Log splitter size for ironbark

[13gef13]

I'm getting too old to split the ironbark by hand anymore so I am looking at buying a petrol or diesel splitter. Ironbark is very hard and burns beautifully and I have an unlimited supply of it on my property. What I would like to hear from anybody with experience is, what tonnage splitter do I need for ironbark dry/green of 12" length and upto 24" round.
Thanks, Geoff

 

[FredH]

Around here , the minimum size you see anymore is 20 ton , with normal being 24 - 28 or even 34 ton models . Cylinder size is usually in the 4" + class , thus good stroke length and size . My 24 ton gas model does both oak and madrone , which are hardwoods . Madrone being the trickier of the 2 . It has this odd habit of getting " Explosive " as it dries in rounds . While most wood just splits when the wedge comes through , you get the occasional madrone piece that starts out splitting normal then " Pops " or " explodes " apart .

Thus the next feature you want is a model that is both Horizontal and Vertical .




I am to the age now that even the small stuff , I just split in the Vertical mode . Keeps me positioned out in front of the splitter instead of next to it . Got tired of the bruises from wood flying apart .



Fred H.

 

[LD1]

Nor sure how tough ironbark is to split. Never heard of it. But how hard it is or how well it burns has little to do with how it splits. Red oak is pretty dense and burns well yet splits really easy. Easier than pine that is only about half as dense.

All that said, I cannot imagine too many pieces of 12" long anything, taking more than a 4" cylinder (rated anywhere from 18-22 tons) to split.

 

[J_J]

4 in cyl at 3000 psi = 37,699 lbs

------------2500---- = 31,416 lbs

------------2000---- = 25,133 lbs

Whatever pressure the hyd and cyl can develop, will determine the force.

The GPM of the pump will determine speed of operation.