Catersplitter fixes and upgrades.

Kevin in Ohio , the swinging log shelf is pretty ingenious. Looks to be a real back saver.

 

It makes working up larger rounds by yourself WAY easier. Less bending over.

 

Did an upgrade for the Catersplitter. Have had issues with the lifting winch over the years. between remotes dying and internal issues with the winch motor I decided to get away from the Harbor Freight 3000 lb and do to a Warn. I ended up getting a Warn VRX 45. I've had it a while and bought it when they went on sale. Figured I'd replace once the old setup gave me fits again. It's rated at 4500 lb so should be even stronger. Cable stepped up to 1/4" as well. Had to drill 2 new holes in the mount as it was a different bolt pattern.



Made up some stainless brackets that used existing holes for the electrical junction and the manual switch/ remote outlet. Tucked it under the back edge for a little protection. For now I looped the extra wire an tied that up. May shorten/tidy all that up once I get some hours on it.



One thing that needs addressed it the remote plug. It has no lock on it and can fall out very easily and I'm gonna trey to stop that before it happens in the woods. Don't know why Warn doesn't have a twist lock or catch but I guess it saved them money. lol



I thought about a spring and hook or a tarp strap system but then thought of something else. I got some longer mounting screws and ran a lock nut up leaving a small amount of thread exposed. Then put another lock nut on the back to keep it all in place.



I then made up a cardboard pattern and transferred that to some flat stainless. Cut the locking slots and did the bends for the finished product you see here.



Now in about a second it is locked in place and will not unplug.



It will also add a little protection. in the future, I may mount the plug facing down but I'll try this for now. I did use the splitter today and the new winch works great. Spools up quicker than my old ones and a lot smoother.