need details for Honda engine / 16 gpm pump log splitter upgrade

[Persiman]

Hey, good evening. I've had great success with my DHT 22t hydraulic splitter with 4" cyl. Repeatedly pleased and amazed. Currently it's apart for a couple repairs, and I'm persuaded I need to upgrade the Kohler 6.5 and 13 gpm pump to a Honda GX270 XQA (8.5 hp) and a 16 gpm pump. Main question is the bracket that mounts the pump to the motor. DHT offered 2 versions, one for 22t, 27t, which both used the same 6.5 motor and 13 gpm pump, and a second bracket they used on the 28 and 35t models, running Kohler 9.5 hp and 17.5 gpm. I can still get the bigger bracket as an oem part for DHT, but how do I know if it's what I need between the Honda and the new pump? I see much cheaper pump mounts in other places.
I am familiar with the Lovejoy connector and reckon it can be configured in the necessary input / output shaft sizes.
fwiw - I went through all the DHT specs, and they used the same 1/2" fittings on all their cylinders, and the same hoses and control valves on all their models. Larger models are rated with higher fluid capacity, but I don't know if they have a bigger reservoir or if it's just cuz the larger cylinders hold more fluid. Anyway, I take that to mean there won't be flow issues going to 16 gpm on my unit.
I'm doing this to get faster cycle time, and because it's better.
So, should I get the bigger DHT pump mount bracket for $65, or can someone name a pump and bracket that will mate to the Honda?
Thanks!

 

[triptester]

The bracket required depends on the engine shaft length. The Honda GX270 as well as the Kohler 6.5 have many variations of shafts , if the shaft lengths are the same the pump bracket shouuld fit.

 

[sean donato]

The bracket doesn't depend on shaft length. Only time that becomes an issue is if the crank is already too short. It's normal to cut the crankshaft down to mate to a pump. General purpose engines have been like this since their inception. Kohler, Briggs, Honda all have factory published procedures for cutting cranks down to size.
The brackets depend on pto side bolt pattern on the engine and mount style of the pump.

 

[Del_]

Going from 13 to 16gpm isn't much of an upgrade.

Unless the 13gpm has gone bad.

 

[Persiman]

Going from 13 to 16gpm isn't much of an upgrade.

Unless the 13gpm has gone bad.

what gpm and corresponding hp would you suggest? I could easily go with DHT's 17.5 gpm pump and 9.5 hp Kohler by matching their oem parts, but I would still have my 4" cyl whereas they used 4.5 and 5" cyls with their bigger engine. I'll stay with the 4" cyl for cycle speed and it's proven strong enough for 99.9% of my splits. I don't see many offerings for pumps between 16 and 22 gpm. seems like a big gap.
I reckon from all the reading I did the 8.5 hp at 16 gpm seemed like a good combo. And used on some quality name splitters.
But while I'm doing the work, I don't mind a little extra cost for even better results. Appreciate the comments!

 

[triptester]

Google ,baum hydraulics calculator, it allows you to input all the combinations of pumps and cylinders.
https://www.baumhydraulics.com/Home/Page/speccalculators

 

[rancher2]

Google up Surplus Center in Lincoln Nebraska. They have a calculator also and offer a lot of pumps, engines, brackets and love joy coupling. I have up graded a few splitters like yours and normally jump on up to a HF 13 HP 420 cc engine and a 22 GPM two stage pump. It gives you some nice cycle times and normally you don't need to increase you hyd oil cap. My go to splitter I use is a homemade with a four inch cylinder and a BS V twin and a 28 GPM two stage pump. Very nice cycle times.

 

[sean donato]

Your biggest issue is going to be making extra heat and not having the ability to get rid of it in the hydraulic system. Much anything over 16gpm should have -12 hose minimum not the -8 that most smaller splitters come with. All these small hoses do is restricted flow and increase internal friction,(ie make heat.) plus you need to see if the valve and filter (if it has one) are rated for the extra flow. It not as simple as, oh I want bigger/faster with hydraulics.

 

[Persiman]

Your biggest issue is going to be making extra heat and not having the ability to get rid of it in the hydraulic system. Much anything over 16gpm should have -12 hose minimum not the -8 that most smaller splitters come with. All these small hoses do is restricted flow and increase internal friction,(ie make heat.) plus you need to see if the valve and filter (if it has one) are rated for the extra flow. It not as simple as, oh I want bigger/faster with hydraulics.

I went through the specs for all DHT splitters, and they use the same hoses / valve / filter assembly for all the units, 22 ton to 35 ton. There are different part numbers for the tank/axle frame, but that could just be the decals and welded engine mount. Attached a summary of the specs, but I also went through the parts listings for each model. So, yes, I understand that more flow will mean more heat, but I felt comfortable upgrading from 13 to 16 gpm because they use the same components up to 17.5 gpm. I have split some gnarly residential white oaks, and did just fine. Thus not interested in going bigger than the current 4" cyl. I will continue to work on lower resistance pipe fittings. I'll also watch for a 3/4" control valve on eBay. (I tend to do lots of research, figure out what components I want, then watch eBay or FBM for better prices)

So, yeah, generally, seemed like an easy upgrade to go from their smallest 6.5 hp / 13 gpm up to 8.5 hp / 16 gpm. I've figured out that the engine side of the pump mount will bolt on 5" centers, and I understand getting different inserts for the Lovejoy fitting. I'd like some specific recommendations (brands / part numbers / opinions) on the pump mount and pump. Having trouble finding detailed specs and want to be sure of reasonable quality. Seems to that some characteristics are standardized, and thus not called out (like the 5" mount pattern) and I don't know about those standards.

Google up Surplus Center in Lincoln Nebraska. They have a calculator also and offer a lot of pumps, engines, brackets and love joy coupling. I have up graded a few splitters like yours and normally jump on up to a HF 13 HP 420 cc engine and a 22 GPM two stage pump. It gives you some nice cycle times and normally you don't need to increase you hyd oil cap. My go to splitter I use is a homemade with a four inch cylinder and a BS V twin and a 28 GPM two stage pump. Very nice cycle times.

Thanks for the specific suggestions. It's a bigger jump than I originally anticipated, but I understand having equipment run relaxed rather than maxed. And it allows for future upsizing. I've seen SC mentioned in other forums and I'll check them out.