I grew up using a 3pt splitter running off the hydraulics on my dad's IH 464, it worked, but was never strong, or fast enough for my liking. So now that is 30 minutes away, I want my own. This will likely be a fairly long drawn out build for several reasons: -I am on the road for work about 50% of the time -The other 50% I don't seem to have much shop/ woodlot time -I am making sure I pay cash for all parts Before anyone says I will be farther ahead to buy off the shelf- you are probably right, but here is my reasons for building: -I have or can salvage/ build most parts -It is less painful to nickel and dime over time -My wife will support this route Here is what I hope to end up with: -A strong fast splitter -Log lift -Possible addition of conveyor for loading splits int truck/ trailer My original plan was for a 2-way splitter, but I think I am abandoning that plan for a 1-way as my design just would not have been ergonomic So this what I have to start with: -Engine- 16HP Vanguard V-Twin -This cylinder is...Interesting, I will likely buy something new, it is a 3" bore with a 2.5" piston (I think?) I wonder what it came off? -The pump that came on the old splitter is some PTO unit, I will likely sell it and buy a 28gpm 2-Stage -The old valve I will keep for the log lift and buy a new 32gpm for the main cylinder. -I am keeping the full size wheels and tires, possibly adding suspension
That cylinder could be lightning fast with a big pump (and big ports) but would only be about 7.5 tons (at 3k PSI) if it's a 3" with 2.5" bore...which would split most wood, but some gnarly stuff would probably stop it. I went with a 4" cylinder, and it rarely needs more than 1000 psi to do the job (which is a little over 6 tons of force)
I really should be working right now... I have decided to ripoff the Wolf Ridge design. Starting with the basic splitter, making sure that works, then add on the log lift, table, etc. I know I will have some money into this for sure, but most/ all of the steel and hydraulic lines I have or will be "salvaged" from the "scrap bin" at work. I have the engine, main beam, and first cylinder, I can upgrade later if needed.
I think you're going to want the beam a lot higher off the ground, even if it means more design and fabrication work. That thing looks like a real back-breaker! Although I guess it would certainly be easier to load heavy rounds, being that low. LOL. I'm anxious to see the finished product!
The sketch is just the concept, and the rusty splitter was just picked up because I thought I could make it work- turns out it was not worth my time. The final will definitely be at the proper height with an eventual log lift. That was one nice thing about my dads mounted on a 3pt, was the ability to lower it down for big logs and roll them on, break them up, and raise it back up so you were not stooped over.
My brother built one that the axle rotates around/up/down so the beam can be laid right on the ground to roll a biggun up on, and then hydraulically raised up to working height...pretty handy
