log splitter conversion

[nyone]

I built a 15hp splitter a few years ago. The engine was from a lawnmower so it has electric start. I used a 22gpm dual stage pump and 5in cylinder. I get about 12sec cycle times. It has a 4way welded to it. It will cut a oak log in half. I have about $900 into it. $900 of big box store splitter dosnt get you much.

Personaly i like horizontal splitters better. My back cant be bent over like that for long.

 

[TnAndy]

TnAndy,

You achieved 16 gpm in the low pressure cycle, perhaps 500 psi?. When the actual work begins, what is the gpm capacity? @ what pressure?

I haven't a clue what the gpm and pressure are when it drops into "slow" gear. 90% of the time splitting, it doesn't, so it really doesn't matter to me. It simply works. I split 6-12 cords/year.

 

[davedj1]

Thanks to all who responded. I have some decisions to make. P.T.O. pump vs. motor and pump. HP & GPM, power & speed.
New parts vs. used parts. money money money. Part of this decision hinges on the fact that this is a hobby project. I'm retired (70 years old) with plenty of free time. Lots of time not lots of money.

To be honest, it's hard to beat the value of a (cheapish, usually around a grand) farm store splitter.
I am of the thought that it makes no sense to me to tie up a 25 odd thousand dollar piece of equipment when a $99 Harbor Freight motor will do the job.

 

[nyone]

To be honest, it's hard to beat the value of a (cheapish, usually around a grand) farm store splitter.
I am of the thought that it makes no sense to me to tie up a 25 odd thousand dollar piece of equipment when a $99 Harbor Freight motor will do the job.

This is so true! 1hr on a $25k machine costs more than 1hr on a small engine. This goes for log splitters and PTO generators too.

I guess it does depend on the price you get the machine for. Around here tou can find $500 riding lawn mowers all the time. I have never seen anything with a PTO that cheap.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

This is so true! 1hr on a $25k machine costs more than 1hr on a small engine. This goes for log splitters and PTO generators too.

I guess it does depend on the price you get the machine for. Around here tou can find $500 riding lawn mowers all the time. I have never seen anything with a PTO that cheap.

25K machine? Why does it have to be a 25K machine?

There's are LOT'S of decent used tractors around that can be bought for FAR less than 25K...and they will do a lot more than run a splitter or a generator!

I run my splitter with a $3,500 dollar tractor and it's made me FAR more back, than the 3.5K it cost me, all without any repairs... Cost per hr. has been LESS than it would have cost me with some throwaway screaming gas engine.

SR

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks to all who responded. I have some decisions to make. P.T.O. pump vs. motor and pump. HP & GPM, power & speed.
New parts vs. used parts. money money money. Part of this decision hinges on the fact that this is a hobby project. I'm retired (70 years old) with plenty of free time. Lots of time not lots of money.

A new 200cc engine (approx 6Hp) runs around $200-$300 (Briggs or Honda). One closer to 8 HP (Briggs 250cc or Honda GX270) generally run $300-$500.

Northern Tool sells a couple of Chinese imports under the (Ironton and Powerhorse brands) in the 6HP range for about $140 (one of them is on sale now for $96, if you are an Advantage member). Harbor Freight 6HP Predator Chinese engines go for $120. HF also has an 8HP Predator engine for $230. I'm not sure how often these go on sale, but might be worth keeping an eye on. Surprisingly, I've heard people are generally having decent results with the Predator engines (they just give it a good going over before starting it checking for loose bolts and the like). When they don't work out, they are either dead out of the box or within a few hours of running time - so the 90 day HF warranty gets you a relatively hassle-free replacement. (Northern Tool has a 2 year warranty)

If you keep your eyes open, you may find an engine for next-to-nothing, if someone has an old gas powered something-or-other they are getting rid of. I much prefer the horizontal shaft engines.

 

[nyone]

For this purpose a horizontal shaft motor isnt needed. Many many riding lawn mowers have engines up to 24hp now and they can be had real cheap. 24hp makes one **** of a log splitter but you can find smaller engines even cheaper.

 

[4570Man]

25K machine? Why does it have to be a 25K machine?

There's are LOT'S of decent used tractors around that can be bought for FAR less than 25K...and they will do a lot more than run a splitter or a generator!

I run my splitter with a $3,500 dollar tractor and it's made me FAR more back, than the 3.5K it cost me, all without any repairs... Cost per hr. has been LESS than it would have cost me with some throwaway screaming gas engine.

SR

The OP doesn’t have a $3500 tractor. Buying a $3500 tractor to run a wood splitter doesn’t make much sense. Honda GX motors are pretty much fail proof. I don’t know how you can beat the operating cost of a $6 oil change whenever you feel like it. I’m glad you like your $3500 tractor, but I have stuff I want worse and I’m not wealthy.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

As usual YOU missed the point...

SR

 

[4570Man]

As usual YOU missed the point...

SR

How did I miss the point? Most people don’t have a good running $3500 tractor of adequate HP laying around.