Log splitter #3 Lots of build pictures

[A.E. Metal Werx]

Ground clearance looks lacking, and the engine is in harms way from anything that might get kicked up from a tire. Hoses should be secured as well.

I'd like to see it demonstrated, because that cage looks hard to use with big rounds. To me, it seems like you'd be leaning over it and reaching to lift splits all the time.

Ground clearance has never been an issue with the one I currently use and its been hauled around in places that it really shouldn't have. As for the engine in harms way from tire debres you are right to a point. It's nice to have the engine down low to keep it from being top heavy. With that being said I probably have close to 500+ miles on my current splitter and the engine still looks good. As for the log rack, some may have to lean over but I'm only 5'9" and again no issues, with that being said though either side rack can be removed for convenience if wanted. I find the rack to really be nice when a truck is backed right up to the rack, just roll the round off onto the rack and split away. As for the hoses, pressure feeder hose and return are kept loose for when it is used in the vertical position.

I know every man likes his own set up, I've used this style for a few years now and like it and anyone who has used it really liked it also.

 

[Jim Timber]

Like I said, I'd like to see it demo'd - maybe I'm way off base.

6" of ground clearance at my place wouldn't fly. Iowa's a little flatter than my neighborhood though. :msp_tongue: I have 100' of elevation change across the narrow width of my property, and I'd be concerned about the engine pump digging in going over ridges, as well as the tank getting battered from the rocks.

It really does look good though. I just question some of the design characteristics.

 

[nstueve]

Tank will hold approximately 11 gallons, 8 in there now.
The step wedge acts like 3 stages. Instead of a full 10" of wedge trying to cut into a piece of wood all at once this starts to crack it open and then the full length takes over and last it really pops it open. Makes a say 20 ton splitter be able to do the work of a much larger. (More efficient) for the stubborn wood that is.
Engine is a Briggs 11.5 torque and pump is a haldex 2 stage 16gpm pump.
The prince valve dowse auto return and is fully adjustable.

Thanks for the compliments.
If someone at the gtg is interested I'm sure we could work something out...

you missed my #5 and #6 question... sorry i edited...

 

[Nosmo]

Your Splitter Build

What a beautiful job - it is really great.

I think I know the answer to one of the above questions about the double edged wedge. I wish I had one of those on my splitter. The front part of the wedge begins the split and the upper section will finish splitting and ripping apart stringers on larger diameter rounds.

Thanks for posting the work in progress photos.

Nosmo

 

[Blazin]

Excellent job!!!

 

[tomtrees58]

looks good but the oil filter is in a bad spot move to the side or you will drop wood on it

 

[A.E. Metal Werx]

looks good but the oil filter is in a bad spot move to the side or you will drop wood on it

It's under the log rack. 2 years on mine and no issues yet.. (Yet is a key word)

 

[Henry and Wanda]

Hello,
That splitter is awesome.....the welds are beautiful......you are a real craftsman....you should be very proud of your work !!!!!!!!






Henry and Wanda

 

[dave_dj1]

Your work looks great and I wish mine was as nice. One question though, how difficult is it to operate with the axle/tank racks in the way? It looks like to me that I would be constantly twisting around the tank and then having to lean over the rack.
Looks amazing and I can only wish that mine turns out as nice.

 

[A.E. Metal Werx]

Your work looks great and I wish mine was as nice. One question though, how difficult is it to operate with the axle/tank racks in the way? It looks like to me that I would be constantly twisting around the tank and then having to lean over the rack.
Looks amazing and I can only wish that mine turns out as nice.

I typically work right behind the tank and beside the "passenger side rack. The lever is in easy reaching distance and there is no having to reach while handling the wood on the splitter. I may add that having the rack there has saved the "family goods" more than a few times...

 

[dave_dj1]

I typically work right behind the tank and beside the "passenger side rack. The lever is in easy reaching distance and there is no having to reach while handling the wood on the splitter. I may add that having the rack there has saved the "family goods" more than a few times...

That's always a good thing :msp_w00t:

 

[johncinco]

Very nice work, and some well thought out ideas. Like you said, everyone has their own design preferences. Those aren't mine.
That double rack would have to go. Bending over the rack to reach the wood would kill me. I'd move the engine further to the front, and the whole rail further to the back of the axle to keep it balanced out. Then I would have room to stand directly in front of the log being split and not at an angle. I'd also bring the controls further towards the reach so I am not stretching to reach them. This would also keep the split wood from falling onto the nice caps and gauges you put on there, once it starts to stack up after splitting. That double wedge is a neat idea, I have not seen one used but I would like to see how that works. Also like to see that compared to a simple tapered wedge that starts at the bottom and tapers away towards the top. Might work just as well, and a lot less work involved in building. Full size tires and getting that up higher would be on my preference list as well. When you get old you'll appreciate that as well.
I'd like to see a design some time that uses the ram as a flat plate pusher, and the wedge as stationary. That way the wood gets pushed through the wedge, then out and onto a table to simply falls to the ground. I hardly never split and stack wood at the same time, I just drop it to the ground then stack it all at one time, shutting the splitter down.

 

[A.E. Metal Werx]

Looks like I will have to try and post a video of the splitter in action. Regarding the racks and controls, there is no reaching involved, also the rack protects the filter and gauge. As for the pusher being on the ram it's cant work for my design, it wouldn't be able to go virtical that way. The engine is mounted back further to keep as much weight over the tires to help while towing.