Didier splitter rebuild

[mtnwkr]

Picked up this Didier MF26 two weeks ago for $200 in non running condition. I got it running pretty easy and split some 3' chunks of old, dry maple with huge knots that my buddies splitter couldn't handle. I decided to build this thing back up and I'll post my progress here.

 

[mtnwkr]

I stripped off what I could and spent hours degreasing and cleaning and prepping for paint. Getting years of oil and crud off was a challenge! I wiped her down with acetone and rolled on a coat of Rustoleum rusty metal primer.

 

[mtnwkr]

The engine ran, and ran fine but was old and tired and full of dents and rust. Time for a re-power! Had a coupon for the $99 HF honda clone. The extra HP couldn't hurt anyways.. I filled up the fluids and set it on a board and pulled the cord. Fired up on second pull and sat there humming along. Much quieter and should work well. The old Lovejoy coupler will be an exact fit.

 

[mtnwkr]

Here is how it sits tonight. Rolled on the coat of rustoleum semi gloss black. Will match my trailer build I'll let it sit baking in the sun for the next few days while waiting for the filter assembly and deciding what to do about the tiny fluid reservoir. The last owner replaced the control valve a year ago with an auto return. It sure works nice..
I still need to pull the wheels off and paint them. Luckily the tires seem to be holding air just fine.

 

[mtnwkr]

I pulled off the brass guilds that attach to the slide as they were worn and grooved and allowed for a lot of slop. I took them into work and trued them up on the mill. This is a common wear problem on these splitters. Should be good as new now, wish I had gotten a before picture but if you have one of these splitters you know what I'm talking about.

 

[sawjunky23]

$200 was a steal, the resto is looking good so far, keep us posted, I have a homemade splitter that looks very similar. It actualy belongs to my uncle who built it a long time ago but he doesn't use it anymore. My only complaint is it sits so low to the ground.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Looks like it's only knee high? Wouldn't be too tough to make a lift kit for it.

 

[husqvarna257]

Is the new motor on it yet? When I was in the market I almost got a Harbor freight but I saw a motor for the same price at Home depot on line with a 3 year warranty, not a 90 day. On the other hand I hear the HF motors are just finee

 

[mtnwkr]

It is low, but I decided to leave it that way rather than modify it. I'm trying to keep the costs less than I could have bought a newer one for. I figure I can run one end up on ramps or work off the side of my trailer.
I purchased a filter kit, still need to find hose barbs that will work. So far I have about $345 in this thing.

 

[mtnwkr]

I got the engine mounted up. The Lovejoy coupler fit up perfect. I mounted the brass slides, they now fit tight. Real tight, but I'm sure they'll wear in with the first stroke or two. I cleaned up the old tank for now. I suppose it's worked well enough this long...
I have my filter assembly, I'll pick up the hardware I need and some new fluid tomorrow and get everything running soon!

 

[mtnwkr]

Finally got it all finished up. I got the filter plumbed in, new low pressure hoses, wheels painted with silver Hammertone paint. I like that paint as it hides imperfections well. I modified the muffler heat shield so it would blow the exhaust up and away and then powdercoated it to match.
50lbs of air in the tires and a full tank of gas, I should be set to go for a while!

 

[mtnwkr]

 

[backhoelover]

damn that thing is sweet

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

You sure that clear tubing is rated for the heat? I'm sure with such a small tank that oil gets pretty darn hot.

Proper suction line is pretty expensive ($10/ft for 1.25" was what I recently paid)

 

[mtnwkr]

It's rated for 175* F and listed as safe for hydraulic line use. I doubt it'll see temps much over that. The fluid itself starts breaking down around 200*. Split for a while, stack for a while as it cools, split, stack, repeat.
Didiers only use 5/8" ID tubing.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

I guess keep an eye on it. I've never seen that type of hose used on a splitter before.

Generally speaking hydraulic systems and even the cheaper hydraulic oil are ok until about 250*, though normal temps should be in the 150-180* area.

My splitter has a 5 gal tank and it will get hot enough that you can sizzle spit on the cylinder rod.

 

[Erik B]

You did a good job on the rebuild. Should give you years of service.

 

[mtnwkr]

The small Hydro fluid tank was bothering me. I scavenged the steel and stainless fittings and welded this up. I only had to buy the breather/filler cap, $20.
It's 8x8x14". It should give me 3.875 gallons, with the sump and return hose barbs further apart, for better cooling. I'll get it mounted up this weekend and snap a few more pictures.

 

[mtnwkr]

All finished up(again). The tank came out well! I also fabbed up a handle to the front for moving in and out of my trailer and around the yard easier. I added a stiffener between the old mount on the I-beam and one of the open holes on the side of the new engine. It removed ALL of the vibration that the motor had. New Gates hose replaced the clear/braided hose I had before. I also modified the muffler to redirect the exhaust up and away instead of at the filter/hoses, and then powder coated it black again.
A lift kit is next on the list, the top of the beam is only about 16" off the ground as it sits now. It's nice when I have Big Wood but most of the time it's just hard on the back.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Any reason to have the return on the tank not toward the top?