Wood splitter motor

[escavader]

Anyone ever use a vertical shaft lawn tractor motor on a woodsplitter? I just pcked up a parts machine and it runs like a top (thedeck was bad)it had a nice little14 hp kohler on it purrs like a kitten it even has new battery
Thinking of upgrading my little 5 hp briggs
I can fabricate a mount etc get the correct pump adapter what do you all think will it work ?

 

[Fallon]

Seen a pile of them in that configuration at the big box stores. They tend to be cheaper units with a push mower sized motor.

No reason it would be an issue if your pump fits & doesn't mind the vertical mount.

 

[rocketfish]

I have a Huskee 35 ton with an 11.5hp Briggs that is a vertical shaft and I haven't found any thing that it won't split! 14hp should be plenty if you have the right pump. One of the hydro experts should chime in soon and let you know!

 

[LD1]

Used an electric start 16 HP on the splitter I built a few months ago. No issues at all, but I think there are some pumps not reccomended for vertical.

May have to fab a pump Mount. And get the right sized Lovejoy's.

But I will say this, going with a bigger motor won't gain you anything at all. Speed and power is determined by the pump, and then a motor sized accordingly. So without getting a bigger pump to go with the bigger motor, you won't see any change in performance at all.

 

[skyhook]

I could be wrong, but i don't see why the pump couldn't be mounted vertical.

 

[escavader]

I have the two stage barns on my 5 hp briggs im really not looking for more power orto split faster its just the briggs is old i think it could even have points
I just thought the 14 was quieter it is more horse power (like i said doesnt really need to be faster)
It has an oil filter on the kohler and all it will do is sit and idle the pump does it all
I cant see an issue with pump verticAl i might have to make a plate to bolt it up no biggy
If its electric it would be easier for wife to start she likes to split wood
Im gonna use it this summer with the briggs and save this project for winter when snows deep keep your ideas coming thanks

 

[LD1]

Well, if the goal is electric start, and quieter then I dont see any issues.

Just wanting to make sure you didnt have the mis-conception that you would be getting more splitting power or speed.

 

[oldnslo]

Typically gear pumps do not have limitations on how they are mounted. Axial piston pumps on the other hand typically require special modifications or considerations for vertical shaft up mounting to insure that the input bearing gets lubrication.

Your vertical shaft engine might have a mounting pattern for which you can purchase a pump / motor adapter similar to a C-Face design on electric motors.

 

[mikehaugen]

I would definitely find out somehow from the manufacturer anout approved pump configuration. Many pumps only have radial bearings/bushings and cannot take any kind of side loading or "thrust" force. Even the weight of the pump rotor will put thrust loading on the pump and it's life will be severely shortened by running it sideways.

 

[roadhunter]

You should build a riding welder. I've seen guys take a good mower with a bad deck and install a welder/generator head so the belts that ran the deck run the generator/welder head. Throw some leads on it and it's pretty darn useful machine.