I was getting into the same position, older, small big box splitter for 10yrs, needed something with a lift and table. I chose to build my own. I gathered ideas from the TW-LS and WR-28C to create my version.
WR-28C & 35C – Compact Commercial Log Splitter
Tech Specs, and
(my version)
Honda GX390 13HP engine
(17.5hp vanguard)
12 volt electric start with Interstate battery
10 amp charge coil for running auxiliary 12V items
(17amp)
22 GPM hydraulic pump
(23gpm)
25 gallon hydraulic tank with cartridge return filter
(20gal)
Prince auto cycle valve (prince, manual retract with detent)
Magnum big bore package with 12 inch tall push block
(4.5" cyl, 12"sq push block)
Bronze self lube slides on push block
(steel slides with grease fittings)
In-house welded & fabricated splitter beam
(w8x40 I-beam)
31 inch beam height
24 inch stroke length (30 or 36 inch optional)
(24in)
Hydraulic log lift included – 450lb lift capacity
Hydraulic wedge height adjustment
Optional sorting table extension available
(43" x 43" sorting table, 1.5-2" open space between slats)
Optional hydraulic oil cooler package available (no)
Removable 4 way wedge included
(no, 1045 bevel edge knife 12-24")
NEW! Optional Power Beyond package (
yes/no, open center power beyond exits the auxiliary valves, into the main valve)
Includes 2 section hydraulic pump
(2 stage)
Includes hydraulic oil cooler package
(no)
Control valve with forward / neutral / momentary reverse
(no)
20 foot hydraulic hoses with flat face connectors included
(no)
Removable draw bar with 2 inch hitch ball coupler
(hitch reciever both ends)
45 MPH recommended max towing speed
4.8″ x 12″ rims, 21” radial tires, Dexter hubs and spindles
(old hay rake hubs, spindles and wheels)
Fits into pick up truck bed or small trailer, 4′ x 8′ over all size
Weight: 1400 LB
(1900lb)
Things I wanted:
Electric start
Large hydraulic tank. 20gal tank with 23gpm pump, long sweep fittings, creates about a 30deg hyd fluid temp rise over ambient.
A large outfeed table 43x43. My stove handles 23" pcs. It's nice to have enough room to run a log through, yet also room to pile the splits temporarily. Slats and all other parts spaced 1.5" apart lets bark and debris fall through.
Heavy duty log lift, with a smooth surface and no braces to get in the way. Also acts as a work table. A heavy pc can be slid around easily.
Comfortable beam height. 31" is about right. No bending or leaning over.
Hydraulic controls that are centered. Can operate while splitting on one side, or while loading logs on the lift on the other.
Hydraulic main valve is not auto, but manual retract with detent. I didn't see a benefit going with an auto retract, with added cost and more plumbing. Walking away stacking or what ever while the thing is splitting didn't seem right.
An extendable blade that can be raised to sever a white oak round clear through. Blade is hardened 1045 bevel edge like we use on loader buckets. Previously I spent sooo so much time trying to get white oak and all it's nibs to break apart. At the moment not using a 4way, and not sure how that would work on white oak that holds together any way it can.
An area where a round can be cradled, like a work station, regardless where the lift is up or down.
A large push block size with something on it's face to grip with. No pcs slide away from it because it's too smooth or the grip is weak.
4.5 dia cylinder, a compromise between high tonnage and high speed. 2000psi = 16ton, 3000psi = 24ton, 3500psi = 28ton. So far the lower rate is working.
The machine is heavy. This isn't something to wheel around by hand. A WR-28c and TW-LS are 1400lb, mine is 1900lb, a County Line is around 600lb. I could move the county line by hand, barely, not the others.
