Hi hoarders! Basically, I would want/NEED an Eastonmade Axis, it suits the wood I get and how I like to split it. I don’t have the $$ to buy one (approx $16k CAD), so I’d like to make something similar. I plan to build it next year, so let’s see what you have for custom vertical splitters? I also don’t have the time to run a YouTube account and get a free one or one on trial lol. I want: It to run off the PTO on my 55hp diesel tractor (any thoughts here) Fast cycle time 2 stage pump Log lift similar to the axis Conveyor could be added later. I don’t know much about hydraulics, but I’m a half decent welder/fabricator and apparently there is a local Mennonite company that might be able to hook me up with all the hydraulics. So I’m thinking that I could build the structure, and get them to add the right cylinder, pump, lines, tank etc. I would love to see some inspo pics if anybody has built anything similar? Cheers! P.s I split around 80 facecord per year just fyi, to heat my commercial shop and house, and I plan on doing this for a while.
I'll definitely be reading along here...sounds pretty good to me, other than maybe putting all those hours on your tractor...I think I'd power it with its own engine...probably be a lil more fuel efficient that way too.
I know what you mean, this is an old tractor and it's actually really great on fuel, it gets used alot already
Is this a loader tractor? If so, the loader will not be available to move wood if the tractor is powering the processor/splitter...
I have built 6 vertical table splitters in the last 20 years with patience in acquiring components and my own labor the most I spent was $1,500.
Another vote for self powering … Predator (China Honda) too cheap to acquire harbor freight as Black Friday is coming
A two-stage pump actually doesn't speed things up under load. It deliberately "downshifts" to reduce the volume of fluid pumped above whatever the set pressure is because the engine powering it doesn't have enough HP to do it in "high gear". If you've got the HP, order a single-stage pump at the same capacity as the two-stage you want to use (ie: 22GPM) and you'll be rockin' through those logs. If you're building her for speed, you'll need cooling. Plan for either a BIG reservoir/tank or some kind of active cooling. I agree that I wouldn't tie up the tractor just to run the splitter. Loader is too useful. High HP small engines (20+ HP) are everywhere and cheap. Diesels even. Look for derelict municipal/golf mowers or utility vehicles. Fairway mowers get scrapped or auctioned off all the time because they just need too much money in maintenance to carry on. Speaking of fairway mowers - Most of them have big-azz hydraulic pumps with five or more hydraulic motors attached. (You did say 'conveyor', right?) Small lift cylinders, spool valves, fluid coolers, 30+ HP diesel engines.... Look for something big, and old. Plan on new hoses. If the cutting units are good, sometimes they can be sold to offset costs. Worst case, you'll end up with several hundred pounds of clean scrap. https://www.auctiontime.com/listings/farm-equipment/auction-results/218106589/john-deere-2653 https://www.auctiontime.com/listings/farm-equipment/auction-results/206965311/john-deere-3235a JOHN DEERE 3235 Auction Results in Browntown, Wisconsin Here's a beast for ya - TORO REELMASTER 6500D Auction Results in Leola, Pennsylvania
Just getting back to this now, this is a really good idea. I almost picked up a big Toro last year for our lawn for $1500, I regret buying it most days! I will continue the quest, sounds like the consensus is to have its own engine then, I can see that being beneficial now. Really appreciate the thoughts and links.
