wheel horse log splitter?

I was going to run a three point log splitter off my tractor but opted out of rear remotes for some stupid reason. I have a homemade 3pt log splitter with valve and quick connect hoses. My new thought is to buy a hydraulic pump, tank and hoses. I have an older 12 hp wheel horse lawn mower that the motor is good but hate the way it mows. my thought is to use this for the motor for the pump. I like to keep things motors inside as much as possible so I thought this would be a good ideal. anyone ever do or try this? any recommendations. will post pic of splitter soon.

 

Im always up to thinking about re-engineering things !! Sounds like an interesting idea

 

Yep, it will work just get a large enough 2 stage pump and you will need a lovejoy coupling and the bracket to hold the pump to the motor. Check your mounting holes to make sure they will line up.

Gary

 

Its a 12-8 model. its the 12 hp kohler off hand not sure if its a k or m. seems like it should be a fairly easy build.

 

Its a 12-8 model. its the 12 hp kohler off hand not sure if its a k or m. seems like it should be a fairly easy build.

 

You can say that again!

 

Vertical 12hp should be "good" for about a 16gpm pump. The couplings as noted above - Lovejoy is a manufacturer of this style, the are available in varying shaft/key sizes through Grainger or elsewhere on the web, as for adapter you may need to drill some new mounting holes or fabricate your own.

If I were attempting this I'd fabricate the reservoir linear with the beam - get a piece of 16gauge bent on a brake to a c-channel and weld it straight to the base with fitting welded on for suction/return.
Welding skills aside - I'd actually go 1/4" plate for the reservoir to make it bullet proof
I'd try to mount the engine/pump forward as it will swing out the back in brush - if this is a foot pusher splitter would make life easier by loading splits straight into a trailer.

 

Man some good ideas coming my way. I was thinking of taking hood and front off and mounting tank in front of engine.

 

A 12 hp engine should run a 22 gpm 2 stage pump. Just have stay with 3/4" lines.

 

your right i was figuring a mobile power unit. run hyd. drill, tamp etc... as needed. already thought about the front mount but did not think about running lines to the back. Not worried about removing it but a darn good idea. Already figuring on removing hood and front. Like the pulley idea had thought about it but was not sure how to determine pulley size for pump. yes it is horizontal with pto pulleys. like the idea of being able to move it around without the pump constantly running. could still pull small trailer and other small lawn attachments.

 

it would run like a scalded dog but maybe a little to much for my intentions. good thought though.

 

If you go larger than a 4" bore cylinder, you will want the increased flow. If using a 4" cylinder then go with the 16 gpm which will give you around a 9 sec cycle time. For the 16 gpm you can use 1/2" lines.

 

I found a decent deal on a speeco 16gpm 2 stage pump. I think this is what I am going to go with. Anyone have any info on this brand of pump.

 

I found a decent deal on a speeco 16gpm 2 stage pump. I think this is what I am going to go with. Anyone have any info on this brand of pump.

I like the idea of the beam as reservoir but the beam is actually and old piece of railroad track. I am not a great welder by any means and as much as I hate to say it would rather buy a tank than trust my welds.
What size tank do you guys recommend?

 

If it is a reservoir designed for hydraulics that has baffles which causes a better mixing of oil/oil cooling 10-12 gallon will work. If it is just an empty "tank" then 16 gallons. Remember to leave air space at the top for expansion/contraction of oil or you will be blowing/splashing it out of the vent/breather.