Electric Start on Log Splitter

[slowrev]

It's not a matter of her strength, it's my weakness. I can't let her know it's really work she's doing. She wants electric start, she gets electric start. One excuse covered. Now if I can just get her past that part about me needing the plasma cutter to make the changes!

T

Isn't the plasma cutter a part of the starter kit ?

 

[Gator6x4]

This location can usually advise if parts are available to convert your engine to electric start. They also offer engines at a fairly decent price.


Small Engine Warehouse - Briggs Engines

 

[Fordlords]

I'm not a log splitter expert, but can say almost without a doubt finding a good used or even brand new horizontal shaft engine with electric start to mount to the splitter will be cheaper than converting an engine to electric start or converting the hydraulic pump for a vertical shaft engine. In the case of the horizontal engine, it may only be a matter of drilling a few new holes in the engine mounting plate and bolting her up. Yes, Small Engine Warehouse can offer you up a lot of advice in these cases

-Fordlords-

 

[tnau664]

Isn't the plasma cutter a part of the starter kit ?

I like your style slowrev. I've at least got her looking at them on E-Bay. Maybe Ho Ho will get some ideas.

 

[jas67]

This location can usually advise if parts are available to convert your engine to electric start. They also offer engines at a fairly decent price.


Small Engine Warehouse - Briggs Engines

They also sell engines that are already electric start.
There was a seller on eBay selling 6HP electric-start diesel engines (Chinese-made Yanmar clones) a while back for about $400. The seller is still there, but seems to be out of these engines (he had three sizes, 4HP, 6HP, and 10HP). Now, a diesel-powered log splitter -- THAT would be cool. I have an extra 10HP (true) Yanmar diesel engine that I've been wanting to put on my log splitter, but because the cylinder is upright on it, and the briggs is on a 45 degree slant, I can just bolt it in as the exhaust would be right up against (actually interfering with) the I-beam. I would need to fabricate a vastly different mount to get it to fit.

Anyway, back to your electric-start problem. Small Engine Warehouse (link posted earlier in this thread) sells many electric start engines, several in the 5 to 6 HP range. They start around $240. Watch Craigslist and eBay. I've seen several electric start engines on Craigslist, including, recently, and 8HP briggs for $75.

 

[Gator6x4]

Check here:

Electric Starter Kits for Briggs and Stratton Engines.

Or maybe here:

Briggs & Stratton Small Engine Specifications

 

[jimcolt]

I built this splitter about 6 years ago....the engine and wheels came from a discarded Sears lawn tractor......just needed the carb cleaned to get it running. 11 HP, electric start......It does about 4 cord of wood every year for me....and another 5 to 10 cord when my neighbors borrow it! Vertical shaft engines are cheap.....and work just fine on splitters.

The main beam on this splitter is a piece of 5" x 8" rectangular tube...it also serves as the hydraulic reservoir!

Jim