Portable Hydraulic power unit

ahlkey · Dec 17, 2009

I am considering buying a portable hydraulic power unit and would be interested if others have experienced good success with them. My thought is that I would load it in my pickup truck and use it to power a log splitter, a log grapple/trailer, etc.... In so doing my tractor would not have to be used on these equipment as often. They seem rather expensive at 2K up but not sure what model or brand is the best choice. Any suggestions from building one myself to specific manufacturers would be appreciated. I need at least 6 GPM mininum.

kennyd · Dec 17, 2009

Look at any factory made logsplitter for an idea of how to make one yourself...
You need:
A engine
A pump
A filter
A cooler
A tank
A valve
Hoses and QD's.

You probably would not save that much money if your time is worth anything.

JB4310 · Dec 17, 2009

I've wanted a hydraulic concrete plunge cut chainsaw for awhile now,
For specialty concrete cutting indoors.

Could afford the saw but not the power unit

ICS, Portable Hydraulic Power for Your ICS Concrete Saw

These are the saws.

ICS, 853 PRO SERIES

Northern has non industrial models for decent money.

Hydra-Buddy XL Portable Hydraulic Power Pack  8 HP Honda GX Engine | Power Units | Northern Tool + Equipment

jb.

Wayne County Hose · Dec 17, 2009

6 GPM? Buy a cheap log splitter, run qd's off the valve, and you are in at less than $1200. Or, buy a motor, pump, valve, tank, and filter block and assemble it for even less. If you need help, I could spec out some Northern part #'s. If you have any fabricating abilities you could fab up a real nice, compact unit for way less than 2 grand.

Andy

ahlkey · Dec 19, 2009

I would like to get about 8 GPM to run the log loader/grapple as anything less pulls it down a lot. After looking at the HydraBuddy it doesn't seem like it will produce enough GPM and overall not sure of the quality. The one advantage is I could pick it up at northern tool and eliminate shipping. Any other manufacturers that one might suggest to look at? At this point if I can get one for under $2,000 I believe it is best to buy rather than build.

J_J · Dec 19, 2009

ahlkey said:
I would like to get about 8 GPM to run the log loader/grapple as anything less pulls it down a lot. After looking at the HydraBuddy it doesn't seem like it will produce enough GPM and overall not sure of the quality. The one advantage is I could pick it up at northern tool and eliminate shipping. Any other manufacturers that one might suggest to look at? At this point if I can get one for under $2,000 I believe it is best to buy rather than build.

You might think about this a little more. Do you want log splitter ability, like 11 GPM at 650 pis, and 3 GPM at 2500 psi all the time. It could work, the log splitter would work just fine. and if you hooked it up to a grapple, the 11 GPM might be a little fast. You can control that with a valve, or run the engine slower. Only needs 5 HP.

If you want 3000 psi, and about 8 GPM maximum, the engine requirements are a little different. To pump 8 GPM, at 3000 psi, you would have to have a 16 HP engine, but you would have the 3000 psi for the power.

And all the other stuff like hoses. QD, valve, reservoir, maybe wheels.

Some time ago, Sears had a combination log splitter, and it a hyd pkg that did what you want. Had the hose, QD's, valves, etc.

If you already have some of the stuff you will be ahead. If you build it as a log splitter, you might be disappointed with it doing other things, where as, the 16 HP , pumping 8 GPM at 3000 psi will do it all.

Just some stuff to think about.

ahlkey · Dec 19, 2009

J.J. , these are very good points. Actually running the logsplitter is only a minor consideration but I have other hydraulic equipment that I could use as well if I had a unit. The primary (90%) use would be with the log trailer/grapple I run today from my tractor with a 7.6 GPM but getting more power/speed would be great. I know someone who has the same set up as I do and they just upgraded their tractor set up/pump to run as high as 12 GPM with good results. The log lift grapple can lift 2,000 lbs at full 16 ft length and at least 3,500 or so close in next to the trailer. I did find someone yesterday who has a 13 HP engine running at 2100 PSI getting close to 7 GPM so you might be right that a 16 hp may be necessary. Thanks for your comments and have a nice holiday.

JB4310 · Dec 19, 2009

How about a pto driven pump? I don't know much about them but have heard of them, you'd have enough HP I assume.

ahlkey · Dec 21, 2009

I don't believe a PTO setup would work for me as it needs to be portable and that would complicate things more and make it more dangerous. I did find out from the factory that a 2.5 gallon tank with 7.79 GPM and 2300 PSI is what they recommend. Therefore, it might be possible to pick up a log splitter that could give me that specifications. The only problem I guess would be how to regulate the output so it doesn't exceed 2300 PSI or drop below it. Any thoughts there?