Log splitter plans

Rat Rod Mac · Apr 20, 2017

I would like to make/buy a log splitter that has the capabilities to lift the piece to be split from the ground to the splitting rail. My back is not what it used to be, so I think a splitter like this would be just the ticket for me. I saw a video of a splitter with this feature, but that was it just a video. I would like to watch a video of a splitter and be sure it's what I want, then buy the blueprints and make it. Or off course buy one, but as of now I have never seen one offered. Anyone know where a fellow could get a video and plans to make a splitter like this? Thanks. RRM

Oldpath05 · Apr 20, 2017

Rat Rod Mac said:
I would like to make/buy a log splitter that has the capabilities to lift the piece to be split from the ground to the splitting rail. My back is not what it used to be, so I think a splitter like this would be just the ticket for me. I saw a video of a splitter with this feature, but that was it just a video. I would like to watch a video of a splitter and be sure it's what I want, then buy the blueprints and make it. Or off course buy one, but as of now I have never seen one offered. Anyone know where a fellow could get a video and plans to make a splitter like this? Thanks. RRM

Might need a little more intel of what exactly your describing, far as I know there's a good selection of wood splitters on the market with a lift. I prefer a winch on a small crane on a spliter.

MossRoad · Apr 20, 2017

There are lots of log splitters sold commercially with log lifters. Here's one, for example.

22-Ton Gas Log Splitter with Log Lift & Log Catcher Tray Kit | RuggedMade

Rat Rod Mac · Apr 21, 2017

Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Haven't started looking much, so didn't know anyone made one. Hey MossRoad, you know of any other units available out there? Thanks again. RRM

davedj1 · Apr 21, 2017

Do a search on here , lot's of build threads and ideas. I wouldn't want a splitter without a log lift now that I have one.
Good luck.

motownbrowne · Apr 21, 2017

Check out this guy's stuff. Wolfe Ridge Mfg – Eau Claire, WI USA – 715.559.4376 – Professional Grade Wood Splitters

He makes very nice stuff at a completely reasonable price. I just ordered a three point model from him yesterday. If you don't split a lot of wood it might be overkill, but his price on a model with a lift and a 4 way wedge is a decent amount less than the big manufacturers.

MossRoad · Apr 21, 2017

Rat Rod Mac said:
Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Haven't started looking much, so didn't know anyone made one. Hey MossRoad, you know of any other units available out there? Thanks again. RRM

Northern Tool sells some, too.

muddstopper · Apr 21, 2017

I put this on one splitter. mini knuckle boom

swapped it out for this

Oldpath05 · Apr 21, 2017

muddstopper said:
I put this on one splitter. mini knuckle boomView attachment 506817 swapped it out for this View attachment 506818

I like the second one in the picture better, my crane is similar to that cept my winch is at the end of the crane with remote control, I like cable and tongs better because it gives more reach from all around the splitter.

muddstopper · Apr 22, 2017

Second setup is definitly the better of the two. While the knuckle boom worked "alright", , it just took to much effort to swing the boom, hook up the tongs, and put the log on the beam. The old mechanics boom does have a winch. I made a remote cord 20ft long, I can hook up a large round 20ft away from the splitter, drag it up and load on the beam without breaking a sweat. My only mistake with the second setup is the boom isnt mounted high enough. I can only lift a round of just under 48in dia because I didnt leave enough room between the boom and the beam.

FredH · Apr 22, 2017

I don't lift anything

Set my splitter up in the vertical position and roll everything under it . Big pieces are dumped right at splitter with FEL on tractor and simply shove it over . Oak and madrone is the hardwood I burn but have also done 100+ year old ponderosa pine that was close to 32" in diameter . Rolled the pieces into the bucket and dumped right at the splitter .

Fred H.

motownbrowne · Apr 22, 2017

FredH said:
I don't lift anything Set my splitter up in the vertical position and roll everything under it . Big pieces are dumped right at splitter with FEL on tractor and simply shove it over . Oak and madrone is the hardwood I burn but have also done 100+ year old ponderosa pine that was close to 32" in diameter . Rolled the pieces into the bucket and dumped right at the splitter .

Fred H.

You still have to lift it at some point, though, unless you're scooping up the splits that are laying on the ground with your FEL. Lifting one big piece with a winch or a hydraulic lift and then keeping those pieces elevated as they come off the splitter is very minimal in terms of physical labor.

Oldpath05 · Apr 22, 2017

FredH said:
I don't lift anything Set my splitter up in the vertical position and roll everything under it . Big pieces are dumped right at splitter with FEL on tractor and simply shove it over . Oak and madrone is the hardwood I burn but have also done 100+ year old ponderosa pine that was close to 32" in diameter . Rolled the pieces into the bucket and dumped right at the splitter .

Fred H.

Never heard of the Madrone wood, the picture I ses of that tree looks like wiggly bushy tree, is it easy splitting?
Then you throw the split pieces back in the bucket and stack in your woodshed......?

FredH · Apr 22, 2017

Oldpath05 said:
Never heard of the Madrone wood, the picture I ses of that tree looks like wiggly bushy tree, is it easy splitting?
Then you throw the split pieces back in the bucket and stack in your woodshed......?

Yes, after wood is split , it is thrown back into the tractor bucket and unloaded in the wood shed . Big rounds that are split in half are rolled back into position for resplitting . Far easier for Me to roll something than it is to lift it .

Madrone is a Hardwood here in the Northwest also refered to as Laurel . Similar to Oak but less ash . Burns extremely hot if not controlled . Splits pretty easily when green , althoug when green , it is HEAVY . When rounds are somewhat dry and with cracks showing , they can be kind of Explosive when splitting . Thus another reason I do vertical splitting . No body parts are in the way if it " Pops " apart . In my younger days , I took a few body and leg shots from those pieces when they popped apart and with age , learned to keep body parts out of the way :thumbsup:

Picture of a large madrone taken by ???

To the original thread topic , although I have not searched the forums for any results , I have read many a thread here on others building their own splitters thus I think if one used others ideas from builds , then combined them first into notes then even a crude drawing or 2 , Would likley be pretty easy to build one .

Fred H.

wiltff · Apr 27, 2017

motownbrowne said:
Check out this guy's stuff. Wolfe Ridge Mfg Eau Claire, WI USA 715.559.4376 Professional Grade Wood Splitters

He makes very nice stuff at a completely reasonable price. I just ordered a three point model from him yesterday. If you don't split a lot of wood it might be overkill, but his price on a model with a lift and a 4 way wedge is a decent amount less than the big manufacturers.

Do you have the link to the 3pt. unit? All I saw were trailer units.

motownbrowne · Apr 27, 2017

wiltff said:
Do you have the link to the 3pt. unit? All I saw were trailer units.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think mine is the first 3 point model that he's built. I emailed with him today. Sounds like mine will start coming together first thing next week. I asked him to take some pictures of the build process as he goes, so hopefully that will happen. As soon as I have some pics I'll start a thread about the splitter. I have about 8-10 cords of wood in log length and bucked up in 16&32" lengths, so I'll be putting it to the test as soon as it gets here.

wiltff · Apr 27, 2017

motownbrowne said:
I'm not 100% sure, but I think mine is the first 3 point model that he's built. I emailed with him today. Sounds like mine will start coming together first thing next week. I asked him to take some pictures of the build process as he goes, so hopefully that will happen. As soon as I have some pics I'll start a thread about the splitter. I have about 8-10 cords of wood in log length and bucked up in 16&32" lengths, so I'll be putting it to the test as soon as it gets here.

Sounds like your all ready to go. Build pics would be great. Just thinking of a 3 pt splitter for my kubota up at the cabin near tomahawk.

plumbstraight · Apr 28, 2017

Ok folks, when it comes to wood splitters this works. This short video is one my son took several years ago. Since I have put a better engine on it. Seven seconds out and back on the ram now. I have picked rounds over 6ft in dia with this unit. NO back work picking up rounds. Go to plumbstriaight on youtube. Watch that spelling as I did a typo and put in an extra i. Just look it up, plumbstriaight woodsplitter. I made this in the late 70's and initially had it working off the tractor. Now it is self contained although I like it hooked onto the tractor for stability. I do about a cord an hour, but with smaller wood under 30 inches it goes much faster. Using the 8000lb hyd winch with tongs is the answer to getting the bigger wood up to the knife.