Log splitter wheels

[larrypac]

The wheels on my Log splitter are very cracked and I found a new pair of wheels very cheap ($20 for the pair) at Mardens (if you're from Maine, you know about Mardens). Problem is the splitter axle is 3/4" and the wheels are 1". Is there any reason not to get a steel bushing to make them work? New wheels are probably $100 for a air and bushings shouldn't be more than $10 +or-. Appreciate any advice. Larry

 

[dodge man]

Do you take it out in the roads? If not it’s worth a try. I’ve had two log splitters and the only time they’ve been on the road was to get them home.

 

[larrypac]

Pretty. much the same here, but I'm 74 and eventually I won't be able to use it anymore and I don't want to sell someone a problem. Also not sure if axles are undersized or i9f bearings are slightly oversized. Have to pull a wheel and do some measuring.

 

[big bubba]

finally had my log splitter wheels foam filled since they were always going flat even in place. the real question is if you intend to transport your splitter on hwy.

always have a spare splitter tire if transporting on hwy! many don't. if one tire goes flat w/out spare & you have to abandon, the machine will be gone when you return.
a stationary log splitter is best. recommend foam fill for farm use, regards

 

[larrypac]

finally had my log splitter wheels foam filled since they were always going flat even in place. the real question is if you intend to transport your splitter on hwy.

always have a spare splitter tire if transporting on hwy! many don't. if one tire goes flat w/out spare & you have to abandon, the machine will be gone when you return.
a stationary log splitter is best. recommend foam fill for farm use, regard

 

[larrypac]

Is this foam something you can buy off the rack?

 

[Carl_NH]

HI Larry,

Just go to TSC (Tractor Supply) and get a 3/4 to 1" bushing for $3 if your not doing over the road use.

 

[big bubba]

recommend finding a tire dealer/shop that specializes in foam injection for applications like this. also, if you decide to foam fill & transport on hwy, be sure the tire & foam are rated for hwy use, higher speeds, etc.

it's complicated. it really depends on how you transport your splitter. if you intend to transport yours on hwy frequently, i'd be looking at commercial rigs that are designed for for that use. mine is a 36T, & it does well stationary w/foam filled tires

 

[larrypac]

Just go to TSC (Tractor Supply) and get a 3/4 to 1" bushing for $3 if your not doing over the road use.
I measured the ID of the bearings and they are exactly 1" so are not going to slide on to a 1" bushing. No clearance. I don't own a metal lathe. Thought about using my wood lathe to spin a 1" bushing and using a file to create clearance. Kind of a frig though

 

[Carl_NH]

Larry,

I believe the tolerances are such that a 1" bushing will fit inside a 1" bearing. I just did several projects with metal sleeves/bushings on cylinders with 3/4" 1" and 1.5" and they fit together just tine.

If you have a TSC or similar close by these are $3.79 each https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...er-dia-x-1-in-outer-dia-x-1-in-length-3284530

 

[CliffordK]

Is this foam something you can buy off the rack?

Find any industrial tire shop that also works on fork lift tires and heavy equipment tires and they'll be able to foam the tires. It isn't particularly cheap, but if you start with good tires, it will last you for a very long time.

They may wish to batch small orders like handtruck tires or garden cart tires. Perhaps also your splitter tires. Give them a call and ask when they would want you to bring in the tires.

As far as your bearings, you could see if you can locate new bearings that are the right size. Are they sealed bearings? Do the old bearings fit in the new wheels? Perhaps get the size from the old ones.

 

[big bubba]

OP: again, recommend getting a spare if you plan hauling any distance from home, good luck

 

[larrypac]

I bought it about 5 miles away and since then it has only gone across the street to a neighbor who borrows it. But as I said, eventually I will sell it and don't want to sell something that could be a hazard to the buyer

 

[larrypac]

Update: I bought 5 of the 3/4"x1" bushings at Lowes for $1.50 each, so about half of TSC. They were 1" to a few thousandths over so I made a jig on my wood lathe that they would slip over and used a file and sandpaper to get them a few thousandths under 1". I have not gotten around to taking the old wheels off yet but am assuming that axles are a bit under 3/4" and bushings will slip over them but I have a 3/4" drill bit in case.