Splitter

[joewilshire]

I'm making a log splitter and just wondering if a plastic tank is suitable for the hydraulic fluid, or should I get a metal tank?

Thanks.

Joe

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

I would definatly use a metal tank.

 

[Soundguy]

You -can- get plastic hyd sump tanks.. but unless this unit has a built in oil cooler.. I'd deffinately agree with Kennyd and go with a metal tank for better heat disipation.

Soundguy

 

[RonMar]

A metal resovoir will also have welded in fittings. Many are available with an oversized one down low on the side(1 1/2") to screw in a suction strainer right into the side of the tank.

 

[joewilshire]

I've seen splitters that use the frame/housing as a tank. Any ideas about this?

Thanks.

Joe

 

[joewilshire]

I forgot to mention, I'm using a 11 gpm pump with a 6.5 hp motor. I've read where you need at least the same size tank as the gpm's, but the frame type ones I've seen don't look like they can hold that much fluid.

I've also seen some that don't have a filter.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Joe

P.S. I have a new 3PH splitter that I'm using for this project. I DO NOT have a tractor to drive it. Trying to make this splitter and saving $ by using a pump I just bought (11gpm) and a gas motor I already have.

 

[ToadHill]

I built mine with a 11 gpm pump. a 5.5 hp motor and a 7 gal steel tank and it works well. I usually run it for about 1.5 hours at a time. (thats as much as this old body can take)

 

[ovrszd]

Joe had emailed me about the tank size and I responded to him but wanted to add my comments here as well.

I used a 21 GPM PTO pump. I read several articles that said to use a reservoir equivalent to the pump output. So I used a 19.5 gallong tank. That was a waste. I only added 15 gallon of oil and it barely gets warm. If building again I would use a 10 gallon reservoir with my 21 GPM pump. My splitter was big enough to fit the tank without problems but I just think it was excessive.

I don't think I'd be comfortable with a plastic reservoir. I'm just old fashioned that way. I'd fear vibration breaks or stupid human tricks like knocking a hole in it. My steel tank holds a strainer and my filter plumbing.

 

[scott_vt]

Afternoon Ovrszd,
Darn that splitter looks good ! I gotta paint mine Farmall RED maybe that will make it look better !

 

[ovrszd]

What????? It's not already Farmall Red Scotty????? I am shocked!!!