Started the log splitter build

[roofman]

Reading all this i might build one myself...Finding bits cheap enough is getting harder these days, everyone has access to mobile internet and when you go mooching for bits (pump,ram,etc) and ask how much,they jump right on there phones and see the trend..its killing finding mugs with good gear who can be hoodwinked

 

[Mikey D]

@8ob, it's got a back actor/ backhoe running off the tractor hydraulics as well as a front loader , the backhoe needs approx 2000 rpm for max hydraulic power/ speed . To test the flow do I just run the hose into a drum and time it?

118 bar 23 litres /min is not much I guess but it's only a 19 hp engine

Kubota B8200 ( bought off your pal @sako243

I suppose I could fit a hydraulic pump to the PTO shaft but ££££ with tank ,filters etc that's if it's gutless / slow off the tractor hydraulics .

 

[addjunkie]

@8ob, it's got a back actor/ backhoe running off the tractor hydraulics as well as a front loader , the backhoe needs approx 2000 rpm for max hydraulic power/ speed . To test the flow do I just run the hose into a drum and time it?

118 bar 23 litres /min is not much I guess but it's only a 19 hp engine

Kubota B8200 ( bought off your pal @sako243

I suppose I could fit a hydraulic pump to the PTO shaft but ££££ with tank ,filters etc that's if it's gutless / slow off the tractor hydraulics .

View attachment 363751

The splitting head needs to be guided by the rsj or they twist and bend on unevenly cut logs.

 

[8ob]

@8ob, it's got a back actor/ backhoe running off the tractor hydraulics as well as a front loader , the backhoe needs approx 2000 rpm for max hydraulic power/ speed . To test the flow do I just run the hose into a drum and time it?

118 bar 23 litres /min is not much I guess but it's only a 19 hp engine

Kubota B8200 ( bought off your pal @sako243

I suppose I could fit a hydraulic pump to the PTO shaft but ££££ with tank ,filters etc that's if it's gutless / slow off the tractor hydraulics .

View attachment 363751

Flowrate and pressure is in line with or a tad better than the typical honda engined powerpacks and they will power a log splitter without a problem. I would have the splitting deck at waist height and a foot operated auto return mechanism built into the spool control valve, its easy stuff to rig up and leaves two hands free to do battle with the chogs.

Bob

 

[Mikey D]

Thanks Bob and @addjunkie
Yea I'll fabricate a guide on the I beam / rsj to hold the splitting head in line .
Bob You suggested those hoist / runway wheels , I think I could use metal shielded roller bearings with say 12 mm bore , and use M12 bolts/setscrews as the "axle" for the bearing/wheels for want of a better word ?

Cheers guys

 

[Mikey D]

Yea I'd put 3 point linkage points ,so I can vary the height easily , flow fit do a auto return valve , not sure how the foot operated set up would work tho?

 

[123hotchef]

Thanks Bob and @addjunkie
Yea I'll fabricate a guide on the I beam / rsj to hold the splitting head in line .
Bob You suggested those hoist / runway wheels , I think I could use metal shielded roller bearings with say 12 mm bore , and use M12 bolts/setscrews as the "axle" for the bearing/wheels for want of a better word ?

Cheers guys

I cant wait to see this build I need to fix mine

 

[8ob]

Yea I'd put 3 point linkage points ,so I can vary the height easily , flow fit do a auto return valve , not sure how the foot operated set up would work tho?

Auto return using standard parts is simple.its just basic rods, linkages and a spring which can all be home grown, you can also build in an adjustable return to stop the ram fully retracting each time, makes splitting different length logs a lot quicker.

Heavy spring makes the adjustable return the default position.

Same set up I used on the folder/press I built.

 

[Mikey D]

Bob you are a legend and a ,mine of information

I'll source a used ram first there one on the bay but it's only 13" stroke which would do at a push .... Just about

I'll put the build on here hotchef if you don't mind ? Or could do a new thread ??
Cheers Mike

 

[123hotchef]

I'll put the build on here hotchef if you don't mind ? Or could do a new thread ??
Cheers Mike

The choice is yours mate

 

[sako243]

All this splitting talk is fine but perhaps it's because I'm still young(ish) and stupid but I find a sharp axe and an old Defender tyre I can split stuff faster than it'd take to manhandle the stuff onto a splitter. Mind you I don't have that many knotty bits so not too bad, the knotty stuff I just simply chuck a big chainsaw through and it doesn't take long.

What I find "tedious" is the continued re-handling of stuff, neighbour has it down but then he's got quite a few concrete yard spaces that make it simpler. Brings all the logs back to the yard and runs them through his sawbench / splitter on the back of the tractor, then simply uses the front-loader to scoop them up and tip them into a barn. Then when he wants a load of logs for the house does the same thing - drive tractor in and pick up a scoop and bring it to the front door.

 

[123hotchef]

does the log go inside the tyre?

 

[Mikey D]

The small stuff I'm using a splitting maul/axe , this splitter is for big knoty stuff , I'm in my twilight years(54) now ,so too much hard labour is out

 

[sako243]

Yes, well up to 16" but I do have a 19 and 20" from the RR for bigger logs if I need them. Basically stand the round inside the tyre and just start swinging the axe. It stops it all falling over (within limits) so you don't have to keep bending to put unsplit pieces back up.

 

[123hotchef]

Yes, well up to 16" but I do have a 19 and 20" from the RR for bigger logs if I need them. Basically stand the round inside the tyre and just start swinging the axe. It stops it all falling over (within limits) so you don't have to keep bending to put unsplit pieces back up.

Great idea mate I have a few tyres 14 inch and 16 inch

 

[8ob]

You can make log splitting easy if you set things up properly, old stillages or breathable dumpy bags are key to reducing the double handling. An upright splitter with a decent size table the same height as the top of a stillage or dumpy bag frame , split and sweep the logs straight into the stillage/dumpy bag where they will dry, no double handling.

Bob

 

[sako243]

All provided your drying / storage setup accommodates being able to move those with ease. Unfortunately here in Wales rain comes all 6 directions so a simple roof over the top doesn't usually suffice.

Although in hindsight I'd have built my log shed the way I'd intended but second guessed I'd use part of it as a garden shed. Then I needed space for the logs so it's now to the ceiling almost of logs just thrown in because I can't use the JCB to move them. Seriously considering taking the chainsaw through the roof to make a flap so I can tip bucket loads in.

 

[gaz1]

then they will be a pain to pull them out one by one where fingers will get trapped by falling logs

im surprised that you dont make a large enough shed for 2 icb tanks full of logs that can be lifted using your jcb even a 3 height icb tanks would be ample enough with enough lift height above to get them

 

[fizzy]

I am lucky I no longer need to split logs but my old Clarke LogBuster 4 ton job did me proud. Spilt some seriously big logs - some as much as 30" diameter

 

[gaz1]

icbs stored on pallet racking

via shed on the right or below use barn type sliding doors to get to the wood

Steel/Tin shed

You could always fit a rollcage to the new one Lol. I am not really worried Bout protecting a new one. I am asking for the 2 trees within falling range to be felled anyway. Problem is even finding one of these damn sheds locally. Even the ones listed as in Birmingham are shipping only and...

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