PTO Log Splitter Build

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I've had this project on the back burner, but now I have some time off work, so I'm getting a chance to work on it.  It's going to be a PTO powered log splitter.  The hydraulic cylinder, wedge, etc came as a kit from Northern Tool.  I got the beam from friend.The first thing is to weld the anchor block that holds the hydraulic cylinder at the end.I put down several passes with .035 ER70S-6 wire, probably more than was needed but that will take most of the force.The next step is to cut it down to length.  I don't have a torch or a plasma cutter, I actually tried to cut it with a jigsaw at first, but I didn't get very far.  I switched to the sawzall and it was still slow, but got it done.That's all I got done for tonight.  I'm hoping to get the 3 point hookup fabricated and welded on tomorrow.
Reply:Looks good, keep us posted.
Reply:Is this going to be a horizontal only, or a horizontal/vertical rig? My self, I would seriously be considering the latter of the two. More versatile and easier to deal with large diameter pieces without having to do as much lifting to get it on the splitter. CEP has a good design for one that he built, that is convertible to either configuration, made on a 3 point hitch for a tractor. Check out his build before you commit to just one design. I will see if I can find the link to his build for you to look at.Took a minute or two but here is a post with his build pictures in it.  http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...t=log+splitterMight be something you would be interested in before you get too far along with this build.Last edited by Bistineau; 12-27-2014 at 07:24 PM.
Reply:Here's some pictures of the one I built for my brother-n-law. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Bistineau - I like CEP's design, but I'm just going to make it vertical only to keep it simple.I got a little bit further on the build. In order for the two lower lift arms on the 3 point hitch to attach, I needed to have point where the hitch pin could go through.  I cut down the sides of some of the 3x3 3/16 tube I was using for the main attachment and drilled holes for the hitch pin to go through.  I still need to grind down and smooth it out, but it looks like it will work.Here it is mounted to the beam, this will carry the weight of the splitter when being moved by the tractor.
Reply:Ok then, vertical it is/will be. A better design (in my opinion) than a horizontal one. At least you won't have to be lifting each piece onto it to split it, like with a horizontal one. Does the tractor it will be used on have it's own hydraulic system or will you be making a reservoir for it like CEP did?
Reply:That is coming together nicely.
Reply:Design is always the deciding factor of efficiency practicality and cost. There is never enough help around when it comes to wood. A few years ago I contemplated horizontal vertical and even various colors before realizing the guy that made my splitter (me) had the plans upside down.I headed to the shop and with plasma cutter in hand corrected this huge misinterpretation. I mounted the splitter on the quick attach plate of the front end loader upside down. By sitting in a warm cab and lowering the splitter over the large blocks I was making wood at a furious rate. If it was not new years eve I would go to the shop and post pictures which I will do tomorrow. I think this would work equally as well on a skidsteer and I might even risk a stiff neck inverted 3pt hitch version as opposed to the sore back right side up. I find it much safer as those blocks that like to explode when splitting can only hit the ground as opposed to flying up in your face or hitting your shins
Reply:This is one of 4 I built in the late 70's early 80's. They were all built to be vertical 3 point hitch mount. Most ran from the tractor PTO but this one was run from a PTO driven pump. I changed this one from vertical to horizontal a few years ago because I finally realized I don't like working bent over or on my knees.(Yes that rules out at least one occupation). The hydraulic reservoir is vertical because it used to be mounted on the back of the beam. The beam is 8 x 8 H-beam and the cylinder is 5" bore with a 30" stroke. I like the shelf behind the operator position so the split wood doesn't fall on the ground but is easy to pick up at a convenient height.I put a gas driven hydraulic power pack on since my "spare" tractor is 100+ HP and it seemed silly to run 100 HP to drive a wood splitter when 6 would do.This is a little dolly I put on to move the splitter by hand without having to pick up the pole. It can be removed and attached to the tractor draw bar for longer moves.This is the most valuable hand tool for handling blocks I have come across. Buy 2, one for each hand.---Meltedmetal---Meltedmetal
Reply:A couple of addition points about my splitter. When it was 3 pt hitch vertical it was top heavy and would not sit stable enough to suit me, especially with kids around. So I found I had to chain it onto something or leave it attached to a tractor. As it now exists it can be tilted up to vertical if I so desire and locked in place with a 3rd link. However it is very heavy and I haven't devised a good way to tip it without risking a hernia yet. I am considering a hydraulic solution.---Meltedmetal
Reply:Those orange thingies are really great.  I've arthritis in my hands and is difficult to work with blocks, using the hook takes the strain.I need to get a 2nd one, not for me but when my son is here I don't want to sloe him down.John
Reply:Originally Posted by iffida20Those orange thingies are really great.  I've arthritis in my hands and is difficult to work with blocks, using the hook takes the strain.I need to get a 2nd one, not for me but when my son is here I don't want to sloe him down.John
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPHere's some pictures of the one I built for my brother-n-law.
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalCEP I am curious about the 4 circles on the base plate. What did you use to make them? And has your brother-n-law ever had any problem with the beam? We had someone here at around the same time I built mine putting big plate on the bottom like that and quite a few ended up with the beam looking like a cork screw.(Lotta sawyers don't cut straight). That's why we went with a smaller plate and a heavier beam. We did have issues with the blocks sometimes skidding on the smaller plate but I ended up silver soldering a single pointed stud to one of the bolt heads that holds the second plate on and that seems to have solved the problem.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPUsed the Ellis saw to cut some pipe about 1/2” to 3/4" long. My sister, and brother-n-law have 20-acres of nothing but scrub oak. They live about 45-minutes east of Stockton California in the foot hills of the Sierra mountains. So far everything is working great.
Reply:Ok, Been slower than I hoped but finished most of the welding today.Used a piece of 1/2 inch 16x16 plate for the base, I stiffened it up with 4 pieces of 1x3 channel.  It was a scrap base plate so it has some holes, I filled in some of them but sisn't want to spend the time to fill in the others now.With the ram attached the weight balance is good, since the 3 point attachment arms are pretty heavy.  I plan on mounting the hydraulic tank on top of the lower 3 point attachment arm.
Reply:Nice.I love seeing other's log splitters. I can't wait to finish mine.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Well it took a while, but I'm finally done, here is me splitting a couple of test logs