Firewood processor build thread

[woodchipper]

Ken, if I recall correctly, you said you just might end up using a second engine, with its own hydraulics to power all the auxiliary fonctions. so then why not keep in place your 10gl.tank? I would not go to the car rad venue for the simple reason that it will not handle the flow. and that is regardless of pressures allready discussed.
As for you oil, you are perhaps using grade 32. If that is the case, I would opt for 64, or even thicker, as your system does generate a lot of friction overall.

 

[farmer2009]

I see your still having trouble with the hydraulics. I Just thought I'd drop a few details about a hydraulic implement we use. It's a poultry housekeeper and uses its own hydraulic system to do everything. I believe it would be a good comparison for you.

22 GPM PTO pump
30 gal reservoir no cooler
AW-68 oil


It gets hot but in 3 years hasn't given us any troubles.

 

[vwnotrunning]

Consider 3" flanges instead of a ground joint Union. Could be weld neck, slip on or threaded. Weld necks may be able to be welded directly to the tank side allowing them to be bolted together.

 

[kiotiken]

Ken, if I recall correctly, you said you just might end up using a second engine, with its own hydraulics to power all the auxiliary fonctions. so then why not keep in place your 10gl.tank? I would not go to the car rad venue for the simple reason that it will not handle the flow. and that is regardless of pressures allready discussed.
As for you oil, you are perhaps using grade 32. If that is the case, I would opt for 64, or even thicker, as your system does generate a lot of friction overall.

The plan right now is to re-purpose a 6.5 hp engine I have but I'm going to use it as a direct drive for the conveyor out feed. I'd like to keep the small tank for possible future use for a second engine BUT I think in that case, I'd look for a single larger engine, belt drive several pumps and use a common reservoir, but who knows maybe it would still make sense to have separate tanks. I plan on keeping this thing for a long time and a change to the engine is an inevitable upgrade at some point so I want to keep my options open for now.

As for the fluid, yes it is AW 32. This machine is supposed to be a winter only machine so I put winter oil in it. This will be the only year I use it in the spring and possibly in the summer and since it's now got $400 worth of oil, I'm not changing it for the seasons!

Consider 3" flanges instead of a ground joint Union. Could be weld neck, slip on or threaded. Weld necks may be able to be welded directly to the tank side allowing them to be bolted together.

Great idea. I haven't started looking for those parts yet, I'll keep it in mind when I do.

 

[kiotiken]

I'm planning on getting organized this week to build the tank and conveyor next week. I've already started gathering supplies and racking up more bills I picked up 30 gallons of hydraulic fluid this weekend along with a tank level/temp gauge, vented cap and weld on flanges. Unfortunately, the largest flange they had was 2" so I bought on of those for the inlet of the new tank and a 1.5" for the new outlet port. The existing small tank only has a 1.5" outlet port, not a 2" like I thought so anything bigger than 2" probably wouldn't make much difference anyway.



I also picked up a bunch of parts for the conveyor system. I designed a system that used regular chain with two tapered (think wheel barrow) wheels pushed togther at each end to drive it. I couldn't find a reasonable price on large roller or flat chain, so I thought that could work. When I got to PA, they had thick garage floor rubber48" wide runner on sale. I figure I can rip it into 16" wide strips and link it as one large belt. I'll add several pieces of angle iron to help move the wood and they will also help secure the pieces together. I asked for 8' of it, he cut about 10' so I have lots to play with. I think this will work and at $7.99/ft, it's a lot cheaper.



Since I still have lots of snow on the lawn except where I plowed roads (down to the grass), it's going to be a while before I can start using the tractor again without destroying my lawn. That's why I haven't been in a huge rush to finish the tank but it's time to get it done so I'm ready to go when the ground dries out enough.

 

[woodchipper]

If I understand correctly, you will use rubber floor mating as a conveyor belt? Those are not kevlar fiber reinforced. Therefore, with the cold, they will rip quick, the logs will want to take a good bite from it as well, and not the least, you will end up with quite a bit of slack in no time. Chains used in barn gutter cleaners would be the ultimate log rolling chain!!

 

[kiotiken]

If I understand correctly, you will use rubber floor mating as a conveyor belt? Those are not kevlar fiber reinforced. Therefore, with the cold, they will rip quick, the logs will want to take a good bite from it as well, and not the least, you will end up with quite a bit of slack in no time. Chains used in barn gutter cleaners would be the ultimate log rolling chain!!

Yup, that's what I was thinking. I'm not in for spending another $1000+ to build a conveyor, so I either need to improvise or figure out another way to make it work. I was thinking that stuff is tough, thick and should be ok in the cold since it's made for the garage. I'll give it some more thought.

 

[farmer2009]

Yup, that's what I was thinking. I'm not in for spending another $1000+ to build a conveyor, so I either need to improvise or figure out another way to make it work. I was thinking that stuff is tough, thick and should be ok in the cold since it's made for the garage. I'll give it some more thought.

Have you looked at using belting for a hay baler? It about $6 a foot for a 10" wide belt.

Apache 10" 3-Ply Cover x Cover Belt 21200562 by Apache Hose Corp. for $5.99 : Rural King

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Have you looked at using belting for a hay baler? It about $6 a foot for a 10" wide belt.

Apache 10" 3-Ply Cover x Cover Belt 21200562 by Apache Hose Corp. for $5.99 : Rural King

That's a good idea. Another possibility would be a used rubber track from a mini ex or CTL. I'd imagine that it shouldn't be hard to find one for a couple hundred or less since they are just scrap once replaced

 

[kiotiken]

Have you looked at using belting for a hay baler? It about $6 a foot for a 10" wide belt.

Apache 10" 3-Ply Cover x Cover Belt 21200562 by Apache Hose Corp. for $5.99 : Rural King

Just called my local farm supply. $300 for a 20' X 8" belt. I'll have to see if I can find better. After shipping and crossing the boarder, that may still be better than the $5.99 a foot!