Ram Limiter for Ariens Splitter?

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Chuck the Canuck

Chuck the Canuck

Feeling the Heat
Oct 10, 2012
416
Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick, Canada
Hi. After a few years browsing the forums I've come to understand that some people are able to limit the distance that the ram returns on their splitter. I run an Ariens 27 ton splitter and I was wondering if there was a way for me to jig the machine so that it only retracted enough to leave approx 18" or 19" instead of the standard 24 or 25"? And is this a good idea, or are their potential problems associated with doing this? The machine has a permanent spot in the shop and is never left outside. I don't know a whole lot about hydraulics and such, but I'm always keen to learn something new and give it a go, so long as I'm not in danger of ruining my equipment.... :-)

Cheers
 
I don't think there is a way to accomplish what you want. The valve return detent system works off of the pressure the system creates when the ram reaches its fully collapsed position. I could be wrong though..
 
Or just get a new ram?
 
claydogg84 said:
I don't think there is a way to accomplish what you want. The valve return detent system works off of the pressure the system creates when the ram reaches its fully collapsed position. I could be wrong though..
Click to expand...

Well that's a bummer... but it's not the end of the world either. I was just thinking I could speed up my splitting time/efficiency a little bit and maybe get ahead of my helper; I split and he stacks, and he gets quite the smug little smile going on when he has to wait for a few minutes while I fill up the wheelbarrow...... :(

You know, with my luck, if I got the ram set to open 19" I'd probably run into a bunch of wood that was 19.5" long...... ;lol

Cheers
 
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claydogg84 said:
This is an option, but pricey. I think your best option would be to have either a wedge extension fabricated, or a new wedge altogether that meets your desired length.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that might be a workable solution, have a wedge extension fabbed up, preferably one that would slip on easily over the existing unit......... Right on Claydogg! :-)
 
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How about if you shoved an appropriate length split between the back of the wedge and the end of the cylinder? Would it build up enough pressure to pop the valve detent? If it works, you could replace the split with a sleeve or something so the force is evenly distributed around the cylinder... maybe a piece of PVC or drainage pipe with a slit cut down the length so you can fit it over the piston.
 
How about a piece of wood on the foot? Like, a nice squared-up piece of oak.
You could duct tape it on if it moved.
 
Yeah, those are a couple of good ideas... are you sure it wouldn't cause problems to restrict the ram from fully retracting? Cheers
 
Chuck the Canuck said:
Hi there. So would I just attach those to the ram shaft? Put on as many as necessary so's the open space between the knife and the end block would take something along the lines of 19" round of wood? If so, that's a pretty slick (and a pretty simple) solution.....
Click to expand...

Yes. They attach to the shaft and simply dead head the cylinder at whatever length you want. I've never seen/used them before, but they look like they will do the trick.
 
Sweet. I'll have to see what they be costing up here in my neck of the woods.... Thanks again for all the help!
 
I imagine you could also use a short length of schedule 40 PVC, cut in half lengthwise, put it around the piston and attach it with some hose clamps. Probably free if you've got that kind of stuff lying around.
 
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Just be careful with those ram limiters. On some cylinders the wiper seal is very close or even slightly set out from flush of the face. You don't want anything that will be constantly pushing on that seal. Just something to take a look at.

Another solution would be to drill a hole in your beam where you want the shuttle (or shoe) to stop. Drop in a half inch bolt. You could even have a couple of different holes (lengths). The kickout on the valve is usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 to 900 PSI. Not a lot in splitter terms. I would recommend keeping it as close to the center web as possible just to keep the side loading to a minimum.
 
I made an adjustable stroke limiter for my Huskee 22 ton.
The concept could be adapted to other brands.

[Hearth.com] Ram Limiter for Ariens Splitter?
 
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