pto driven log splitter

[MadDog]

I have begun pricing out the components for my log splitter. Performance specs (outlined in earlier posts) will be comparable to the Northstar 42 Ton (except mine will be about 30 Ton) 18hp splitter sold by Northern Tool for $5700 and the Timberwolf TW-6, listing (with hydraulic log lift) for $8158 and probably available for about $7-7.5k.

The splitter will have:
8x8 .51"web H Beam, w/welded gussets at all corners,
Hydraulic log lifter on operator's side,
hydraulic 4 and/or 6 way wedge lifts,
5x24 ram cylinder with 2.5" rod ( I am getting a quote on customizing to 3.5" diam rod)for both added strength and retraction speed,
30 Gal Hydraulic tank,
28 gpm 2 stage Barnes hydraulic pump run from PTO,
Double detent valve,
separate valves for log lifter and wedge height.

At present, I have all steel and other parts priced out except the 2 spool valve and small cylinders to run the hydraulic wedge and log lifts, power transmission belts to transmit power from gear box increaser to pump, hydraulic hoses and fittings, and a small amount of additional steel for the log lifter, 3pt mounting frame and far end retractable legs. I am presently at $2320 and expect all parts will come in for under $2600. Oh, I forgot .045" Mig wire, gas and perhaps a contact tip or two. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

$670 of this is for steel and I expect that you could save quite a bit scouring the junk/recycling yards. Everything else is "top of the line" and I am not inclined to skimp on quality operating parts. I am intentionally oversizing the hydraulic tank, although I doubt that the pump is going to be moving anything close to its rated 28gpm very often, or for very long, to help keep fluid temps low in continuous use.

One of the joys of building something yourself is that you can choose, and know, what goes into it and don't have a manufacturer's temptation to compromise quality to cut costs on parts in order to increase profit or maintain a competitive price. Not to knock manufacturers of quality equipment, but they're in business to make $. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The other joys are building and using it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

When I compare what's out there and what it costs, to what I am going to get for what I pay for the parts, it makes building it just that much more fun.

I'm picking up the beam and basic steel next Tuesday and will probably start building the following weekend, assuming that my work schedule allows it. I'm in no rush, anyway. When that happens, I'll start a thread and add progress pics from time to time.

Thanks to everyone for lots of good ideas, helpful suggestions and on-point questions. If this turns out successfully, it won't be just me; I've had a lot of help.

 

[PILOON]

MadDog

I read you loud and clear!

Designing, building in itself is very satisfying but then to have it work as planned is the greatest satisfaction.

To exceede anticipated results, even more so.

My snow plow blade (made from scratch) this fall for my MT180D gave me just that high.

Not only met my hopes but far exceeded them.

I added a small mod (remouvable chain restrictor to over ride the trip springs action) that allows me to 'bulldose' 4 ft high hard snowbanks in 2 passes without loosing stearing ability.

Good luck, and I will follow your project.

 

[rambler]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
Double detent valve,
)</font>

Sounds like a good project you have going. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

No big deal to me & maybe it was discussed before, but it's generally safer to only have detent on the return stroke of a wood splitter, shouldn't have it on the push stroke. As well, they like to pop out anyhow on this type of application.....

Certainly up to you tho, I'm not the safety police. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

--->Paul

 

[MadDog]

Rambler I agree with you that it is safer, and that is probably why that is the way most mfrs build them.

However, it is faster and more convenient to be able to set a log, start the process and have it run the complete cycle automatically, while I am rolling the next log onto the lifter.

No one is going to use this splitter, other than me, so the only fella that can sue me over it is myself. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[1948berg]

I have an old Unimog and fitted it with a hydraulic log splitter using the 540 pto and an old hydraulic pump from a truck. The slow revolving pto and the big capacity pump gives an ideal speed on the splitter. No trouble with overheating. The splitter is mounted in front with a sliding attachment, (self made) A jerry can with hydraulic oil is enough, even if experts says otherwise.

 

[1948berg]

I have read your posts, I live in Norway, and I wonder why not anybody of you talk abouth using the return oil to speed up the splitter. If you force the return oil to fill the pressure side of the splitter, it will move much faster. Less power but more speed. If you need power, just switch the oil into "normal" return, or buy a pressure valve that that will do the job automatically.

 

[ZJ_HR]

Are you looking for something like on pic?

 

[ZJ_HR]

People here only knows for that type of log splitter, and most famous tractor to run it is ZETOR, because it has reverse gear on PTO, in case if log get stuck and not a split completelly.

It is driven @540 rpm, and needs just few seconds to split a log.
My tractor doesn't have reverse PTO gear, but that logs are pretty small and there was not a problem to split them.

 

[5030]

Nice Unimog.

Probably common in Norway, but here in the USA, no. The portal axles are in great demand here.

A great utility vehicle that goes anywhere. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[andyfletcher]

SuperSplit makes the best mechanical splitter in my book. I've used mine for 15 years now.

This works on a 2 flywheel with drive belts that ride the outside rims. When a lever is activated, a pinion engages a straight rack gear that rides the beam until a kicker cam throws the rack out of the pinion at farthest travel of the rack. The rack has a butt plate attached that drives the log into a splitter as per usual. Working pressure on flywheels driven by 5.5HP motor is 25-30000 lbs depending on flywheel and engine. Spring loaded retract time is instantaneous, split time is fast.

The only thing I can bad is their pricey when you total the cost of all components individually. Rack and pinion goes for a measly 180$ a pair, and the machine is $2000 +.

So the best splitter in my book is also the easiest to home build.

Andy