log splitter build

[ktowne030311]

Hey guys, this is the build I'll be working on over the next couple weeks. Need to get some hoses made up. Picked up the frame for $100 from one guy,  the anker-holth hydraulic cylinder for $80 from another, and the engine, Barnes hydraulic pump, valve, and resivour with filter for $275 From another elderly gent. I found and bought these parts on craigslist.

Honestly this is going to be pretty legit. You would think homemade, and assume all cobbed up. This will be just as good, if not better then a store bought machine. What do you guys think?

  

  

  

 

[beenthere]

What do you guys think?

You asked..  ;D
For lightweight splitting, looks like it will work. The frame in the first pic looks like the weak link.
But time splitting on it will be the real test, and the only important one you need.

[ktowne030311]

The frame is from one of the "rapid splitters". It does look cheap in the picture, but I assure you it's not. The challenge is going to be cutting the CRAP off the back, right above the I beam. Then I have to extend it 1ft

[beenthere]

As long as you are "assured".   ;D 

... and it isn't a DR product. ;)

[ktowne030311]

It isnt? I wonder who makes it then. They guy I got it from called it a "bull gear splitter" but when I Google it, the rapid splitters came up.

I couldn't build a frame like that for a $100 or less. I thought it was a hell of a deal.

[Hilltop366]

I'm not sure why, but my second hand 3 ph splitter does not have a very big beam but it has not been a problem, one thing that is different on this one than a lot of other splitters is the cylinder is attached to the beam from the gland end of the cylinder. I kind of like this for the reason that it is much sturdier than a cylinder that attaches at both ends when fully extended (1/2 the distance between attachment points).

Perhaps that is the same reason the beam does not have to be as big?

A short stick is harder to flex than a longer one of the same size.

The Beam is aprox 6"x 6" 42" long, it is made from 2 pieces of sheet steel bent in to a "C" and welded together.



  

  

  

 

[21incher]

I have to agree with beenthere about the beam looking a little lightweight for the type of splitter you are building using a rear mounted cylinder. It will all depend on your system pressure. It should be easy to beef up when you extend it. A plasma cutter or torch will easily remove those brackets.

[gspren]

  ktowne, what size is the cylinder?

[ktowne030311]

@ gspren end to end it's 33". Shaft is 1 1/2". Not sure what the stroke is

[ktowne030311]

Anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of hose and fittings I'm going to need and use?

[21incher]

Anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of hose and fittings I'm going to need and use?

It will really depend on your system pressure and the fittings on the components you are using. Surplus Center has a good selection of hydraulic fittings and hoses in their catalog with pressure ratings. I would avoid plumbing store black iron fittings on any of the high pressure lines and add a filter in the return line and a screen on the supply line.