Been shopping for over a year for a 30"+ splitter. Last winter I was about ready to pull the trigger on Northern Tools horizontal 37 ton when it was on sale. I procrastinated too long got busy and was no longer on sale . I was a little hesitant at spending $4K on a splitter anyway . Fast forward to a month ago I had my heart set on an Allwood but they wouldn't return my email questions. Then almost pulled the trigger on a Hudson but didn't have time to go look at one. Spring to early winter is my busy season so I decided to put the purchase off till next winter. Ran into this on Craigslist for $275 a couple weeks ago. Got time today to take the hour+ drive today and a build is in the work. Found a Honda GX 390 and 22GPM pump kit for $970. Gonna add some gussets,box in the beam ,make tripod legs at 36" (I'm 6'5" and have to bend over for everything built for the standard human) and add a table. Remove the 3 point hitch paraphernalia and add fork pockets so I can move it with my loader or skid steer. Awesome to find a cheap base to start a build project.
Get it on being a little taller than the norm. People just don't realize how far it is to the ground. I like the fork attach idea. Did you consider running off skid steer hydraulics? I would like to see one running off high flow and see what the speed is like. The normal hydraulic speed isn't that great from what I've used on 3 point units.
That's very cool that you know how to fabricate like that. If it doesn't come with a set of instructions, I am lost. I wish I had more skills when it comes to working with small motors and such.
Good find JustWood. Good luck on the build man. I wish I could weld and fabricate. But I always enjoy seeing you folks that can build your projects. Luckily I have a few places around that can weld/fabricate.
Working height and log length were my biggest priorities on the splitter purchase. Speed really isn't an issue but I can't justify in my mind and wallet running a splitter with a high dollar skid steer motor/pump. Did some measuring when I got home. Cylinder is 5.5" x 30" . 2" ram. Beam 6.5"W x 8"H x 10' L I'm liking the fact there's a lot of beam beyond the wedge . Room to fab up a nice big table. This is an ideal build base for my needs.
Log splitters are actually probably one of the easier things to build. If I can rig one up with just some help from a buddy doing the welding, anyone can.
The table is key in my mind. Keeps everything in easy reach. My next project is to add a log lift. Already have the steel and a cylinder just need to get the time and find the value body I want.
Any hydro experts see any benefit to removing these reducers and going with bigger supply and return lines on the valve body ???
One benefit would be getting rid of a ton of joints, looks like it was a use what's on hand to make it work kind of deal.
I have to replace the supply and return lines anyway. They are dry rotted badly. I think I'll remove the reducers and use bigger lines. The tank I'm looking at has 1.5 and 2" fittings so it will be that much less of a reduction on the tank end. It definitely wont hurt the flow that's for sure.
Good to hear from you, Lee! Looks like that's gonna be a stout and kick-azz splitter! Looking forward to the build!
bigger lines and fittings less friction = less heat build up, + pick up just a little speed in the process
I would remove those fittings and just get hoses with the correct ends on them made up as you said. I could be wrong, but those look a lot like plumbing fittings and not hydraulic fittings anyway. Fine on your return side but I would not want them on the pressure side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=KdXzaGFkWfU If I won the lottery and could afford a play toy, this one would be high on my list.................
I agree with the "looking like plumbing fittings" and the "GET RID OF THEM" Black iron and galvanized are rated for +- 350 psi. when they let go it can be exciting at the least and the worst is in Google pics. Another thing is to never check leaks by running any part of your body by where there could be a leak, a piece of cardboard works much better.
