Cheap Splitter Build

[Snagler]

It all started from an old homemade splitter I bought at an auction for $115. It had an old 1950s B&S motor and what looks like a really old hydraulic cylinder and pump.



I bought a little beaver hydraulic power unit for $40 off of CL. The unit runs and pumps fluid.



First test went well. It split wood. It didn't like some wood due to the single stage weakish pump. I need to make 2 big improvements bigger/2 stage pump and an auto return valve. I'm going to try to use the old pump that was previously mounted to the splitter. It is unknown make/model. Not sure if I'm going to disassemble the power unit and mount it all on the splitter or not yet.



Functional splitter for $155 invested.

 

[Isaac Carlson]

I did the same thing. My dad gave me an old splitter, but the ram was bent and the motor didn't run and the pump needed fixing. I got a new ram and lines, rebuilt the motor and pump, put a bigger beam on it and used it for a couple of years. I added a table last year and moved the axle up this year so I could lift the front to move it. I made a new tank this year as well, since the old tank was always sloshing fluid all over the place. The motor and pump are on the side of the splitter and it is a joy to run it now. Table height is 32 inches.

 

[Snagler]

I like it. The table setup looks nice. My splitter definitely needs a few improvements.

 

[Jags]

Cheap splitters are fun to build (see in my sig line). What are the specs on the hydro pump unit (HP, GPM)? Most of those portapowers were pretty low volume. I see some very promising parts available. Toss in a hunnert and change for a properly sized two stage pump and I would bet you have a decent splitter.
For ease of maneuverability I would consider integrating the parts for a single piece of equipment. Unless you have other uses for the mobile power pack, it would seem to make sense.

 

[Snagler]

Cheap splitters are fun to build (see in my sig line). What are the specs on the hydro pump unit (HP, GPM)? Most of those portapowers were pretty low volume. I see some very promising parts available. Toss in a hunnert and change for a properly sized two stage pump and I would bet you have a decent splitter.
For ease of maneuverability I would consider integrating the parts for a single piece of equipment. Unless you have other uses for the mobile power pack, it would seem to make sense.

Yea, I've been having alot of fun with it. I have the pump that came on the splitter that I think I'm going to try. The power unit is 11hp Honda motor with what I think is a 6gpm 2700psi single stage pump. It definitely split wood but had some issues with knottier pieces.

 

[Jags]

The power unit is 11hp Honda motor

Oh...that is just screaming for a 16 GPM two stage pump (technically you could go to a 22 GPM pump, but those pumps are at a bit more premium price).

 

[bad news]

I've got one of these going on right now as well. I paid $200 for this splitter last spring and we split about three cords with it this year. It's a Chinese Honda clone powering a Williams in-tank hydraulic pump with built in valve. They're connected by a V belt. I brought it in the shop this winter to build a table, install an 8hp Tecumseh a friend gave me, and fix a few small things.

 

[xman23]

You know in the long run this is not going to be cheep for what you have. Fun and a challenge, yes.