I would like to build a hydraulic chain saw for parting off logs for firewood. Does any one have any recommendations for specs on a hydraulic motor? i.e. Flow rate, cubic inches per revolution etc. I would assume that some where about 3500 rpm would be required. What about pump capacity?
Hydraulic chain saw
- Thread starter jezorek
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3RRL
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Hmmm, interesting idea.
Just out of curiosity, why did you pick hydraulic?
It seems to me that is a difficult and heavy way to make a chainsaw, but you probably have a good reason. I think most saws go about 10,000rpm or more so flow would be an issue. Your power source, sump, hoses and motor weight would be considerable. Consider also you can get a pretty good bucking saw, light weight, portable and fast for under $400 bucks.
I love to hear your story and see your concept though.
Just out of curiosity, why did you pick hydraulic?
It seems to me that is a difficult and heavy way to make a chainsaw, but you probably have a good reason. I think most saws go about 10,000rpm or more so flow would be an issue. Your power source, sump, hoses and motor weight would be considerable. Consider also you can get a pretty good bucking saw, light weight, portable and fast for under $400 bucks.
I love to hear your story and see your concept though.
Ductape
Elite Member
Before you build one, take a look on ebay. Though they are pretty expensive...... i've seen a few sell for fair money. Hydraulic saws are common in bucket trucks (power company, tree service)....... i've got to think you can find one on ebay much cheaper than you can build one.... no?
bjcsc
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My buddy just bought one for a chipping operation he's starting up. Should be here next week. I'll check it out and see what it has and post back to this thread. I'm not sure how applicable it will be as I think it has a pretty tremendous bar on it...
bigshovel
Gold Member
I used to work at an equipment rental yard in the early 90's. We rented a hydraulic concrete saw that was a glorified chain saw. It would cut 18" of concrete, that saw had two hydro hoses and a seperate generator and pump. It was a handfull to operate and repair. Stanley bostich made that particular model along with hydro jack hammers. I have seen a few other manufacturers around but I'm confident it could be converted to a wood saw. That unit then was in excess of $10000.
Good luck'
Brad
Good luck'
Brad
bjcsc
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Well the saw same today. It has a 6' bar so I don't think it's going to help you much...
Since posting my original question I have learned a little about what I need. Sorry for not mentioning my application. I would like to build a firewood processor. The operations would go in this sequence.
1. Load log onto deck
2. Advance log to required cut off length
3. Part off- have cut piece drop onto splitter
4. Split log into required number of pieces
5. Pieces would then fall to converoy and load wagon
Assuming that the conveyor runs continously, no two other operations will occur together. I have a small saw mill that I power with a 1600 cc VW engine. I have a flyball govenor on the engine that controls the speed of the transmission output in 3rd gear at 600 RPM. The saw was originally designed to be powered from a tractor PTO. One of the axels terminates in a 1 3/8 six spline shaft and is connected to the saw mandrel through a standard telescoping PTO shaft. The other shaft drives a hydraulic pump that powers the saw carriage. I am running out of space. More to follow in the next post.
1. Load log onto deck
2. Advance log to required cut off length
3. Part off- have cut piece drop onto splitter
4. Split log into required number of pieces
5. Pieces would then fall to converoy and load wagon
Assuming that the conveyor runs continously, no two other operations will occur together. I have a small saw mill that I power with a 1600 cc VW engine. I have a flyball govenor on the engine that controls the speed of the transmission output in 3rd gear at 600 RPM. The saw was originally designed to be powered from a tractor PTO. One of the axels terminates in a 1 3/8 six spline shaft and is connected to the saw mandrel through a standard telescoping PTO shaft. The other shaft drives a hydraulic pump that powers the saw carriage. I am running out of space. More to follow in the next post.
I want to take advantage of the saw mill power plant for the firewood processor. Using hydraulics seems like the way to go. I have a an 11 GPM Prince PTO pump that I can put onto the spline of the VW engine in place of the saw mandrel PTO shaft.
I have several chain saws that are in the 3-4 HP range. When cutting firewood with these saws, one generally rocks the saw to minimize the contact area. On the firewood processor, the saw will be hinged at the back so when cutting, the chain contact will start out minimal, build to the full diameter of the log and then diminish. I think I need about 8 HP to do this at a decent rate. Hydraulic motor HP= Torque (in. lb) x RPM/63025. I found a Haldex motor that yields 133 in. lb at 3508 rpm and 8 GPM. This will give me about 7.5 HP. Close enough. Sorry to be so long winded.
I have several chain saws that are in the 3-4 HP range. When cutting firewood with these saws, one generally rocks the saw to minimize the contact area. On the firewood processor, the saw will be hinged at the back so when cutting, the chain contact will start out minimal, build to the full diameter of the log and then diminish. I think I need about 8 HP to do this at a decent rate. Hydraulic motor HP= Torque (in. lb) x RPM/63025. I found a Haldex motor that yields 133 in. lb at 3508 rpm and 8 GPM. This will give me about 7.5 HP. Close enough. Sorry to be so long winded.
Sorry no answers here... But I did use a hydraulic chain saw in a bucket truck and it was the greatest thing ever... I decided not to work for the company but it was a fun "interview". Owner said; "see that tree, take this bucket truck with a hydraulic chain saw and take it down..." Less then 10 mins, I had a job offer... 
Looking forward to what you and the others can come up with...
Looking forward to what you and the others can come up with...
