SSQA Inverted Log Splitter

   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #1  

handcuff

Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
41
Location
Louisville'ish, KY
Hey team,
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum - couldn't determine if it's best to post here or in hydraulics, but most of the question is about an attachment so I posted here. If it belongs elsewhere, please let me know or feel free to move it.

I have been thinking of building/buying a log splitter that is attached to the FEL and runs from the 3rd remote (otherwise used for grapple). I like the idea of an inverted splitter, so I can set it down on top of large logs and split them in-place without having to man-handle large circles.

As I'm thinking of this, I am trying to figure out what 'power' I need, and if this is even a valid idea. I've seen some pictures/videos of others that have done it, but most of the similar attachments are built for a Skid Steer. I'm receiving delivery of a 42HP Kioti in a week or so (traded in my 24HP Kubota, so it's quite a step up), and trying to see if that will be sufficient to run it.

I've found the metal structure (track, wedge, SSQA, etc.) all put together for this, but it doesn't have a cylinder. The guy that has it bent a cylinder on it by not having a regulator on his 90HP Bobcat, and has found a different method for splitting wood that doesn't require this tool. When I told him about my tractor, he said he didn't think the 42HP tractor would be sufficiently powered to destroy a cylinder, so said a regulator probably wouldn't be necessary.

I've also found a new cylinder being sold locally. It's a HydroWorks 3.0" bore and a 24" stroke, with 2500 psi. I assume this is sufficient, but I've never worked with hydraulics so don't know if I'm out of my league here or not.

Total price for everything would be somewhere between $350-400, so it's not a huge investment if it doesn't work. However, I don't want to 'blow' $350 if those of you who are wiser and more experienced know that this is a no-go from the start.

Anyway, thanks for any advice.
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #2  
Splitting power is determined by the diameter of the piston. Most splitters use a 4" or 5". 3" will be weak in comparison. if your wood is large or hard to split it may not work well.

Your tractor's hydraulic pressure will determine the ultimate force splitting the wood. The pump's GPM will determine how fast the cylinder moves. If the cylinder is slow you'll spend time waiting for it. Skid steers have much larger hydraulic pumps than most compact tractors, but at about the same pressure. Larger dedicated splitters use 5" cylinders and 18-22 gpm pumps to get a reasonable cycle time. A 42hp compact tractor will have around 10 gpm or so.

If your tractor's pump is not enough you can get a PTO pump and give the splitter it's own hydraulic circuit with tank but that'll cost a lot more.

Dedicated splitters use 2 speed pumps so the cylinder moves faster when not loaded and slower under load. That gives more splitting power when needed and faster cycle time. For that and many other reasons many people buy a dedicated splitter. But the loader mounted splitter can be brought to large rounds (if it has the power to split them) which would be convenient.
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #3  
A 3" bore provides about 7 sq. in. of surface. At 2500 psi that means it ideally could apply 17,500 of pressure, or a bit less than nine tons. That's pretty light compared to most commercially available splitters.

A 5" cylinder provides a bit under 20 sq. in., so about 25 tons.
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #4  
Your neighbors problem was likely significantly exceeding the pressure limits. I think my skid steer is 3500 psi where most log splitters are around 2500. If your neighbor had of used a smaller cylinder to make up for the pressure he’d have been fine. I personally don’t use the skid steer to power a wood splitter because it’s too much turning and makes a big mess. And it’s got the highest operating cost of anything I have so it doesn’t make good senses. I think the biggest problem with your tractor spitter is inadequate flow. I agree that a 3” cylinder is too weak. If you intend on splitting knotty logs with 2500 psi hydraulics you need a 5” cylinder.
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thank you guys for the quick responses regarding cylinder size. The flow rate for my tractor system is 14 gpm (I don't know the pressure - this is one of the new Kioti DK4210se tractors that are coming out - I'm getting the first one here in this area and supposed to take delivery next week). I can look to a larger cylinder size (4 or 5 inch) to get more force for the split, assuming such a cylinder doesn't break the bank.

I have another stand-alone splitter that I use for much of my work, but I have a big pile of very large circles that need to be split, and I couldn't lift them onto the splitter without using the grapple (which isn't really safe). Additionally, I have an arborist friend that will bring me large logs that he can't split easily...thus I get free wood delivered to my home by way of very large circles. I just need a way to split them without killing my back. Once they are in managable sizes, I *can* use the stand-alone splitter for the work. Thus, a somewhat slower cycle time isn't terrible for me, but I don't want to be waiting minutes between splits.
I'd prefer to sit in the tractor listening to tunes and pushing levers, but if I need to, I can split with the other splitter once the size is down.

Besides a larger cylinder (4 or 5 inch), is there anything else I should be looking at? I don't know if the size of the shaft is important, and I assume 2500 PSI is sufficient. I'm looking to get a 24 inch stroke. Anything else to think about?

Thanks.
-Scott
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #6  
I bought a 5” bore 22” stroke cylinder at a scrap yard for 25cents a pound. I think it worked out to about $50.
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter
  • Thread Starter
#7  
I'll have to check the heavy machinery scrap yard around here and see if they have one.

I just got some of the specs on the new tractor and the flow rate is 16.5 gpm, not 14 like I had earlier stated.
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #8  
Thank you guys for the quick responses regarding cylinder size. The flow rate for my tractor system is 14 gpm
Thanks.
-Scott

I just got some of the specs on the new tractor and the flow rate is 16.5 gpm, not 14 like I had earlier stated.
16.5 where? At the pump?

It will be MUCH less at the remotes...

Any splitter that has good power and runs off the romotes will be like watching paint dry!

SR
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter
  • Thread Starter
#9  
16.5 where? At the pump?

It will be MUCH less at the remotes...

Any splitter that has good power and runs off the romotes will be like watching paint dry!

SR

I didn't know there was a difference, so I appreciate the heads-up. I was thinking of the 3rd remote on the FEL, so I assume it will be significantly less flow at the pump. Do you have any suggestion to resolve the problem, or should I take that to the Hydraulics forum?
 
   / SSQA Inverted Log Splitter #10  
Make sure that 16.5 isn't combined accessory and power steering. Often those are two separate circuits but manufacturers will add them together even though there's no way to use them together.

I've dealt with large rounds by cutting them into chunks with a chainsaw. With a good cant hook it's not too hard to move them, and if you cut along the grain ("noodling") the saw cuts fast.

3rd fuction valves are often not made for continuous usage and will overheat.
 
 
 
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