Log Splitter Attachment

[scottbrrtt72]

Tim,

Thanks for the info.

I have a 30-horse power tractor. I would think that is borderline small compared to ones out there. Your thoughts?

As to your statement: "Use a smaller diameter cylinder for more speed but u lose splitting tonnage. Go w/ a 4" or so and a large rod diameter (2-2.5") and this will speed up return.”

When you said, "go w/ a 4" or so," isn't that the rod diameter? I am not sure what you mean by the 2-2.5". Is a 2-2.5” rod diameter strong enough to push the log through? I spoke with some local hydraulic folks and they stated a 4" bore by 24" stroke is recommended for log splitters. For my machine I was thinking a 3" bore and a 24" stroke. Your thoughts?

 

[Hoeman00]

The 4" is ID (inside diameter ) of tube so when pushing u will have the areaX the pressure = force in #/2000 = tonnage.
4"ID = 12.57 sq. in.X 2500psi=31,000#/2000#= 15.5 tons
3"ID= 7.07 sq.in.X2500psi=17,600#/2000#=8.8 tons
1" less ID almost cuts power in half.
Most cylinders have 1.5" rod but if u can find a surplus cylinder some have larger rods.
The larger the rod the less oil volume so the faster it will return.
To get more force u need larger cylinder or more psi.
Larger cylinder means slower cycle time.
The 24" is the usable stroke of cylinder.

 

[scottbrrtt72]

Tim,

Thanks for that info. I brought my operators manual to the local hydraulic shop and they said my machine only pumps 5.4 GPM and I only have 4 gallons of fluid. They didn't recommend me using my tractor as the pump. Since I would have to purchase a PTO pump it's not $ worth me building since I can get one at the local HD for $100 more..

 

[MarkV]

Scott,
I picked up a log splitter made by Bush Hog, they no longer make them, from a dealer going out of business. For what it is worth in your planning, I run mine from the hydraulic outlets for the backhoe on my Kubota B21. The B21 has an 8.5 gpm flow rate and the splitter works fine. It is not extremely fast but it splits everything I put in it. I believe you will be fine with your set up unless your needs require a fast cycle rate.

MarkV

 

[s1120]

heres one for you..........

This is an 83 Ingersoll 224 with a Case splitter. The tractor has 14hp, and the hydro pump puts out about 9gpm. It splits wood in bolth directions. I have not had any problem splitting any kinds of wood with this, and its as fast as I want it to be when I am splitting wood. I figure if one will work on mine, there should be one out there that will work on yours.

 

[hayden]

My B2910 puts out about the same flow as you describe, and the splitfire I got uses a 3.5" cylinder. I know it will be slow, but I fugure splitting in both directions will make up for alot of the slowness.

It will be a few weeks before I can report on it first hand since the splitter is at home, and my tractor is at my place in VT, and I don't expect tobe able to get them together for several weeks still.

 

[scottbrrtt72]

Well, I have decided to start the 3 point hitch log splitter. I need a few more pieces of fabricated steel but I feel I will get through this project fairly inexpensive. Anticipate spending approximately $350-400. I am still waiting on the cylinder (back ordered from Northern Tool). Here are some pics of the progress.

 

[scottbrrtt72]

Another pic.

 

[scottbrrtt72]

Last one for now.

 

[rmorgan]

Scott--

I use a commercially-made splitter powered off of the tractor's rear remotes, and it works fine. To me, the idea of adding the risks inherent in a rotating driveline to an implement which requires you constantly to move around the back of the tractor is dramatically unappealing, because so many tractor injuries are driveline-related. I just wondered, in looking over your project--Have you closely considered whether it wouldn't be better to use your hydraulics rather than the PTO to power the splitter?