Splitter (re)build help

[ryjen]

While planning some maintenance on my splitter, I started thinking about maybe doing some upgrades, but I'm not well versed. I'm thinking of adding a log lifter to my splitter as I'm not getting any younger.
My first question is should I plan on a new engine to power the addition? I currently am using a 5HP briggs, which works fine for now but will probably need replacing in the next couple of years. Since the lifter and splitting will be done at separate times, would I need a more powerful engine than 5HP?

 

[pen]

what kind of splitter are you working with now? Splitters tend to hold their value pretty well if in decent shape. (Check out your local craigslist to see what things are selling for/advetised for perhaps) Any consideration to selling the one you have and looking at a unit that is already setup to do both?

What sort of log lift add-on are you looking at?

 

[triptester]

No you do not need a larger engine to add a log lift. The log lift only needs a fraction of the power used to operate the splitter.

 

[mike van]

One thing to be aware of is the log lift I built has a 2" bore ram on it, with the 11 gpm pump, it is really fast, you can easily send a 100 pound chunk of wood right over the beam. I've gotten used to it, and just feather the lever. If however you have helpers [I never do] you may want to add a flow control valve, just for safety.

 

[ryjen]

I've considered buying all new with the lift already there, but there is a side of me that would rather save a crap ton of money by utilizing the knowledge of this forum and building on to what I have. As far as what I'm working with, it's a homebuilt. I call it the "Seeworgoo" because that's what the little Latino man I bought from kept saying. "Ci, it wor goo". All I know it is has an old Briggs 5HP, and a 2500 PSI Prince cylinder. Other than that I'm clueless on. But it does "Wor goo".

I rarely have helpers, but what I have seen around the interwebs have shown what is basically a "log catcher" on the other side that keeps the log from going over the other side of the beam. But thanks for the heads up on the control valve.

 

[Jags]

There are also unit that have log lifters built in, but they are typically on pricey units. No reason you can't do your own.

 

[Fifelaker]

A bigger engine will not give you any more power. Hydraulics only need enough power to spin the pump, in this case +-3,600 rpm. More HP will not spin it any faster as the governor will keep it at 3,600 rpm. There are valves that you can adjust the flow so you don't pitch the round into orbit. You also need a valve that has a "power beyond" port so you can run the two in line. And also use fittings that can stand the pressure (3,000 PSI) not black iron (+-500 psi) They can turn into a pipe bomb.
I have seen the cheap engine hoists incorporated into log lifts also. I was going to do this on my old splitter, instead I bought a H/V splitter so I just go vertical instead. I like the weight of my 22 ton Speco as I can move it by hand and more weight would make that harder.

 

[scooby074]

no need for a bigger engine or anything other than a spool and hoses.

The point about restricting flow to the cylinder is a good one. Nobody likes a log catapult.

Heres mine I bulit