Splitter

[joewilshire]

I'm making a log splitter and just wondering if a plastic tank is suitable for the hydraulic fluid, or should I get a metal tank?

Thanks.

Joe

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

I would definatly use a metal tank.

 

[Soundguy]

You -can- get plastic hyd sump tanks.. but unless this unit has a built in oil cooler.. I'd deffinately agree with Kennyd and go with a metal tank for better heat disipation.

Soundguy

 

[RonMar]

A metal resovoir will also have welded in fittings. Many are available with an oversized one down low on the side(1 1/2") to screw in a suction strainer right into the side of the tank.

 

[joewilshire]

I've seen splitters that use the frame/housing as a tank. Any ideas about this?

Thanks.

Joe

 

[joewilshire]

I forgot to mention, I'm using a 11 gpm pump with a 6.5 hp motor. I've read where you need at least the same size tank as the gpm's, but the frame type ones I've seen don't look like they can hold that much fluid.

I've also seen some that don't have a filter.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Joe

P.S. I have a new 3PH splitter that I'm using for this project. I DO NOT have a tractor to drive it. Trying to make this splitter and saving $ by using a pump I just bought (11gpm) and a gas motor I already have.

 

[ToadHill]

I built mine with a 11 gpm pump. a 5.5 hp motor and a 7 gal steel tank and it works well. I usually run it for about 1.5 hours at a time. (thats as much as this old body can take)

 

[ovrszd]

Joe had emailed me about the tank size and I responded to him but wanted to add my comments here as well.

I used a 21 GPM PTO pump. I read several articles that said to use a reservoir equivalent to the pump output. So I used a 19.5 gallong tank. That was a waste. I only added 15 gallon of oil and it barely gets warm. If building again I would use a 10 gallon reservoir with my 21 GPM pump. My splitter was big enough to fit the tank without problems but I just think it was excessive.

I don't think I'd be comfortable with a plastic reservoir. I'm just old fashioned that way. I'd fear vibration breaks or stupid human tricks like knocking a hole in it. My steel tank holds a strainer and my filter plumbing.

 

[scott_vt]

Afternoon Ovrszd,
Darn that splitter looks good ! I gotta paint mine Farmall RED maybe that will make it look better !

 

[ovrszd]

What????? It's not already Farmall Red Scotty????? I am shocked!!!

 

[ovrszd]

One more thing Scotty,,,,, I wish you'd change that Avatar, makes me cold!!!!

 

[scott_vt]

What????? It's not already Farmall Red Scotty????? I am shocked!!!

Afternoon Ovrszd,
Nope its HD Orange

BTW the snow scene should keep you nice and cool now

 

[joewilshire]

I have the gas engine ready to mount and the pump should be delivered today. I put the oil filter adapter on along with the filter. I'll be taking and sending some pictures soon.

Joe

 

[joewilshire]

The engine is mounted now. The pump has been delivered.

QUICK QUESTION??? When a pump turns clockwise to work, is that looking from the spindle end or the opposite end?

Thanks.

Joe

P.S. There are no markings on the case indicating direction.

 

[joewilshire]

The splitter is complete and works. I used a 5 gallon, thick plastic container for the reservoir. It does get air in it...I think adding more fluid would help.

I will be posting pictures soon, and disassembling for paint.

Thanks for all your help with this guys.

Joe

 

[john_bud]

Joe,

Good work. The air may just be from the cylinder. Did you extend and hold then retract and hold a few times? That's needed to purge the air out.


By the way, My Ford tractor has a 23 gpm pump and a 5 gal reservoir from the factory. You'll be fine.

Uh, you do have a pressure relief in the system - right?

jb

 

[joewilshire]

The pics are here. I've since changed the fuel tank and, umm, tires/wheels since these pictures. LOL I'll get some new shots soon.

Joe

 

[MikesTractor]

I can't understand why you would want to change the tires. You should have turned the white letters out, though. What kind are they? B. F. Woodrich.......

 

[ToadHill]

I think they are FF Fred Flintstone.

 

[J_J]

I've seen splitters that use the frame/housing as a tank. Any ideas about this?

Thanks.

Joe

Yes, build the frame to hold the hydraulic fluid, it will dissipate the heat better than a plastic tank. I would recommend a 2 stage pump also.