Log splitter working height ideas

[milkie62]

I built my first splitter back in 1990 and it has held up excellent and has done everything I have asked it to do. Now that I know what I actually need I am starting to research ideas such as wedges,push off table auto cycle etc. One problem I am having is working on getting it to a comfortable working height without bending over. I am 6'3" so a log lift is in order also. I am trying to figure out how to get the beam to a nice working location.I have not measured anything yet as to how high I want it. Was wondering how to get the axle up higher and attach it to the beam.Mine right now is just U bolted to a round axle. Any pictures of you tall guys with splitters would be appreciated.

 

[bcp]

I've always read that the ideal workbench height keeps your forearms level when working. The same would probably be good for splitter height, too.

Bruce

 

[4570Man]

I built my first splitter back in 1990 and it has held up excellent and has done everything I have asked it to do. Now that I know what I actually need I am starting to research ideas such as wedges,push off table auto cycle etc. One problem I am having is working on getting it to a comfortable working height without bending over. I am 6'3" so a log lift is in order also. I am trying to figure out how to get the beam to a nice working location.I have not measured anything yet as to how high I want it. Was wondering how to get the axle up higher and attach it to the beam.Mine right now is just U bolted to a round axle. Any pictures of you tall guys with splitters would be appreciated.

My splitter beam is about belt height and I find that to be pretty comfortable.

 

[davedj1]

I used an axle with 13" Honda rims and tires. I'm 6-2 so I didn't want mine to low either.
I built the frame with axle and springs (had it already from a wrecked trailer) and then built the beam up off the frame. I didn't weld the beam to the frame I bolted it in case I ever had to change anything. It's been about 5 years and it has worked flawlessly. It has a log lift as well.

 

[KennyG]

One of the advantages of a 3 point splitter. I adjust mine to how I feel on a given day.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I use a portable electric splitter. Have tried many different heights as I usually set up on a stack of pallets with a piece of plywood under the splitter. Like 4570 I find belt height is best. The pallet top give plenty of input and output space . Bring the pieces in and out with the FEL forks and another pallet; only have to bend over once.

Ron

 

[muddstopper]

Not sure how high my beam is, its below belt height. Doesnt really matter to me, I have a boom with a small winch I use to put the big stuff on the splitter. Dont hardly have to bend over at all. Never been a big fan of log lifts, You still have to roll the logs to the lift. My remote for my winch has a 20ft long control cable, I just walk over to the log, hook up the tongs and winch it over and up onto the beam. No grunting involved. Yea, the winch is a little slow, but I can work for hours without breaking a sweat and no backache when I'm done. With big logs, the winch is probably faster then me trying to roll the log to the lift.

 

[bcp]

Pallets are invading your splitting shed!

Bruce

 

[Piston]

Could you weld the hydraulic tank to the top of the axle, and then weld the I-beam to the top of the hydraulic tank? You could adjust the height of the hyd tank in your design before building it.

 

[herringchoker]

In 1979 my father, my BIL and I bought a 5HP Poulan splitter. It worked well for 28 years, but the beam was fastened directly to the axle at ankle height and it was a real back - killer. By 2008 the mechanicals were completely worn out, so I completely rebuilt it - new engine, pump, valve and rebuilt ram. I took the opportunity to raise the beam to about hip level (I'm 6'-2") using steel from my scrap pile. I also added a table and a hydraulic filter (which it never had). I made the pole (or tongue) telescoping so it can be extended for towing and rectracted so not to be a tripping hazard when unhooked from the tow vehicle. The only things remaining from the 1979 Poulan are the beam and wedge, the axle and wheels, and the hydraulic tank. In the photo, all the structural parts painted black were added by me, the yellow parts used to be Poulan green.
I find this working height to be very comfortable. We seldom have huge blocks to lift. If I'm working alone, I save them until help arrives.