Building a hydraulic log lift for splitter

[GaryBDavis]

I like the way this drop table is designed and will be adding something similar to mine. I can't fully remember where I found these, but I think this is a Timber Wolf brand log splitter. Note the hydraulically height adjustable splitting wedge.

 

[1962]

This is as far as I got. Once the holes in the hinge parts are rotobroached and welded to the angle, I will take another pic. Sure hope this pic works, I have not uploaded pics in a long time.

 

[1962]

Found a little time to proceed with the build. My cylinder is only 6" stroke not 8". Saturday I might go but a 2"X12" cylinder, then I should be ok.

 

[jimmysisson]

Nice fab work - I like the rounded contours on the pivot bosses. If this was mine I'd want the table twice as wide, unless that gets in your way somehow. The big blocks that make a lift table necessary are hard to handle and you might not want to be balancing one on a table smaller than the block. By the way, your pivot pins will last forever - mine are just a 3/8 x 2 flat arm fitted between two tabs welded to the beam and a through-bolt. Ten years and going strong.
Jim

 

[1962]

I kinda tend to over build things. All the hinge plates are half inch plate with the pins being 1".

What length stroke on the cylinder are you guys using?

Seems like a 10" would be ideal. I have not got a cylinder yet. All the local places are out of 2", or have it in a 3" diameter cylinder which is too bulky.

Their are some 2"X12" cylinders floating around, but that seems like it would be too long.

Surplus center, as well as northern tool are out of the question. By the time you figure shipping costs, and the cylinder price, it's just as well to grab one from TSC or ebay.

As far as the width of the table, I'm gonna put some diamond plate on and let it extend a few inches over the sides of the square tubing. It should be wide enough, I just wanna save my back on those big rounds...

 

[1962]

Gary B, I am liking that drop table on the pic you posted. That would also help eliminate bending over to pick up the split pieces and push them right into the truck.

Would a hydraulic winch mounted on one end of the beam be overkill? The other end of the beam could be chained/strapped to a tree.Sure would help dragging the logs near the splitter to be bucked and split.

Gary, did you reduce your hose size for the lift to 3/8" or keep it at 1/2" from the valve?
I just noticed your expanded metal log guards you made, very nice touch.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Gary, did you reduce your hose size for the lift to 3/8" or keep it at 1/2" from the valve?

Use whatever size makes the most sense given the port sizes on your valve and cylinder. I say this because you will most likely have to install a hydraulic needle valve in line to slow the cylinder down anyway. I'm running a 22GPM pump and with a 2"x8" cylinder, it would swing up/down way too fast. Since you have to slow it down anyway, a smaller hose is perfectly okay to use. Heck, 1/4" would be sufficient.

 

[1962]

Got some time to do some more work. A 2x10 cylinder was a perfect fit as this splitter sits higher than most.

 

[1962]

Finally got r done. Added a new upgraded slide and cylinder anchor, along with an engine and tank guard.

Here are some pics, I split a couple big oak rounds to make sure it all works ok and once the paint is finally dry is is going to be working alot..

 

[1962]

Works great and saves the back.. Here are a couple more pics..