need a new cylinder for my log splitter and need some advice

[Scotty Dive]

Dropped off my Prince cylinder and I am being told its not repairable. Replacement is in the $450 range ....OUCH!

its a 4 inch case with a 2 inch rod and 24 inch stroke. Its an odd ball cylinder in that it has a welded tee on the case end and a 1 1/8" hole drilled in the rod. I am also being told that Prince does not make this cylinder anymore.



I see that Prince has a welded cylinder that might fit at surplus center (4X24X2 DOUBLE ACTING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER PMC-5624) for $350 plus shipping - still a lot of mooolah but better than $450.

My question is for the 4-5 cords of wood I split a year is there a cheaper solution? I called one Hydraulics place and they recommended a $225 chinese made cylinder with a 4 year warranty. I want a quality cylinder but certainly don't want to over pay for piece of equipment that doesn't make me money.

Thoughts and any other sources with good prices?

 

[J_J]

Surplus Center

 

[Scotty Dive]

Thanks JJ. I know Surplus Center is reputable and has good prices. One thing I have noticed is I can get a Wolverine cylinder (made by Prince) that is a tie rod version for $165 - it is the 4 inch bore, 2 inch rod and 24 inch stroke - same as the welded T version. That's a big difference in cost. Anyone know what the difference besides the price?

4X24X2 DA HYD CYL W400240-S

 

[firemanmike69]

Thanks JJ. I know Surplus Center is reputable and has good prices. One thing I have noticed is I can get a Wolverine cylinder (made by Prince) that is a tie rod version for $165 - it is the 4 inch bore, 2 inch rod and 24 inch stroke - same as the welded T version. That's a big difference in cost. Anyone know what the difference besides the price? 4X24X2 DA HYD CYL W400240-S

Look pretty similar in the specs

 

[countrybumpkin]

I buy just about all my hydraulic stuff from Bailey they have several types and brands to choose from.

http://www.baileynet.com

 

[dfkrug]

Dropped off my Prince cylinder and I am being told its not repairable. Replacement is in the
$450 range ....OUCH!

Did they say why it was not rebuildable? A decent hyd shop can make a whole new rod for you, and it costs less than
a new cylinder. The only way I can imagine it is not being rebuildable is if the bore is ruined by rust or other distortion.

If you do replace the cyl, I suggest the cheaper Chinese unit. I rebuilt one of the Harbor Fright 4.5" splitter cyls, and
it seemed to be made of adequate materials. You can also buy these cyls from HF as replacement parts.

Yes, $450 is a lotta cheese.

 

[LD1]

Lots of places and lots of off-brands that you can find if you just do a google search that sell 4x24 cylinders in the $200 range

 

[Scotty Dive]

They said that the rod was bent and that the key way was unable to be removed (not sure what that means) basically they explained that at $100 per labor it was not economically feasible to repair.

From my research I think the welded cylinder is the way to go because of the application of a log splitter and there being torqueiness with the ram moving along the ibeam. My big question is should I got with an off brand or the prince and be done with it.

 

[triptester]

For durability there is no difference between a welded or tie-rod cylinder on a log splitter. The welded cylinders more compact and are usually less expensive but more difficult to repair. Timberwolf uses tie-rod cylinders.

 

[Dave M7040]

The "torqueness" you refer to should not be a concern as the twisting movement is not transmitted to the cylinder mounting with any serious force. Buy on price unless you are splitting wood 24 x 7 x 365.
You cant go wrong with JJ's advice.
Dave M7040