looking to buy splitter

[retiredmgn]

So wifey and I went to look at a splitter. We're getting to old to do the 'rent for a day and kill youself to get it all done'. This appeared to be a good splitter but (I don't smoke) you could have a cigarette by the time it cycled. Too bad. I'm learning by reading the posts here. I thought a two stage pump was supposed to speed things up. Have to keep looking.
Any advice here?

MTD 24BF570L004, MTD Gold, Gas Log Splitter, 190CC Briggs & Stratton 675 Series Engine, 6.75 FT-LBS Gross Torque Rating, 27 Ton Ram Force, 25'' Log Capacity/Splitting Length, Two-Stage Pump, Standard Automatic Cylinder Return With 19 Second Cycle Time, Cast-Iron Splitting Wedge, 3 Gallon Hydraulic Oil Reservoir, Hydraulic Oil Included, Standard Log Cradle, 1-7/8'' Locking Ball Hitch & Jack Stand, Heavy Duty Coil-Wrapped Hydraulic Pressure Hose, Tail Light Kit, Pre-Assembled, 1.5 QT Fuel Tank, Horizontal/Vertical Operation, Oil Filter, Compact Design, Tapered Roller Bearings, 2 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Limited Warranty On Pump, Cylinder & Valve, Not Available For Sale In California.
Length: 47 InchesWidth: 41 InchesHeight: 49 InchesWeight: 606 lbsModel Number: 24BF570L004Product Manufacturer: MTD PRODUCTS INC

 

[J_J]

It is what it is, based on the engine /pump match up with a certain cyl. A smaller cyl will cycle faster. More GPM will make it cycle faster. Maybe the log splitter was running in the high pressure mode .

For instance these figures ares for a constant 10 GPM. With a two stage pump, it someimes runs at fast speed and low pressure, and if splitting tough wood, it will switch to the low speed/high pressure mode. So the below is a comparison for a constant GPM.

3 in cyl
1.5 rod
10 GPM
extend=5.4 in per sec
retract=7.3 in per sec
total = 12.7

4 in cyl
2 in rod
10 GPM
extend=3.1 in per sec
retract=4.1 in per sec
total = 7.2

 

[Treemonkey1000]

You get to where you split the log enough and then bring the splitting head back up just far enough to put the next piece in to split rather than letting it go all of the way up. Then if the wood is straight I bring out the maul and split it by hand faster. I save the gnarly stuff and big knots for the splitter.

 

[LD1]

That 19 second is probabally a little conservative.

There are TWO most popular cylinders and TWO most common pumps. They are the 11GPM and 16GPM pump and the 4" and 4.5" cylinders. For a total of 4 combinations. The 4" cylinders are usually the 20-22 ton models. The 4.5" cylinders are typically rated at 25-28ton.

The 11 or 16gpm pump doesnt change tonnage, it only affects cycle time. The 4" and 16GPM pump is going to be the fastest with a total cycle of ~9sec and the 4.5" and 11gpm is the slowest @ ~16 seconds.

But keep in mind that the cycle time is the time to extend AND retract. And also keep in mind that with a 2-stage pump, that it will slow WAY down in tough stuff and then speed back up on return.

We have the slower 11gpm and 4.5" combo. And it is pleanty fast if working alone. Even with 2, it will work faster than you can keep wood to and away from it:thumbsup:

 

[retiredmgn]

It is what it is, based on the engine /pump match up with a certain cyl. A smaller cyl will cycle faster. More GPM will make it cycle faster. Maybe the log splitter was running in the high pressure mode .

For instance these figures ares for a constant 10 GPM. With a two stage pump, it someimes runs at fast speed and low pressure, and if splitting tough wood, it will switch to the low speed/high pressure mode. So the below is a comparison for a constant GPM.

3 in cyl
1.5 rod
10 GPM
extend=5.4 in per sec
retract=7.3 in per sec
total = 12.7

4 in cyl
2 in rod
10 GPM
extend=3.1 in per sec
retract=4.1 in per sec
total = 7.2

J.J. I'm confused here. In the above examples, 10 gpm is standard. How can a 4" cyl be powered faster than a 3" cyl? All things being equal I would think the larger cyl requires more juice so would be slower...
I'm missing something fundamental here.

 

[groundcover]

Take a look at some of the Supersplit videos on utube, I would not want to have to go back to an "oil" splitter !

 

[LD1]

J.J. I'm confused here. In the above examples, 10 gpm is standard. How can a 4" cyl be powered faster than a 3" cyl? All things being equal I would think the larger cyl requires more juice so would be slower...
I'm missing something fundamental here.

For whatever reason he added up the extend and retract speeds and gave that as "total".

Total "what" I dont know what he was trying to mean.

But total cycle times in the examples he gave are

3" bore cylinder = 7.7seconds

4" bore cylinder = 13.6sec

Assuming a 24" cylinder:thumbsup:

 

[retiredmgn]

You get to where you split the log enough and then bring the splitting head back up just far enough to put the next piece in to split rather than letting it go all of the way up. Then if the wood is straight I bring out the maul and split it by hand faster. I save the gnarly stuff and big knots for the splitter.

I had to put my maul away. I'm 6' and long armed. I used to make my own long maul handles from riven ash. I would pride myself in being able to split 6 cord in a weekend running on nothing but beer and asprin.
What was I thinkin'? It felt good at the time. Can't do that anymore. It's all a matter of degree. The guy who was selling the splitter had developed Fibro Milasia (sp?). Young guy. Firm handshake. A real estate dealer at his house. Has to sell everything, Cant do anything anymore.
Makes ya think, There but for the grace of god...

It was funny when my father in law tried to split some wood. Guy was maybe 5' tall. Complained to my wife the handle was too long. Wife said, "Seems to fit him just fine".

 

[J_J]

That total is total in IN PER SEC, not the time in sec.

You will have the slower time with a 4 in cyl.

You divide the INCHES PER SEC into the length of the cyl for cyl cycle time. .

I thought the edit function stayed on the post for at least 24 hours, or it should, which would give one the ability to correct an answer.

 

[retiredmgn]

That total is total in IN PER SEC, not the time in sec.

You will have the slower time with a 4 in cyl.

You divide the INCHES PER SEC into the length of the cyl for cyl cycle time. .

I thought the edit function stayed on the post for at least 24 hours, or it should, which would give one the ability to correct an answer.

Gotcha. That helps, thanks.
I've seen your numerous posts on this subject. Just wasn't paying close enough attention cause it didn't apply to me. I'm all ears now. :thumbsup: