Hi im new to this form im gonna build a log splitter i just need help on a couple things . I have a mt52 mini bobcat which im going to run the hydrolics off of. Im just wondering if anyone has done this and what parts they used such as cylinder size valves hoses ect ive got all the steel and a rough design but if anyone has any helpful tips or has done what im doing it would be a great help. My pump off this unit runs at 12gpm @3750 rpm has a system relief at the quick couplers at 2900psi. Pics would be great too.
Log splitter
- Thread starter chezandy
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Rio_Grande
Platinum Member
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If you have or can run remotes off of the system I would build one based upon the 1000.00 model at Tractor supply. 4 inx24 cyl.
That said I would not power a log splitter with your skid steer. Reason being I have had to repower a few older small skid steers and I could buy a whole bunch of 6 hp chineese gas motors for the 1500+ replacement cost of the motor in that skid steer. THis is just my line of thinking. I have a tracked loader that has a 17 gpm at the remotes dont get me wrong I was tempted to make a fast splitter that I would never leave my seat to use,,,, but back to thinking about what I want my $30,000 loader spending it's usefull life doing and I went back to a gas powered unit. But that is just my opinion...
That said I would not power a log splitter with your skid steer. Reason being I have had to repower a few older small skid steers and I could buy a whole bunch of 6 hp chineese gas motors for the 1500+ replacement cost of the motor in that skid steer. THis is just my line of thinking. I have a tracked loader that has a 17 gpm at the remotes dont get me wrong I was tempted to make a fast splitter that I would never leave my seat to use,,,, but back to thinking about what I want my $30,000 loader spending it's usefull life doing and I went back to a gas powered unit. But that is just my opinion...
J_J
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I would be thinking the same thing as Rio_Grande, about running up the run time on the skid-steer. Using the 16 or 22 GPM two stage pump from Surplus Hydraulics, you will get a better cycle time, with a smaller HP engine.
I would park the SS by the self powered splitter and load the bucket as you split.
I would park the SS by the self powered splitter and load the bucket as you split.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I think the other posters have some really good points. However, if you want to do it yourself and you are asking us how to do it, you should look at some previous threads. A search for log splitter or logsplitter will probably answer all of your questions. The simple facts to remember while designing this are:
1. Pressure = Flow / Area
2. The extension time of a double acting cylinder is longer than the retract time because of the volume taken up by the rod.
3. Net area is the area of a circle (extending) or donut (retracting). The area for a circle is about 3.14*radius*radius. To calculate the area of a donut, you subtract the inner area from the outer area.
4. To calculate the cylinder's speed, the formula is:
Speed = (231*GPM) / (60*Net Area)
5. Once you know the speed, the time is:
Time = Stroke Length/Speed
6. Since extend and retract times will be different, the total cycle time is the extend time plus the retract time.
7. A 4" cylinder is the standard size for this application, but I think you can get away with a 3". If you want to further improve cycle time, you could consider regenerative flow with a pressure relief valve and a check valve between the rod end of the cylinder and the pump. See this link: http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml37939.pdf
Here's a non-automatic version of the circuit i was describing, and it's built into the valve: http://www.cylinderservices.net/catalog.asp?prodid=601852 It's for a 4GPM pump max, but you may find one for your bigger pump. At your pump flow rate, things could get scary though.
1. Pressure = Flow / Area
2. The extension time of a double acting cylinder is longer than the retract time because of the volume taken up by the rod.
3. Net area is the area of a circle (extending) or donut (retracting). The area for a circle is about 3.14*radius*radius. To calculate the area of a donut, you subtract the inner area from the outer area.
4. To calculate the cylinder's speed, the formula is:
Speed = (231*GPM) / (60*Net Area)
5. Once you know the speed, the time is:
Time = Stroke Length/Speed
6. Since extend and retract times will be different, the total cycle time is the extend time plus the retract time.
7. A 4" cylinder is the standard size for this application, but I think you can get away with a 3". If you want to further improve cycle time, you could consider regenerative flow with a pressure relief valve and a check valve between the rod end of the cylinder and the pump. See this link: http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml37939.pdf
Here's a non-automatic version of the circuit i was describing, and it's built into the valve: http://www.cylinderservices.net/catalog.asp?prodid=601852 It's for a 4GPM pump max, but you may find one for your bigger pump. At your pump flow rate, things could get scary though.
moose13
Bronze Member
I too was going to build a splitter for our Case skid steer.
After much thought i am building a stand alone unit.
For the extra cost its worth not running up hours on the skid steer.
Also sometimes its handy to use the skid when splitting. People do it and seems to work great if thats the route you want to go. My $0.02
After much thought i am building a stand alone unit.
For the extra cost its worth not running up hours on the skid steer.
Also sometimes its handy to use the skid when splitting. People do it and seems to work great if thats the route you want to go. My $0.02
Rio_Grande
Platinum Member
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- Dec 11, 2007
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SWICK GOOD INFO!!
We were discussing this thread in the shop the other day. Friend of mine described it better than I did previously. His statement went something like:
Evaluating the cost to run a loader looking at the fuel cost and degration of the system (using up its usefullness) the only choice is to use a small engine unless the fire wood you are splitting is a profitable endevor. Course playing devils advocate I said well the firewood heats my home and that saves me money..... that spurred a argument/discussion as to weather we (we all burn wood) really save any money burning wood if all the bills were tallied.
Regardless keep us updated. Every time I have this discussion I think how awsome it would be to have a processor mounted on my loader,,, then I come back to reality and realize I only burn 4 cords a year at most.
We were discussing this thread in the shop the other day. Friend of mine described it better than I did previously. His statement went something like:
Evaluating the cost to run a loader looking at the fuel cost and degration of the system (using up its usefullness) the only choice is to use a small engine unless the fire wood you are splitting is a profitable endevor. Course playing devils advocate I said well the firewood heats my home and that saves me money..... that spurred a argument/discussion as to weather we (we all burn wood) really save any money burning wood if all the bills were tallied.
Regardless keep us updated. Every time I have this discussion I think how awsome it would be to have a processor mounted on my loader,,, then I come back to reality and realize I only burn 4 cords a year at most.
