Log Lifter

[My Oslo heats my home]

I have asked around in various threads of ways to incorporate a log lifter onto a vert/horiz splitter. I have seen some home made versions and the ones that come on the splitter itself. Does anyone have any info on any aftermarket setups or do it yourself ideas involving hydraulics?

I'd prefer using the horizontal as much as I can, but the weight of the logs after say 18+ inches is just too much.

 

[Jags]

Its the vert/horiz option that complicates this. The only real viable way I see to do this, would be to make the lifter a detachable option. Do-able, but a bit more complicated.

2 pins at the pivot point for the lift. A pin on each end of the cylinder and quick disconnects for the hydro hoses. Probably could be built so that removal was a 60 second dealio.

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

Its the vert/horiz option that complicates this. The only real viable way I see to do this, would be to make the lifter a detachable option. Do-able, but a bit more complicated.

2 pins at the pivot point for the lift. A pin on each end of the cylinder and quick disconnects for the hydro hoses. Probably could be built so that removal was a 60 second dealio.

I'm sure the lift itself would be sort of considered a partial work table when it's in the up position. It will also limit the work to one side of the splitter, which I don't think would be a problem. To do the research I'll need a new hydro valve, hoses with quick connects, a plan for fabrication and an idea on how to attach it when it's needed.
What can a typical lifter pick up? And, what size log is too big?

 

[BrianK]

This is what I did on my splitter. Harbor Freight truck bed crane welded to box that serves as both the axle and hydraulic fluid tank. The manual hydraulic jack could be replaced with a small hydraulic cylinder.

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

interesting....thanks for posting

 

[MasterMech]

Most lifter setups I've seen will log way more log than you're going to want to split horizontally. Keep in mind that you will need a kickstand of sorts to keep the splitter from flipping with the big 'uns on it in horizontal mode. Also keep in mind what happens after that round is split and be prepared to deal with big heavy halves that will want to fall off the beam unless you have an operator side work table as well. Have you considered using the parts you have on your current splitter to build a horizontal only machine? Lower the beam height a bit, move the axle back to the end of the beam and possibly even convert to a wedge on the beam setup.

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

Have you considered using the parts you have on your current splitter to build a horizontal only machine? Lower the beam height a bit, move the axle back to the end of the beam and possibly even convert to a wedge on the beam setup.

Good suggestion, only thing is I would have purchased a horizontal only style splitter had I known there was a way to log lift the big ones. At the time of purchase I had no way of knowing if this was something I could do. And for the price of the units that do have the LL I just couldn't afford them.

 

[xman23]

This is what I did on my splitter. Harbor Freight truck bed crane welded to box that serves as both the axle and hydraulic fluid tank. The manual hydraulic jack could be replaced with a small hydraulic cylinder.

Brian, I see what your doing to get around the splitter not being able to go vertical. But that flat out looks dangerous as well as a big job. As that thing comes apart look out below it.

 

[BrianK]

Brian, I see what your doing to get around the splitter not being able to go vertical. But that flat out looks dangerous as well as a big job. As that thing comes apart look out below it.

I'm not sure what could come apart unless you're referring to the log tongs dropping the log. It's rated to lift a half ton. We only use it when there are two of us, one to grapple and guide the log and one to crank the winch and guide the boom.

 

[xman23]

I'm not sure what could come apart unless you're referring to the log tongs dropping the log. It's rated to lift a half ton. We only use it when there are two of us, one to grapple and guide the log and one to crank the winch and guide the boom.

Besides any part of it letting go as your hoisting the log into place, I was envisioning the splitting action now having two pieces to deal with. Below I was thinking of my feet. So may times I am horizontal splitting, much smaller pieces and one piece lands on the big toe.
I'm sure you have it well thought out and you are being careful. Just saying there's a lot of weight there, that's hard to control.
Nice job with the hoist!!

 

[BrianK]

I was envisioning the splitting action now having two pieces to deal with. Below I was thinking of my feet. So may times I am horizontal splitting, much smaller pieces and one piece lands on the big toe.
I'm sure you have it well thought out and you are being careful. Just saying there's a lot of weight there, that's hard to control.
Nice job with the hoist!!

Thanks. We just use it to lift big rounds into the splitter then move it out of the way. On big rounds we peel off the outer layers and let them fall and keep spinning the big round and peeling off the outer layers till its small enough to manage. Then we split the outer layers on the ground. It seems to work for us. I let my 17yo son man handle the big rounds on the beam while I run the splitter and move the splits. We don't often split rounds big enough to utilize the hoist but when we do I'm glad its there.

 

[Shari]

Here's an example of an add-on for my Didier splitter which was created by a posted on hearth.com for me:

Bascially it is a cage that rotates within a cage. The whole thing is detachable, held on to the splitter with 2 pins. Granted, the splitter is not moveable with the lift on but then again my splitter stays in my yard.

It is powered by a 12v winch.

 

[Jags]

This represents one method of connecting a lifter to the beam. Similar to Shari's just a bit different:

 

[Shari]

Jags,

Your lift is also powered by a 12v winch, right?

 

[Jags]

yep. I think that is where Triptester got the idea.

 

[triptester]

Yup, Jags got me thinking and Shari already had the winch on a trailer so I made the winch mount so it could be used on both.

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

Here's an example of an add-on for my Didier splitter which was created by a posted on hearth.com for me:

Bascially it is a cage that rotates within a cage. The whole thing is detachable, held on to the splitter with 2 pins. Granted, the splitter is not moveable with the lift on but then again my splitter stays in my yard.

It is powered by a 12v winch.

I like the idea. I have a couple of questions; how much can the winch lift? How does the winch work with the cradle? are there any limitations?
thanks for posting the pic

 

[Shari]

In action:

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Son, on left, trying out Mom's new 'toy'. First and last time he ever split wood.

 

[Shari]

When you asked about limitations, I assume you mean weight limitations of the cage. You would have to ask the designer ( ) but I haven't found any limitations to date.

The winch itself I believe is rated @ 1500-2000#.

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

When you asked about limitations, I assume you mean weight limitations of the cage. You would have to ask the designer ( ) but I haven't found any limitations to date.

The winch itself I believe is rated @ 1500-2000#.

The video made a huge difference, thank you very much! I saw the car battery to power the winch and I like that the lifter is its own unit and can be detatched when the work is done.

 

[Machria]

This guy did it to a dual way splitter, but you can easily do the same to any other splitter. I asked him if he wood make me the same unit (for $), he said no, too busy... Anyway, if you can weld, easy enough to make. Make the "basket" fasten to beam, get a second piston, a few hoses and a dual control valve to replace the single. I can't figure out for the life of me why nobody makes an affordable one. Add as a 3 or 400 dollar option to a 22 ton unit. I'd buy in a ny minute.

I'd also love to have a lift instead of flipping vert for the big guns. I split a cord and a half today, all big urns 35 to 40" very green oak (aka heavy as can be). Was no fun just trying to maneuver the rounds onto the foot. I couldn't even lift the 1/2's. had to qtr before I could muscle them into truck. Would have been nice to use a lift instead.

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[My Oslo heats my home]

This guy did it to a dual way splitter, but you can easily do the same to any other splitter. I asked him if he wood make me the same unit (for $), he said no, too busy... Anyway, if you can weld, easy enough to make. Make the "basket" fasten to beam, get a second piston, a few hoses and a dual control valve to replace the single. I can't figure out for the life of me why nobody makes an affordable one. Add as a 3 or 400 dollar option to a 22 ton unit. I'd buy in a ny minute.

I'd also love to have a lift instead of flipping vert for the big guns. I split a cord and a half today, all big urns 35 to 40" very green oak (aka heavy as can be). Was no fun just trying to maneuver the rounds onto the foot. I couldn't even lift the 1/2's. had to qtr before I could muscle them into truck. Would have been nice to use a lift instead.

I'm glad you found that video, it's exactly the idea we were looking for. I was actually online earlier tonight looking at 2 port hydraulic valves. The cost could be a factor, I might have to collect the parts over time and put it together maybe next spring. The other thing was making the basket detachable for transport, making the lift come off with pins and maybe hydraulic couplings. Something along those lines.

Thanks for posting

 

[Shari]

Just a couple of comments on that last video:

The hydraulic lift seems too jerky to me - too fast - causes the entire splitter to wiggle/jump. If you had a large round on that lift I could imagine the round coming at the operator too fast and possibly rolling off the beam/possibly causing injury to the operator. I like my winch operated lift as I can control the lift very well.

Two way splitter? Sure, it would save time but then again in the case of the above video the operator is tossing splits from his right over to his left to the pile. After awhile I would think your arm would get tired from all that airborne wood tossing. Again, I like my receiver table - split, slide and stack in the yard trailer - all in one direction - nice system for me. YMMV (your mileage may vary)

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

Just a couple of comments on that last video:

The hydraulic lift seems too jerky to me - too fast - causes the entire splitter to wiggle/jump. If you had a large round on that lift I could imagine the round coming at the operator too fast and possibly rolling off the beam/possibly causing injury to the operator. I like my winch operated lift as I can control the lift very well.

Two way splitter? Sure, it would save time but then again in the case of the above video the operator is tossing splits from his right over to his left to the pile. After awhile I would think your arm would get tired from all that airborne wood tossing. Again, I like my receiver table - split, slide and stack in the yard trailer - all in one direction - nice system for me. YMMV (your mileage may vary)

The only part of the hydraulic system that I really liked was that it could be made into a self supporting system. And the point you made about the jerking when the log is being raised did catch my eye too. My reasoning would be to take the splitter to more remote locations and just run the engine.

How long does a battery last before charging when using your hoist?

 

[Shari]

I can't really say how long the battery lasts - all I can say is it's never run out during use. Don't forget, the battery is only used for transversing the 3' +/- 'up/down'. There is no battery use once the cradle is in the 'hold' position.

If I don't feel like lugging around the battery then I have used a small power inverter like this http://www.farmandfleet.com/product...nverter-with-battery-clamps.html#.UistSsYqiSo which again seems to last forever.