8 way skid loader splitter

just wanted to post a few pics for your viewing pleasure. I built this splitter from some steel I had laying around.

a view from the seat


I'm still working the bugs out. and it doesn't like elm or really stringy stuff, or crotches. but straight grained oak, or cherry, or ash, that's around 18-25" dia, it works well. the 35-40" dia rounds usually have to get split 2-4 times. the most stubborn crotches take several attempts. perhaps a bigger cylinder is in order?? its a work in progress. but its helpful.

 

Sweet setup.

 

lol. thanks. its kinda crude looking but it works... er well kinda. I broke it several times.

 

That is awesome! I sure wish I could afford/justify a skid steer.

 

just keep an eye on the local classifieds. I bought that skid loader for about 6k. its really an investment of "what is your back worth to you?" I figured my back is priceless so 6k is comparatively cheap. .... OR... honey what would you rather have? a crippled up husband or a warm house? remember, its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

 

I'd like this ten times if possible!

 

Are the wedges a36/grade 50 material? If you have problems which I wouldn't be surprised if welds start breaking use t1 steel, aka a514 with er100s wire, that stuff is MUCH stronger.
Anyways looks great! If it gets the job done that's all that matters!!!!

 

Do you have any more detailed pictures of the splitter? I bet that my cousin would be interested in building something like that for his skid steer.

 

sure 10 bucks. lol. jk. I can try to take a few more.

 

Thanks I appreciate it!

 

Idk for sure the grade of the steel since I scrounged it. but its harder than a36 I can tell that just by hitting it with a grinder. thanks for the tip on the wire though.

 

COOL!

 

I should build some type of protection for the hoses. until then I just have to be careful.

 

I also dump grease into where the push block slides. also I think the key to the splitter is staggering the wedges so the log splits 2 ways travels about an inch then those 2 get split into 4. and so on.

 

this video was kind of my inspiration for this splitter.

 

here is a similar splitter. I was cringing at 38 expecting him to break a hydraulic line.

 

Those work nice, wonder if having someone position the rounds would be faster?