log splitter

[tcfarm]

I'm going to build a Log splitter, 4" x 18" cylinder from surplus center. Is it worth the extra hundred bucks to upgrade from a 1 1/2" rod to 1 3/4" rod? I will be running it off my tractor hydraulics at first L3430. but may eventually upgrade to gas, electric or a pto pump.

 

[greg_g]

18" is pretty short. You'll get a slightly faster cycle time, but won't be splitting anything much bigger than 16"-17" cuts. Pretty sure mine has a 4x24 cylinder with a 2" ram diameter. The smaller the diameter the greater the risk of a bent ram.

//greg//

 

[tcfarm]

more info

my stove in the basement can only take an 18" max log and 16" are a lot easier to deal with. so if it won't fit in the splitter it won't fit in the stove.

with an 18" cylinder my overall length will be about 62" about 12" less than with a 24" cylinder

I plan on putting a receiver stub on this so I can put it on my three point receiver hitch for normal operation. my plan is to some day add a rear remote to my tractor, put quick disconects between log splitter vavle and cylinder. then I can flip it over and use the rear remote to split large rounds on the ground that are to heavy to load on splitter by hand. I could also put on fel the forks I made have a receiver as well,but I think the visibility out back would be better.

 

[cmhyland]

TCFarm,

Take a look at this... Hard to beat for the price... I have one and I love it....

Powerhorse Horizontal Dual Split 3 Pt. Log Splitter — 13-Ton, 3in. x 18in. Cylinder | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[tcfarm]

thanks but I'm gonna build one. just can't figure out why a 4x24 cylinder with 2" rod is under $150 and a 4 x 18 is 250

 

[tcfarm]

how do I move this post to build it yourself

 

[greg_g]

can't figure out why a 4x24 cylinder with 2" rod is under $150 and a 4 x 18 is 250

Quantity. The 4x24 is a very common size, and is built in far far greater numbers than is the 4x18.

//greg//

 

[tcfarm]

has anyone on here built a splitter with a 1 1/2" rod and if so how is it holding up?

 

[cmhyland]

If your going to build one, I'd like to offer a suggestion.

Make the operator station / valve on the same side as the 3pt lift lever of your tractor.
Hopefully if it's like mine ( B2910) it would make it on the opposite side as the exhaust as well... Not that the exhaust is a huge issue but given the choice I'd rather not be down wind of it....

Also, in 99% of the cases you don't need massive tonnage to split firewood. Sharp wedges decrease the forces required to split...

Finally be very careful when you purchase your quick connects. They are rated at a GPM and can reduce your flow rates. I assume you'll have a flow rate in the 8 to 10 GPM on that machine. Just be sure your hose size, QCs and Valve all support that rate...

On the B2910 the rear block for the Power Beyond will only support 5GPM and has a 1/4 in outlet. I used 1/4 in hose that supports 5 GPM. The first set of QCs I bought only supported 2.5GPM so I had to go up to larger QCs to support 5GPM flow...

Good Luck,
Chris


Regards,
Chris