Engine and pump sizing for wood splitter

[LD1]

A 28gpm pump costs $8 more than a 22gpm pump.

depends on brand and where you get it from I gess

The difference between 1/2" and 3/4" ports is negligible when using 3/4" lines... A minuscule amount of heat will be generated from the slightly increased friction loss, speed will not be affected.

I have no way to prove but I dont believe that speed wont be effected. My splitter runs slower than it should calculate out to be. Best guess is restriction in fittings. I dont think going to a 28gpm pump with my 1/2" fittings, 3/4" line, and 4" cylinder will yield any increase in speed over my 22gpm.

Math says i should cycle in 6.3 seconds. Its actually about 8. Math says a 28 gpm should cycle in 4.9 seconds, but I doubt it would be much quicker than the 8 seconds I am at now

I'm using a valve rated for 25 gpm with a 28gpm but added a dump valve for $25 from ebay so that on the return stroke the oil bypasses the valve. Net result is I'm flowing less then 25gpm through the valve. Even without a dump valve people have successfully run a 28gpm with a 25gpm valve.

Not saying it cannot be done, but I wouldnt. At least not without a dump valve. My splitter is a 4" bore and 2" rod. On retract stroke, I would need to force 37.2 gpm back through the 1/2" fittings and 25gpm valve. Whereas my 22gpm pump on retract only needs to force 29 gpm back though the valve and 1/2" fittings (which I believe is costing me some speed)

 

[escavader]

So guys got a 14 horse koler I wanna use how big a pump and minimum gallons do I need .i have a new 11 gallon is it worth the upgrade on the new splitter ? I have a 4 inch cylindar

 

[MossRoad]

So I'm a fan of using the engine I have, I guess I could sell the pressure washer and buy an engine.

So those of you that have used them, I live in Virginia, I split mostly Locust and Cherry, which can have very twist grain. I cut 16" lengths.

Do I need to upgrade to a 5" cylinder? If I do will an 8HP engine and 16gpm pump run it sufficiently?

If I dont up to a 5" cylinder I could still purchase the 8hp engine and run a 16gpm pump on the 4" cylinder. I just have never used a splitter and have a hard time deciding the specifics.

Upping to the 13Hp engine probably puts it outside my price range....so 6.5 or 8hp it is if I buy an engine. Which pump and cylinder?

The 6.5 horse engine is on sale for $99 bucks and give me 2 more HP than I have on hand but is it enough to up the pump size?

6.5 HP (212cc) OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine EPA

8 HP (301cc) OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine EPA

For the 13.6 GPM pump on the 6.5 it seems slightly under powered but I found several commercial version of this setup. Very confusing.

Also found this very helpful site for cycle times.

Log Splitter Speed Calculator by International Hydraulics

I just got a flyer today with the 13hp was $299.

 

[MossRoad]

I split locust and I split cherry. Locust is way harder to split than cherry. Both can have twisted crotches, but the 5hp splitter still has no troubles with twisted up cherry. The only thing that's ever bogged it down was locust. And then I just turned the piece and try it again.

 

[LD1]

So guys got a 14 horse koler I wanna use how big a pump and minimum gallons do I need .i have a new 11 gallon is it worth the upgrade on the new splitter ? I have a 4 inch cylindar

14hp will run the 22gpm pumps. certainly worth the upgrade over 11gpm IMO.

Would like to see 20 gallons for a tank

 

[mikefromnh]

I have no way to prove but I dont believe that speed wont be effected. My splitter runs slower than it should calculate out to be. Best guess is restriction in fittings. I dont think going to a 28gpm pump with my 1/2" fittings, 3/4" line, and 4" cylinder will yield any increase in speed over my 22gpm.

Math says i should cycle in 6.3 seconds. Its actually about 8. Math says a 28 gpm should cycle in 4.9 seconds, but I doubt it would be much quicker than the 8 seconds I am at now




)

The 28gpm pump will pump 28 gal a minute through a 3/4" port or a 1/2" port. There is not going to be an increase in speed from a larger sized port. The larger port will only decrease resistance and pressure drop. (Less heat)

Look inside of any hydraulic valve. The internal passages are a whole lot smaller then the fitting size yet does not decrease the pump output. Google Cv rating or flow coefficients if you want to understand more.

 

[jcook5003]

The other option I have is to use all the steel I already have and build a splitter for my tractor.

I have a 40hp Gas Ford 2000. Mid 70's vintage. Runs excellent.

I could save the money of the engine and pump and couplers. Not a small difference, if I ran a PTO hydraulic pump and had my oil tank and lines on the splitter. I always split around my shed anyway. Doesn't seem that much different from an ease of use stand point. Plus it's one less engine to maintain.

Opinions?

I have no idea how much a PTO driven hydraulic pump would be but when factoring in engine, couplers and pump costs. I wouldn't think it would be terribly more or less.

Thoughts.

 

[jcook5003]

Also. Is there anyway to use my tractors internal pump? Have no idea.

 

[MossRoad]

Also. Is there anyway to use my tractors internal pump? Have no idea.

Your tractor appears to have 2500psi, which is good, but only 4GPM, which is probably too low for a log splitter.

TractorData.com Ford 2000 tractor information

 

[jcook5003]

Your tractor appears to have 2500psi, which is good, but only 4GPM, which is probably too low for a log splitter.

TractorData.com Ford 2000 tractor information

Thanks for the info. Based on that couldn't I run a stand alone PTO hydraulic pump? Would I really be saving anything? Or would it be better/worse for anything.