwager]

Oldtimer 66

My unit is very similar to yours but it was built by a small commercial fabricator. My wedge is direct mount, no swivel joint,?

You have two spool valves? I have one, only hydraulic function is extend/retract ram.

My prince pto pump is smaller than the 21 gpm. I should research the model # but likey 11 gpm, reservoir is about 10 gal cap.

Never had overheating issue but I just built a hyd pto power unit capable of 31 gpm and that unit has a cooler w/ 12V fan. 51 gal reservoir.

A two speed pump would be nice, 5 inch cylinder retraction is kinda slow, but I am NOT a commercial producer so time not a big issue.

I prefer my vertical stroke, no interest in picking up large sections to set on a horizontal unit. Mine in 20 years old, works as well as the day it was purchased. Mounts right on 3 point and top link, Never hesitates, even splitting knots.

I have a non-contact tachometer but never checked pump rotation. Never needed the full gpm capacity, engine rpm at 1200- maybe 1500 tops. 540 rpm occurs at 2465.

Major difference between mine and yours is paint scheme, that would clash w/ ford blue.

EDIT:

It is ok to differ w/ opinion below. No one member's perspective carries any more weight than another. I prefer my approach and he appreciates his. Some like orange, others like green.

When the dust settles, the earth is still turning on its' axis, the sun still rises in the morning. All is good.

 

[4570Man]

I’m not interested in sitting on a cut piece or bucket to use a vertical unit. A log lift isn’t that hard or expensive to build. I’ve had both types and a horizontal is way better.

 

[TnAndy]

I'm considering converting a Wallingstein WX310 (cylinder is 4''X 2''X 24'') by adding a motor, pump, and oil tank. Any advise on HP and GPM? Thanks

Did the same years ago with 3pt splitter that used the tractor hydraulics ..too slow....plus I didn't like having the tractor tied up with the splitter on the back. Same size....4x24


I used an 8hp Tecumseh engine and a 16gpm two stage pump package (Northern Tool). The Tecumseh died some years later and I replaced it with a GX290 Honda with electric start.....but it starts so easy, I've never used the electric start feature. Honda is the only way to go, IMHO, for an engine. Hydraulic tank, I used a 7.5 gal one with a filter on the return line.

Fine little splitter, used it for many years now.

 

[majorwager]

TnAndy,

You achieved 16 gpm in the low pressure cycle, perhaps 500 psi?. When the actual work begins, what is the gpm capacity? @ what pressure?

 

[4570Man]

TnAndy,

You achieved 16 gpm in the low pressure cycle, perhaps 500 psi?. When the actual work begins, what is the gpm capacity? @ what pressure?

Not very many but my splitter only hits the high pressure side on a knotty piece. That’s a very insignificant time span compared to the rest of the time involved. What’s the point?

 

[LD1]

Gotta take this one step at a time.

First you gotta figure out how fast you want it.

Pump GPM determines speed.

Then you have to size the motor to the pump. GPM and PSI determine HP required.

And finally you size the tank capacity to the size pump you are running

 

[oldtimer 66]

Here are some old pics 8/9 yrs ago. Before the PTO pump, 5' cylinder etc. Nobody's sitting on a bucket or cut piece. The wife is vertical, I am vertical, the splitter is vertical and the wood is vertical. The president said you got to stand so that's what we do.

 

[4570Man]

That would probably be my preferred choice for a wood splitter with a big table and a lift to lift pieces in the table. Big difference in that and a regular horizontal/vertical splitter.

 

[oldtimer 66]

This information is for the Timberwolf fans. Somebody in this post remarked how great the Timberwolf splitters are and I need to agree with them. A good friend of mine has 3 splitters. Do you really need 3 splitters? He thinks so. One of the three splitters is the top of there line Timberwolf, the other is a Dueer with a 4.0 " cylinder and the last one is a no name brand with a 3.50 " cylinder. I have modified and or repaired all of the splitters at one time or another. And I have posted pics at one time or another of these splitters. On the no name I raised the splitter up 5", added a longer tongue for hooking up to a ATV, added a 4 way wedge, added a table grate similar to the Timberwolf's, taller pushed, wood cradles, etc. On the Dueer I added side tables to support the wood, a new jack and some other things I think. Of all of the splitters he likes the best, the no name is his favorite. One of the features it has is the throttle up during splitting and then throttles down at cylinder return. It is easy to run, single control handle, quiet etc. He says the Timberwolf is a beast and will split just about anything. It is loud compared to his other splitters and you can always adjust something with it. That is somewhat the logic to his preference to the no name brand splitter/ simple. Anyways because Timberwolfs placement of the hydraulic pump and engine mounting the axial fan of the motor is blowing hot air right onto the operator/ operators station. The axial fan sends the hot engine air out and then over the muffler adding additional heat. This is great if it is sub 20 degrees outside but not if it is warn spring or late fall day. He asked me to add and additional heat shied to protect the him from this constant barrage of hot air. I made a removal aluminum shield as shown it the attached pics. It supplements the existing muffler heat shield. My friend says that it works very well. Another item he asked for was a couple of grab hooks on the back side to the pusher. You can see them on one of the pics. Why would he want them. Well this may not be believable but occasionally and I mean occasionally the Timberwolf cannot split a particular piece of wood. There I said it. Anyways my friend keeps a length of chain handy to lasso the offending piece wood and pull it off the wedge. As I stated originally this monolog is info for the Timberwolf fans. Enjoy. Later.

 

[4570Man]

The grab hooks is pretty genius. I usually attempt to push a wedge in the back side to get it cracked enough to go on through.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Just for reference Timberwolf also makes PTO driven splitters.

And here's one of them,

SR

 

[Illcome]

Thanks to all who responded. I have some decisions to make. P.T.O. pump vs. motor and pump. HP & GPM, power & speed.
New parts vs. used parts. money money money. Part of this decision hinges on the fact that this is a hobby project. I'm retired (70 years old) with plenty of free time. Lots of time not lots of money.