In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Self propelled log splitter

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by the GOAT, Aug 26, 2014.

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  1. the GOAT

    the GOAT Banned

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    I've decided to build a new splitter...and the wife said ok...

    I have been toying with the idea of a built rite/timberwolf clone. But I don't need it to be road towable so I was thinking of using atv or lawn tract tires for better flotation in the mud. Which got me thinking -- why not make it self propelled?

    Anyone got pics or suggestions for inspiration??
     
    the GOAT, Aug 26, 2014
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  2. Well Seasoned

    Well Seasoned Administrator

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    Well Seasoned, Aug 26, 2014
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  3. Hedgerow

    Hedgerow

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    No pics, but I like the concept... If it could pull a trailer too, it would be very cool...
     
    Hedgerow, Aug 26, 2014
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  4. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    First question Mike, why are you splitting wood in the mud ? :confused:, Maybe take at the DR wagon also... http://www.drpower.com/power-equipment/haulers/powerwagons/ They have some pretty cool stuff, but you could incorporate their drive system into your log splitter:cool:. I thought about that, but you may need two engines or a power take off with one good size engine. That may be a fun project:cool:, lot's of beer would be consumed on that one...:drunk::cheers:
     
    WeldrDave, Aug 26, 2014
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  5. the GOAT

    the GOAT Banned

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    The trailer would be great -- have the splits fall into and then drive to the stacking area.

    My first thought was to convert an old lawn tractor. But I don't want it to be too red neck and I'm not sure if the transaxle from a box store mower would hold up to the weight.
    image.jpg
    I'm thinking something like a self propelled stump grinder with the splitting beam hanging off the back end. Instead of the grinding wheel.
    image.jpg
     
    the GOAT, Aug 26, 2014
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  6. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Looks like a fun project to watch being built Mike... :popcorn: ... :yes:
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2014
    Stinny, Aug 26, 2014
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  7. the GOAT

    the GOAT Banned

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    Of course the easy answer would be to buy an old lawn tractor to leave hooked up to it all the time, but where is the fun in that?
     
    the GOAT, Aug 26, 2014
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  8. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    You already have the powerplant. Just use a couple of hydraulic motors and a diverter. Should be fairly simple.
     
    concretegrazer, Aug 26, 2014
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  9. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    Thats what they all say, "FAIRLY" simple:rofl: :lol:…. Oh how I've invented that "MANY" times:rofl: :lol::whistle:…. Ok Mike…:popcorn: Nice CG!
     
    WeldrDave, Aug 26, 2014
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  10. SquareFile

    SquareFile

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    What about starting with a ARGO
     
    SquareFile, Aug 26, 2014
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  11. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    Let's split wood in the lake!:drunk:
     
    concretegrazer, Aug 26, 2014
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  12. GRIZ

    GRIZ

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    2nd that
     
    GRIZ, Aug 26, 2014
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  13. nate

    nate Banned

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    I don't see why it wouldn;t. Even the el cheap yard tractors hold up to 250+lbs of azz sitting on them going up and down hills for years and years.

     
    nate, Aug 26, 2014
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  14. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    The real simple question is why not bring the wood to the splitting/stacking area? ATVs and UTVs are already much better in rough terrain than anything you or I might easily/inexpensively build. You could tow the splitter in and haul splits out in the UTV.

    If you wanted to make a splitter/trailer better in the mud, wide or even dual floatation tires would do wonders.
     
    MasterMech, Aug 26, 2014
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  15. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I'd be looking for something old and HEAVY if he was to go that route. None of the cheap lawn tractors manufactured in the last 30 some years are going to be heavy enough to be any good for pulling a 1000lb splitter in rough trails.
     
    MasterMech, Aug 26, 2014
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  16. the GOAT

    the GOAT Banned

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    I'm not planning to take it on trails, just around the yard.

    I do bring the rounds to my splitter but my wood pile is a couple hundred feet long. So it would be nice to be able to move it forward a few feet at a time without having to hook up a tractor.

    I'm thinking maybe a regular trailer with a jockey wheel tongue jack with a hydraulic motor. It would give the best of both... Be able to tow it or move it around the yard without a tractor.
     
    the GOAT, Aug 26, 2014
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  17. Gary_602z

    Gary_602z

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    Buying new parts you won't be able to build a splitter as cheap as buying new. Been there done that::) But it does give you a satisfying feeling. If you don't already have a tractor how about something like a Ford 9n and a store bought 22-27 ton splitter ? Give you something to plow your drive,etc. Should be able to do it for about 3k or less.

    Gary
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2014
    Gary_602z, Aug 26, 2014
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  18. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    You're going to need a way to disconnect the drive for towing. Either a hydro relief or mechanical disconnect.
     
    MasterMech, Aug 26, 2014
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  19. BrianK

    BrianK

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    Last edited: Aug 26, 2014
    BrianK, Aug 26, 2014
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  20. jetjr

    jetjr

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    Quick connects for the hydraulics and join the male and female together. Just re circulates the fluid. No problems thus far.
     
    jetjr, Aug 27, 2014
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