Log splitter build

Mike I wondered the same thing about strength. I'm lifting at a 6 - 61/2 foot radius and have lifted all the splitter can handle without turning over even with outrigger ( you can see it in 2nd pic right behind wagon) but I'm not sure at a 9 foot radius you are wanting to work at. Loads on the bearing would be so much greater it makes me wonder. Will get some close up pics for you if you can wait a few days.

 

I'd add too that the 9' radius work area has a way of getting twice that sometimes when you've got a log ya gotta get, and you pull hard at an angle. That's the same as having a larger/longer boom. I always try to build stuff I think will be 2x as strong as I'll need... and, I still break things...

 

Did you find a powerplant yet, Mike? I was thinking about your build the other day and was wondering if could use an old dozer? Probably not realistic to find one cheap enough but you could use a worn out drive train with a gas or diesel motor and lots of hydraulics there.

 

Also, what do you have for a welder?

 

I'm kind of leaning to a harbor freight Chonda. For the money they are hard to beat. I've wasted a bunch of time in cl looking for deals on used stuff. But it's beginning to seem like just buying new stuff will be easier and cost effective compared to what people are asking for crap.

I thought about using a vertical shaft engine out of a riding mower. But people want $200+ for old abused mowers with unknown hours and likely no maintenance. For $275 I can have a new side shaft 13hp Chonda.

I believe with a 28gpm two stage pump if I stay under 2500 psi 13hp will be enough. With the 5.5" cylinder I'm planning to use that will give almost 30 tons of force.

 

I have a everlast 200amp dc stick welder.

 

I feel you on that one some people seem to think you should pay enough to replace what they are selling. I did the same when I bought my tractor. Found a bunch of used ones with unknown history and ended up buying a new one.

 

You are right, they are 22HP, 670cc, 4000RPM, Electric start, V-twin:
http://www.harborfreight.com/22-hp-670cc-v-twin-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epa-61614.html

 

Now that's funny.

 

That's the rumor but I haven't see one yet... I'll probably get one if they do. But a twin adds to the cost over just the engine price because it doesn't come with a gas tank and I'm not sure if it will have a muffler.

But I was using the formula of

GPM times Pressure /( 1714 times efficency)
Or
Gpm x pressure x .ooo7

High speed

28x650psi/(1714(.85) = 12.5 hp
The pump is adjustable to go into low flow between 5-750psi. 500 psi would require 10hp and 750 would be closer to 15hp

Low speed (7gpm at 3600 rpm)
7gpm at 2500psi = 12.25
7gpm at 3000psi = 14.6 hp

...so the real question is how much does the hf Chonda really put out? It's a 420cc version of the of the honda gx390 which is rated for '13 hp'

 

Must be really new... I didn't see it on the site last week... $525 after 25% off coupon.


There were pre release sales flyers showing it for 799 list, 599 on sale. Looks like they decided to raise the price by $100 .

And I'd have to get a battery because it doesn't have recoil start.

 

You are right on the battery, but looking at the picture it appears to have a muffler.

 

I'm planning at least a 4 way all the time so the cut off pressure for low flow isn't a big deal for me... Won't be a big difference between 500 or 650.

Honda no longer calls the gx 390 " 13 hp."Probably a result of the class action against small engine mfr's. It has a rated output of 11.7 hp*
*The SAE J1349 standard measures net horsepower with the manufacturer’s production muffler and air cleaner in place. Net horsepower more closely correlates with the power the operator will experience when using a Honda engine powered product. The power rating of the engines indicated in this document measures the net power output at 3600 rpm (7000 rpm for model GXH50, GXV50, GX25 and GX35) and net torque at 2500 rpm, as tested on a production engine. Mass production engines may vary from this value. Actual power output for the engine installed in the final machine will vary depending on numerous factors, including the operation speed of the engine in application, environmental conditions, maintenance and other variables.



Harbor freight doesn't list a spec hp rating. Just use 13hp in the marketing name. Other ebay sellers of the Chonda 420 claim 14,15 or 16 hp...

IF the 13 hp rating is accurate it should do what I want unless my math is flawed. I'm far from an expert.

I don't mind spending the extra on the twin if it's needed. But I'd be spending more up front to have higher fuel costs.

 

So I've been going back and forth with a guy on cl for a few weeks on a craftsman gt18 without a mower deck. He wants $225, finally got him to agree to 175. But then he emails me that I'll need to bring a battery because for 175 he's keeping the battery...

He had already agreed to $200 with the battery which is going to be at least $40