My woodsplitter build from scratch and scrounge.

[Lifted4x4Astro]

I started out by buying the beam, 4" x 24" cylinder and a new 6hp Honda GC190 motor and 11 GPM 2 stage pump. Also included was an old tractor loader valve block with 2 work ports. The beam was built to the point you see here:

I picked up the axle/tires from a buddies scrapped lawn trailer and the tank was scrapped from an old hydraulic test stand from work. Best part was it was 1/2 full of AW46 hydraulic oil.

It took some moving and test fitting to figure out where to mount things...

I ended up with this first edition and split the first 6.5 cords this way:

It worked pretty good except for the valve which was restricting flow and had no return detent position. The cheap Honda motor was loud and vibrated something fierce. Time for a change.

 

[Lifted4x4Astro]

Since I am thinking of building a wood processor down the road I figured I would modify the splitter for more speed and ease of use. The buddy I got the axle/tires from built me a 12hp/5 gpm fixed displacement power unit and we installed that. It was slow being a single stage pump so I went ahead an bought a 22 GPM Barnes-Haldex 2 stage pump and a couple of Prince valves. One valve is for the splitter and the other is for the log lift. We also switched the wedge and foot around so the wedge is fixed and we push the rounds through.

Note: the battery is temporarily there...stole it from the camper!

 

[Lifted4x4Astro]

Last pics for now...

I have since added a second lever to control the splitter valve from the other side and will get pics soon.

The log lift works AWESOME! I set the relief to 500 psi in that valve and the splitter valve is set to 2500 psi due to the cylinder only being rated to 2500. The log lift will easily throw 200# plus blocks up on the beam.

There are a few things I need to change. One is that I should have left the wedge on the cylinder because I am having to handle the split halves on the opposite side an extra time when the fall off. I will either switch it back or add a catch pan. We also tried a 4-way wedge and the little 4" cylinder simple didn't have enough grunt to split everything. I found the wood was getting wedged under the wings and stopping the cylinder dead. Then I spent a bunch of time pounding the pieces off. We also need to lower the mount location for the cylinder. I am finding the beam is getting bent slightly due to pushing too high on the wood. Many times the cylinder push point is above the blocks being split. Just for reference, the wedge is 12.5" tall. Overall I am very pleased with the way it performs. At some point I will go to a 5" cylinder to get more grunt.

Here is the breakdown of costs:
Beam with wedge and foot, cylinder, 6hp engine and 11 GPM pump and dual valves - $400
22 GPM pump, 2 prince valves and 4 gallons AW32 hyd oil - $650
Hoses and fitting were sourced for free ;-) We seem to scrap a lot of this stuff out at work...hehehe

 

[Backroads]

Nice job! What's the longest you can split with it, 20"? I like the idea of the log lift, got any video of it in action?

 

[btj1031]

Wow, that is one mean machine. Thanks for sharing the pics. That's quite a talent to be able to put something like that together.

 

[Jamess67]

Looks GREAT!! Might want to consider some protection for that pump.

 

[Lifted4x4Astro]

It'll split 24" pieces. I cut all mine this year to 20" No video of the lift in action...will see about getting some.

Thanks guys.

 

[myzamboni]

Your tank isn't near big enough :lol:

 

[Jags]

I'll bet that when you lift a large log you can hear those little tires cry for mercy. ;-)

Lookin' good man. I see ya already figured out the the pin positions for the cylinder need to be lowered. That should be a darn capable machine already, and with the changes you have planned, it will be even better.

Nice work!

Edit: Ooh, ooh...one more suggestion after looking at the pics. Since you are have problems with the spits falling and having to pick them back up....Locate the lift and table extension on the same side. The lift can second as a work table, the extension for retrieving splits that need to be wacked again, and it will open up your work area so that your not dodging the lift. Just a thought. Kind of like this.

I am not suggesting that this is the ONLY solution, but it sure does work darn good.

 

[mainstation]

Dude, that Log lifter is a great addition. Good job.

 

[mayhem]

Log lift has me wondering how far can you get it to throw a bowling ball?

I'm forseeing a new sport being born herre.

 

[Lifted4x4Astro]

I bet if I upped the line size from 3/8" to 3/4".... :lol: I bet it would toss a block of wood a ways!

 

[mtarbert]

Ever think about making a drawing and a list of materials and selling them?
I would be interested.
Mike

 

[HeatsTwice]

Do you ever wish you'd positioned the lift about an inch higher on the I beam? This way there would not be so much effort required to get very large heavy rounds (3 foot diameter - 200 lb) that last little ways up to the cutting path.

 

[HeatsTwice]

BTW, I am so impressed with the quality, character and improvisational nature of your project, that I have decided to take a welding class at our local Junior College. Very inspirational.

 

[Jamess67]

I likey!! Kinda wishing mine wasnt vertical and horizontal. that way Id have to add a log lift and see how far I can throw a log. Very cool