log splitter

[Wolfking42084]

can anyone give me some of their ideas on building a rail splitter to split locust stakes. i have discussed many options with people, but just need some hints from real life people who have done it. i have a 30hp kohler off a small bearcat chipper, an axle and access to plenty of iron. just wondering what you all would use for a hydraulic pump, ram diameter/length, etc. thanks

 

[mga]

have you done a search in this forum on that?

 

[turnkey4099]

Lots of discussions on building splitters. A search should turn up at least a couple threads. There is basically no difference between a wood and a rail splitter. The rail splitter will need a much longer ram (around 7 ft at a guess) plus the longer armiture to run on. Power/pump valve - no difference.

Harry K

 

[drmiller100]

something worth considering is that it is a lot easier to bend a loooong beam then a short one.

keep the ram close to beam centerline. keep the points of contact close to the beam, or you might bend the beam.

consider using a "taller" beam in cross section. a mobile home frame rail might be a good idea.

 

[turnkey4099]

something worth considering is that it is a lot easier to bend a loooong beam then a short one.

keep the ram close to beam centerline. keep the points of contact close to the beam, or you might bend the beam.

consider using a "taller" beam in cross section. a mobile home frame rail might be a good idea.

Add to that. Put a 'hold down' strap over the nose of the cylinder to keep it from rising off the beam under pressure. We build a 'long (about 6') one to push one piece of 3 1/2" tube inside a 4" square tube as a stiffener. First time out, the nose lifted and bent the rod almost 90 degrees.

Hmmm...thinking about that, the 3 1/2 probably wouldn't fit in a 4" tube. Must have been a 3". Been over 20 years ago.

Harry K

 

[Wolfking42084]

hey guys,
thanks for the advice...anything is a major help