Bizarre log splitter idea

oldboyscout · Sep 4, 2011

(I've tried to move this from the build it yourself forum)

Please don't flame me, i"m just a poor joe trying to save my back. I've been using a 10 ton HF manual splitter occasionally between strokes of the maul, and this idea flashed in my head:
Is there a way to connect the loader hydraulic port (quick connect) to the HF splitter cylinder and use the loader controls? I'm not looking for anything fast or fancy. Just wondering if it's possible.

The big piston is 1 3/4" X8" travel. The 2 small pistons that you pump by hand are very small.

the one piston is 1/2" diameter travels 1 3/4" and moves the big piston 1/8".

the other piston is slightly larger and moves the big piston farther but with less force.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/218656-bizarre-log-splitter-idea.html

oldboyscout · Sep 4, 2011

I don't know if the second pump opening or the cylinder return screw can be used as a fluid return?

otherwise, If I bought a small double acting cylinder from TS, could I run it from the loader CONTROL?

bcp · Sep 4, 2011

HF says it has an 8 1/8 inch stroke. It may be hard to find an 8 inch or more stroke cylinder with a short enough length to replace the jack.

You could rebuild it for a longer cylinder.

Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter - 10 Ton

Bruce

oldboyscout · Sep 4, 2011

Yes I have to measure the overall length to compare to the TSC 8" cylinders. If I could convert this for the cost of a cylinder and hoses it would be worth it.
If I have to start really rebuilding it, then I'll probably start from scratch and build a big heavy one.

oldboyscout · Sep 4, 2011

like this:
Heavy-duty Double Acting Cylinder, 8 Stroke x 4 in. dia. - 1834606 | Tractor Supply Company
maybe I could cut the ears off and just well it on if it's close in length

LD1 · Sep 4, 2011

oldboyscout said:
If I could convert this for the cost of a cylinder and hoses it would be worth it.
If I have to start really rebuilding it, then I'll probably start from scratch and build a big heavy one.

I guess I fail to see how it is worth it????????

If cost is the same, would you rather have only ONE cylinder...the one you converted, or

A new cylinder and keep the one that came on it for a bottle jack for the shop.

Again, if cost were the same, get a new cylinder.

But again, we are only talking pennies here A new cylinder shouldnt be more than ~$50 or $60 bucks.

And if you decide to go the "start from scratch" route I would suggest you price some units first. Both 3PH and stand alone units. Because unless you already have a few of the major components (valve, beam, cylinder, etc) you will have more money wrapped up into a homemade unit that you would have a GOOD store bought unit W/warrenty.

oldboyscout · Sep 4, 2011

I'd be willing to spend the cost of a cylinder and hoses to make this work, but no more. Otherwise I i'll save up to buy a real 22 ton splitter.

LD1 · Sep 4, 2011

oldboyscout said:
Otherwise I i'll save up to buy a real 22 ton splitter.

Thats probabally your best choice:thumbsup: Around my parts, they can be had for $999 at TSC for their speeco/huskee. And they are an excellent splitter.

Natureboy · Sep 7, 2011

What LD1 said. Earlier in the year TSC had the 22 ton for $999. AND you got a $150. TSC gift card with the purchase. Or else try to get on their mailing list for the occasional 10% off coupon.

Brad_Blazer · Sep 7, 2011

The manual jack on the splitter requires about 10,000 psi to generate it's rated force so there is no way to power it from the tractor hydraulics. If you replace it with a hydraulic cylinder, don't go bigger than 3" or you might exceed the design limit of the frame.

The smaller dual split models from Northern are $550 for a 3ph model and $800 for engine driven.

You'll have at least $200 plus the current $100 value of the manual splitter tied up in a machine that will have less than 1/5 of the utility of the $550 dual split. I fairness the 3ph dual split will require $50-100 in hoses and quick connects. Figure another $50-100 if you have to add a power beyond access point. The engine driven model is starting to look good, no?

My 3ph splitter has a 4x24 cylinder and with my tractor hydraulics it is really a 14 ton machine. It will cut oak across the grain and I've never stopped it. The reason they make 30 ton splitters is the same reason they make 25hp lawn tractors: shoppers compare machines by looking at the number.

oldboyscout · Sep 11, 2011

Great info everyone.
Im less concerned about speed cuz i would use this for bigger rounds only. The usual rounds ill split by hand. Looking at a 3x8 cylinder plus hoses probably total 200$. I dont think id get a 3 point so id be looking at 1000 for the huskee or yard machine. Im on tsc mailing list but have never seen a coupon

LD1 · Sep 11, 2011

oldboyscout said:
Great info everyone.
Im less concerned about speed cuz i would use this for bigger rounds only. The usual rounds ill split by hand. Looking at a 3x8 cylinder plus hoses probably total 200$. I dont think id get a 3 point so id be looking at 1000 for the huskee or yard machine. Im on tsc mailing list but have never seen a coupon

Just my opinion only,

But I think you are going to be utterly dissapointed with a 3"x8" cylinder.

Not enough tonnage or stroke length. I think it is going to be a wasted $200

oldboyscout · Sep 13, 2011

<But I think you are going to be utterly dissapointed with a 3"x8" cylinder.>

I have the feeling you're right.

Maybe i'll "upgrade" the idea.

If I spend the same money on a 3x18 cylinder, use some other steel I have for a beam, and run it off the curl control the same way......

I can always improve it later when I have money.

J_J · Sep 13, 2011

A 3 in cyl with 1.5 shaft, at 2500 psi will only produce about 17,671 lbs or about 8.8 tons of force.

oldboyscout · Sep 13, 2011

Gee Wiz, that's all, 8.8 tons? How do any of the 3 pth splitters like the Powerhorse work?

J_J · Sep 14, 2011

Using 3000 psi on the 3 in cyl will bring the force up to 10.5 ton.

Powerhorse Dual-Split Log Splitter  13 Ton, 208cc, 3000 PSI | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment

They are stretching the truth about the 13 ton.

oldboyscout · Sep 14, 2011

so a 4x18 cylinder will give me more useful force, but be slow. At 8.3 gpm how slow?

LD1 · Sep 14, 2011

A 4" cylinder would give you about 16 tons:thumbsup:

And the speed wouldnt be too bad. You have to keep in mind that a store-bought unit would have a 2-stage pump. Usually something like 16GPM @ 650PSI and 4 GPM @ max PSI. And they rate the cycle times NO load, or on the 16GPM stage.

As soon as the wedge meets a little resistance, it drops down to the 4GMP, which is really slow.

Whereas you will maintain a faster speed while splitting.

So look at it this way, while the wedge is in the wood, you will be about twice as fast as a commercial splitter. But while NOT in the wood, you will only be half the speed.

A 4x18 cylinder (assuming a 1-1/2" rod) your speeds would be 7.2sec extend and 6 sec retract. That is a 13.2 second cycle time. Store units are about 15-16 seconds, but using a longer 24" cylinder also.

Here is a good website for the calculators if you want to play around

Baum Hydraulics Corp :: Spec Calculator

oldboyscout · Sep 14, 2011

Cool thats not bad at all! Looks like all i need is:
4x18 cylinder
3'x1/4 hose
5xx1/4 hose
2 male quick fittings
Something to use for a wedge

oldboyscout · Sep 14, 2011

I guess i should go with longer hoses so i can tow or put on the 3 pth

Bizarre log splitter idea

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